The argument that PTs are untrained is inaccurate and inflammatory.  PTs now must graduate with a Doctorate degree (a higher level degree than acupuncturists) with extensive training in anatomy, physiology, emergeny care, biomechanics.  PTs are already allowed to perform invasive procedures using a needle with EMG and NCV studies.  We then must have extensive additional training to be able to perform dry needling.  The idea of a PT taking a weekend course and then being able to dry needle ignores their extensive background education and thier existing abilities to evaluate, diagnose, and treat a patient. 

There is extensive evidence that Dry Needling is a safe, evidence based, and effective treatment.  To my knowledge there are no reported cases of morbidity or mortality from dry needling performed by a Physical Therapist.

The big issue here is that the evaluation and treatment used by a physical therapist is distinct from acupuncture.  Losing this unique ability would reduce the effectiveness of treatment in the allopathic and physical medicine communities.  Trigger point dry needling is specifically the use of a filliform needle to treat mechanical dysfunction and myofasical trigger points.  This is distinct in technique from acupuncture in definition, evaulation, and method.  The only similarity is the use of the tool.  As we all know a judge and a carpener both use a hammer (or gavel) but for distinctly different purposes.

For the sake of the patients treated by the medical community, in both cost and treatment efficacy, support PTs utilizing Dry Needling