The bottom line is quality and access to care.  I firmly believe a properly trained technician would be able to scale a perio type I or II patient and increase access to care. As it stands now, Hygienst cannot  diagnose, why force someone to train for something they cannot practice. Shorten the training time and increase the work force, especially in areas that are chronically experiencing a shortage. 

I do not buy the theory this will decrease quality of care. Ultimately, the quality of any dental practice is driven by the dentist.  If the Dentist does not allow tartar to remain after a prophylaxis now, he or she will not accept anything less with a technically trained provider.

Thank you for your time and consideration.