As a Registered Dental Hygienist, I strongly urge the Virginia Board of Dentistry to remember why we became dental professionals.  The patients oral health must come first.  Scaling duties for the DAII will most likely be utilized as a convenience device for patient flow.  I do understand the demand for Dental Hygiene is greater in rural areas, however, rather than administer inadequate treatment by an undereducated DAII, improve programs and benefits to encourage Dental Hygienist to relocate to the more rural communities. Hygienist are properly educated to recognize the need for carefull, thorough sub gingival treatment and management of soft tissue, and to educate patients to appreciate the importance of oral health as it relates to their overall health. 

I recommend all dental professionals to oppose any measures that would allow scaling by a DAII.