March 1-7 is Dental Assistants Recognition Week

“One Team, One Goal: Improving Dental Health.”

It continues to be the theme for Dental Assistants Recognition Week, set for March 1-7.

Dental assistants will celebrate their contributions to the profession through educational and charity events and team-rewarding activities. Dentists find a variety of perks to show respect for dental assistants’ diverse contributions to the dental profession and the public.

“Unfortunately, except when we find ourselves short-handed, we rarely appreciate how difficult it is to deliver quality dental care efficiently without the help of capable assistants,” said Dr. Frank Graham, chair of the Council on Dental Practice. “Dental Assistants Recognition Week gives us a chance to set aside the time to show our appreciation for the contribution dental assistants make to our dental team both in direct patient care and in the role they play in interacting and communicating with patients.”

Dental assistants consistently report that appreciation for staff efforts is key to professional satisfaction. According to surveys studied by the ADA Council on Dental Practice, assistants want to feel appreciated and they want opportunities for professional development.

“Dental assistants play a special role in putting patients at ease during a dental visit,” said retired Army Sergeant Stephen A. Spadaro, ADAA president. The first male president of the ADAA in its 84-year history, Mr. Spadaro managed the fleet of dental assistants for the U.S. Army Dental Command for more than 30 years. “Dental assistants want their skills to be acknowledged and they want opportunities to learn more skills,” he said.

Jointly recognized by the American Dental Assistants Association, the American Dental Association, the Canadian Dental Assistants Association and the Canadian Dental Association, DARW is the week to honor dental assistants. 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 ADA.org or e-mail dentalpractice@ada.org.

The ADA also offers a downloadable certificate that can be personalized, printed and framed for display, as well as a complete selection of personalized products at www.adacatalog.org.

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