I am not sure why this is being considered by so many dentists as a good option for their practice and patients.  I have yet to come across a dental assistant that actually went to school or had some type of formal training.  They have all had "on the job training" as we see many dental assistant job postings say "Will train the right person".  So I would assume that the same thing would happen with these new "expanded duties".  The dentists will "train" them on scaling "light" patients and we just go downhill from here.  As a hygienist I take great pride in my schooling and my continuing education courses over the years.  Our patients are the ones that will benefit from my knowledge and dedication to providing them the best and most current standard of care.