I am a practicing full-time general dentist trying to improve dentistry's ability to provide adequate re-care to our patients. Drawing from my personal experience and conversations with colleagues, the ability to adequately hire dental hygienists has become an acute problem in our field. I believe that with adequate training EFDA's could help alleviate some of this burden.

As of now this issue has never been addressed in any official way. Specifically, code 33.205a doesnot mention scaling or the use of curettes by EFDAs. The PA State Board of Dentistry's current response to this issue is as follows:

"Neither the Board, nor its staff or counsel, are permitted to provide legal advice or advisory opinions, including interpretations of the law or regulations, or any indication as to how the Board would vote on any given case or scenario.You are invited to contact a private attorney or professional organization for advice or guidance."

We, the undersigned, encourage the PA State Board of Dentistry to amend code 33.205a to specifically permit adequately trained EFDA's to perform supragingival scaling on our periodontally healthy patients. Join in resolving this issue that is affecting many dental professionals. Sign the petition to encourage the amending of PA. Code 33.205a. Let your thoughts be heard.

- Eric McDonough, D.M.D.

**This information is confidential. We only request it to ensure that only dentists licensed in the state of PA are signing. Please feel free to contact me if you experience any technical issues signing the petition. ericmcdonough@hotmail.com