Who Really Benefits From 120-Hour Dental Assistant Training? A Closer Look at the Risks
At Pine Ridge Dental, we believe everyone deserves safe, effective, and respectful dental care. But a recent policy initiative has us—and many in the dental community—deeply concerned.
The proposal would allow oral preventive dental assistants to perform dental scaling on healthy patients after just 120 hours of training. For comparison, registered dental hygienists undergo over 2,900 hours of collegiate education, hands-on clinical training, and must pass national and clinical board exams to provide this same care.
So what’s the reasoning behind this shortcut? And who really benefits?
The Intention Might Be Good—But the Execution Isn’t
On the surface, this may seem like a well-meaning effort to increase access to care in underserved communities. But when you look deeper, this plan doesn’t solve the root issue: funding.
The state of Minnesota, like many others, has failed to reimburse Medicaid (MA) dental care at rates that even cover the cost of doing business. That leaves dental practices with an impossible choice:
- Lose money treating MA patients,
- Or compromise care with rushed appointments, overcoding, or volume-driven models.
That’s not ethical care—and it’s not what we stand for.
Training Matters—Because Diagnosis and Prevention Matter
Dental scaling isn’t just scraping plaque. It requires careful assessment of the gums and teeth, recognition of pathology, and clinical judgment. A hygienist is trained to:
- Detect signs of periodontal disease
- Identify oral cancers and systemic conditions
- Choose the right tools and techniques for each case
- Provide personalized, safe treatment based on the patient’s full health history
That depth of expertise can’t be squeezed into a few weeks of training.
Who’s Really Behind This Push?
Let’s be honest: dentists aren’t the ones asking for this change. Many of these policies are being shaped by:
- Large corporate DSOs (dental support organizations), often owned by investors—not dentists
- Insurance companies, looking to reduce provider costs
- State programs, trying to stretch tight budgets
None of these entities are directly responsible for what happens in the treatment chair—but patients and ethical providers are.
The Real Fix? Fair Reimbursement, Not Shortcuts
If the goal is to increase access to quality dental care, here’s the solution: Pay providers fairly for the care they deliver.
When dentists are reimbursed at sustainable rates:
- More providers accept MA and Medicaid patients
- Care isn’t rushed or “cut to fit”
- Training standards remain high
- Patients benefit from real prevention—not just fast procedures
Our Commitment at Pine Ridge Dental
We believe in access without compromise. Every patient deserves to be treated with dignity, skill, and enough time to do things right.
We welcome innovation—but not at the cost of safety, quality, or professional integrity.
Let’s Talk About It
If you have questions or want to share your thoughts, we’re always open to conversation. Contact us or call (your phone number) to speak with our team at Pine Ridge Dental.