Dental Assistants Recognition Week is underway

Every year, we take a week in March -- Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW) -- to celebrate the dental assistant. Dental assistants show up for their practice and patients every day to ensure patients have the safest dental visit possible.

The 2020 DARW is March 1-7. It's a great time to remember that dental assistants take on important responsibilities in the dental practice, including infection control. What patients and even some members of the dental team don't always realize is the amount of training, attention to detail, and sheer dedication it takes to be a successful dental assistant. It's time to fix this!

Organizations are working together this month to let dental assistants know how much they are valued. Here on DrBicuspid.com, the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA), Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), Dental Auxiliary Learning and Education Foundation (DALE Foundation), and IgniteDA will publish articles featuring important topics related to dental assisting.

How you can recognize a special dental assistant

In addition to bringing these important dental assisting topics to light, ProEdge Dental Water Labs will recognize the skills and care shown by dental assistants. Is there a dental assistant you know who deserves to be recognized for his or her commitment to patient-centered care or continually going above and beyond in their work?

ProEdge Dental Water Labs is taking nominations through March 31 to recognize and celebrate amazing dental assistants for their dedication to infection control, taking great care of patients, and always being a team player.

Two grand prize winners will receive a $150 Visa gift card, a ProEdge Amazing Dental Assistant Award, and a 12-ounce ProEdge Miir Tumbler; and 10 runner-up winners will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card and a 12-ounce ProEdge Miir Tumbler.

Jen Hawley Price is Chief Engagement and Development Officer at Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and the DALE Foundation. In her current role, she oversees DALE Foundation educational products and supports DANB and DALE Foundation in strategic initiatives, including collaborative work with key partners in the dental industry.