Clinical experience and extensive classroom education are necessary to provide patients with the HIGHEST standard of care. After education is complete student dental hygienists are tested further by taking the national boards. Dental hygienists are board certified! A dental assistant will have MINIMAL clinical experience in scaling, LACK board certification, and furthermore will LACK the education which provides the rationale for patient treatment. Without understanding the rationale themselves, dental assistants are UNABLE to educate patients adequately.