Legislation in the state of Arizona was passed (AZ Senate Bill 1124) and signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs effectively allowing dental assistants (after completing a training program) to perform subgingival scaling and polishing with a dentist or hygienist's supervision. They would be called OPA's...Oral Preventive Assistants.
This may be a game changer for the dentist as far as expense, as a dental assistant typically earns far less money than a hygienist. Hygienists go to school for this, though, so what is this new law going to cost them? Additionally, and most importantly, what, if any, will the risk be for the patient?
Some dentists may opt in for this change but some may not. Check with your dentist to see where he/she stands on the issue.
Just some food for thought.
Keep Smiling!!
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