DENTAL ASSISTANT RECOGNITION WEEK
In March, the first full week recognizes Dental Assistant Recognition Week (also known as DARW). Dental assistants are a key part of the dental practice year-round, but they get a special week dedicated to them.
A century ago when dentists first started using assistants, they were called “ladies in attendance.”
There are more than 300,000 Dental Assistants in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says more than 58,000 new openings for dental assistants are expected through 2024.
What do dental assistants do?
- Take and develop dental X-rays.
- Complete patient intake process. This includes asking about medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse.
- Sterilize instruments and equipment and standardize infection prevention through a developed protocol.
- Make patients comfortable before, during, and after dental treatments and surgery.
- Instruct patients in oral care following treatment and surgery.
- Take impressions of patients’ teeth.
- Apply topical anesthetic to gums.
- Serve as office manager.
HOW TO OBSERVE #DentalAssistantRecognitionWeek
- Give a shout-out to a dental assistant you know.
- Learn more about the profession.
- Share insight into the dental assistant’s day.
- Tag a dental office with outstanding dental assistants.
- Follow the dental assistant’s instructions and brush your teeth twice a day.
- Don’t forget to floss.
- Use #DARW and #DentalAssistantRecognitionWeek to share on social media
DENTAL ASSISTANT RECOGNITION WEEK HISTORY
American Dental Assistants Association founded Dental Assistant Recognition Week in 1977. Visit the ada.org website to learn more.
The American Dental Assistants Association was formed in 1923.
