Dental Assistants Recognition Week set for March 7-13

Appreciating the valuable contributions dental assistants make to the dental profession is what Dental Assistants Recognition Week is all about.

Each year, dentists take a week to honor dental assistants for their role on the dental team鈥攆rom their direct patient care to the role they play in interacting and communicating with patients.

This year’s DARW, “One Team, One Goal,” will be held March 7-13 in offices across two countries. The American Dental Assistants Association, the ADA, the Canadian Dental Assistants Association and the Canadian Dental Association jointly recognize the event.

“In this world of taking people for granted, my chairside dental assistants sometimes get near the top of the list. But then one of them gets sick, or even the knowing compliment of a patient leaving the chair reminds me of how their expert hands make our team look good every day,” said Dr. Jake DeSnyder, chair, ADA Council on Dental Practice. “I’m glad our profession sees fit to give them official recognition!”

Said ADAA President Angela Swatts, “DARW means recognizing dental assistants as a vital role in the dental team.

“As dental assistants, we appreciate the opportunity to be part of a team all working toward one common goal, the health and welfare of our patients. It feels good at the end of the day to know you have contributed in a positive way. It feels even better to be acknowledged for such efforts.”

The ADA urges dental assistants and offices to describe their activities and successes throughout the week for publication in The Dental Assistant, the ADAA journal.

For article entry forms, ready-to-use ad slicks for state publications and promotional kits, download copies from www.ada.org, www.dentalassistant.org or e-mail dentalpractice@ada.org. The dental practice resource section also offers a downloadable certificate that can be personalized, printed and framed for display, as well as a complete selection of personalized products.

Additionally, ADA CE Online offers courses for dental assistants and special pricing for dental team members. For more information, visit www.adaceonline.org.