I do not support scaling from an assistant.  The reason is:  As assistants they are limited to supragingival calculus, and many times there needs to be exploration in order to remove subgingival plaque accumulation.  This is seen in many patients that may only have supragingival calculus. If the subgingival plaque is left uninterupted, tissue damage may result leaving the patient with gingivitis.  This will then be noted the next time they arrive at the office, which could be avoided in the first visit. 

I graduated in May of 2008, and was an assistant for many years prior to going in to the hygiene program.  I find it very unfortunate that I have spent lots of money as a single mother to further my education, only to be replaced by a person who will have limited education.  

I worry about the ethics involved here.  The fact is that gingivitis is an infection that needs to be treated with proper education and proper subgingival plaque removal.  Is the dentist going to use an explorer on every patient and make positively sure that these patients are subgingival calculus free?   Please think about the consequences to the patients that are at risk here.  Thankyou.