For years, dental assistants have worked on the frontlines of patient care—polishing teeth, taking radiographs, assisting with procedures, and helping practices run smoothly. But a recent move by the American Dental Association (ADA) could redefine our roles entirely: the ADA now supports allowing qualified dental assistants to perform scaling procedures.
This announcement, backed by new legislation and pilot programs in multiple states, is more than just policy talk. It’s the beginning of a career evolution for thousands of dental assistants across the country. If you're passionate about growing in your role, expanding your skills, and contributing to accessible oral care, keep reading—this could impact your future in a major way.
What’s Happening? ADA Endorses Dental Assistants Performing Scaling
In April 2025, the ADA endorsed a legislative model known as the Dental Access Model Act. This initiative supports the creation of a new mid-level provider role—called the Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA)—which would allow dental assistants to perform certain preventive services, including scaling and plaque removal, under the supervision of a dentist or dental hygienist.
The idea is simple: if dental assistants are trained and certified to perform these services safely, they can help fill critical care gaps in communities struggling with staffing shortages—especially in rural and underserved areas.
Arizona Becomes the First to Pass It Into Law
Arizona made history in April 2025 by passing Senate Bill 1124, officially creating the Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA) certification. Under this law, dental assistants in Arizona who complete state-approved training are allowed to:
- Remove plaque and stains using hand or ultrasonic scalers
- Work on patients with healthy gums or mild gingivitis
- Perform these duties under the direct supervision of a dentist or hygienist
This is a big deal. For the first time, dental assistants in Arizona can legally perform scaling—an opportunity that was previously out of reach.
The Requirements to Become an OPA in Arizona
To qualify for this new role, dental assistants must:
- Complete at least 120 hours of board-approved instruction
- Be certified in CPR, coronal polishing, and radiography
- Either hold national DANB certification or have graduated from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program
The training ensures assistants are fully prepared to provide safe, effective preventive care.
Why the ADA Is Pushing for This Change
So why is the ADA supporting this change now?
The dental industry is facing serious workforce shortages—especially among dental hygienists. Many practices are struggling to meet demand for preventive care, which directly impacts patient outcomes. By training and certifying dental assistants to take on additional duties, the ADA believes we can:
- Expand access to preventive care for more patients
- Support dental teams in busy or understaffed practices
- Create new career pathways for hardworking assistants
It’s part of a larger vision to strengthen the dental workforce and reduce the number of patients who go without basic preventive services.
Not Everyone Supports the Change: ADHA Voices Opposition
While many dental assistants are celebrating this advancement, not everyone agrees with the ADA's proposal. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has come out strongly against it, citing concerns over:
- Patient safety
- The complexity of scaling procedures
- The need for more extensive training and clinical experience
The ADHA argues that scaling is a core skill of hygienists, who spend years mastering it through in-depth coursework and clinical rotations. They worry that fast-tracked training programs for assistants could compromise care quality.
This opposition has sparked debate within the dental field—and may slow adoption in some states.
What Other States Are Doing
Arizona may be the first to pass official legislation, but they’re not alone. Several states are exploring similar changes:
- Kansas and Illinois allow dental assistants to perform limited scaling tasks, particularly for pediatric Medicaid patients.
- Missouri launched a pilot program in 2024 to test the impact of OPAs in real-world clinical settings.
- Other states, like Texas and Georgia, are reportedly considering similar legislation in 2025.
This is not a one-off event. It’s a national movement, and more opportunities may be coming your way soon.
What This Means for Your Career
If you're a dental assistant, this is your moment. Whether or not you live in Arizona, it's time to start thinking about how you want to grow in your role.
Here’s how scaling privileges can benefit you:
- Career advancement: You’ll be able to take on new, higher-level responsibilities.
- Increased earning potential: With more duties comes the possibility of better compensation.
- More job opportunities: Practices in need of preventive care support may start looking specifically for certified OPAs.
- Greater impact: You’ll help more patients stay healthy by expanding access to preventive care.
What You Can Do Next
Whether your state has passed legislation or not, here are a few smart moves to prepare for what’s ahead:
1. Stay Informed
Follow updates from your state dental board, the ADA, and professional networks like Dental Assistants ROCK or the Dental Assistants Network. Changes may be coming faster than you think.
2. Start Building Your Skills
Even before laws pass in your state, you can begin building a strong foundation in:
- Infection control
- Coronal polishing
- Radiography
- Continuing education in preventive care
These credentials may be required in future training programs.
3. Talk to Your Employer
Bring the topic up at your next team meeting. Ask your dentist if they’re aware of the changes happening in other states and whether they’d support your professional development if similar laws pass in your area.
4. Join the Movement
Be part of the national conversation. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and support fellow dental assistants as we navigate this exciting shift together.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Dental Assistants
The ADA’s support for scaling privileges represents a major shift in how the dental field values and utilizes dental assistants. For too long, assistants have been under-recognized despite being the backbone of the operatory.
Now, with proper training and certification, we’re being invited to play a bigger role in patient care—and that’s something to celebrate.
Change takes time, and there will be debate. But if this movement continues, the future of dental assisting is looking brighter, more respected, and more rewarding than ever before.
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