Dr. Karen E. Felsted responds

Dental hygienists average about $65,000 a year so it can be done in small medical practices. However, our business models would have to change dramatically for the average technician to make that much.

The vast majority of practices don't utilize technicians enough to justify that kind of salary. It's not that technicians inherently aren't worth it but that most practices don't know how to use them that well.

It would be wonderful to see it happen though. Our business models need this kind of change.

Dr. Karen E. Felsted, CPA, MS, CVPM

CEO, National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues