It is understandable that many people are concerned about allowing dental assistants to perform functions that have been the responsibility of dentists and dental hygienists.  Yet a number of states allow for expanded-duties dental assistants.  Even so, the concern for the well-being of the patient still exists.

Certain reversible procedures can easily be performed by dental assistants: placement of retraction cord, taking impressions, and polishing restorations, to name a few.  Removing supra-gingival tartar in children should be one of them.  Removing supragingivial and subgingival tartar in adults should not.  These procedures are best left to a skilled dental hygienist or dentist.