Scaling should not be part of the expanded duties of the Dental Assistance II. 

I read the comments from the rural dentist who seem to think  his lack of a hygienist was enough reason to allow an assistant to do scaling.  Unless, lack of dentist in rural areas is a reason to allow someone other than a dentist to preform dentistry, I don't follow this logic.  Please increase the number of dentist and hygienist in our colleges and universities.  I do encourage the continuing education of all dental personal to serve the public better.

I have been a dental hygienist for 38 years.  I feel preventive dentristy has been successfully promoted by my profession by doing "complete" scalings and by the education of each patient about how to improve their dental health.   

Please consider only the many suggested expanded duties that relate directly to working with the dentist.