Dental Assistants Recognition Week set for March 1-7

The ADA Council on Dental Practice is encouraging dentists to acknowledge the dedication and contributions of their dental assistants during Dental Assistants Recognition Week, March 1-7.

This year's theme is "A 20/20 Dental Assistant: Looking Toward the Future." The American Dental Assistants Association chose the theme because it acknowledges the growing importance of dentistry's role in health care and the responsibilities of dental assistants, according to the association’s website.

"Dental assistants are crucial to the success of the dental practice and it's exciting that careers in dental assisting continue to diversify and expand," said Dr. Rudy Liddell, chair of the ADA Council on Dental Practice. "Dental assistants do more than work alongside the dentist in the operatory. They also take X–rays, schedule patients, sterilize instruments, order supplies, manage the day-to-day business of the office, provide patient instruction, contact benefits administrators and sales representatives — to name just a few of the tasks in their job description. The committed dental assistants in my own practice allow me to serve my patients with the highest quality of care and customer service."

Dr. Liddell

Dentists often show their thanks for their dental assistants' contributions to the practice and the public by providing perks such as luncheons, flowers or treats. Many dental assistants observe the week by participating in educational and charity events and other team activities.

The ADA, American Dental Assistants Association, Canadian Dental Assistants Association and Canadian Dental Association jointly recognize the observance.

For more information on the American Dental Assistants Association, visit dentalassistant.org.