Annually celebrated during the first week of March, Dental Assistants Recognition Week aims to honor dental assistants’ diligence, training, and significance to dental teams. Registered Dental Assistants (RDA) are responsible for various tasks, including patient communication, dental procedure preparation, equipment sterilization, and more.
When is Dental Assistants Recognition Week?
This year, Dental Assistants Recognition Week take place March 2-March 8, 2025. This week is celebrated annually during the first week of March.
How Do You Celebrate Dental Assistants Recognition Week?
Dentists and dental teams can honor RDAs with praise and recognition of their vital contributions to dental teams. Our promo kit is a step-by-step guide designed to make your celebrations a success with timelines, event ideas, and interactive games and contests. Use our free social media signs for inspiration to share across your networks.
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
Dental assistant duties include sterilizing instruments, assisting dentists during procedures, maintaining patient records, interacting with patients, and more.
- Patient Care: Face-to-face interaction with patients, including greeting and recording medical records.
- Equipment Prep: Ensures sterilized equipment and prepares procedure area.
- Dental Assisting: Helps dentists during procedures and administers instruments.
- Dental Tools: Uses saliva suction tools during dental procedures
- Lab Tasks: Preps patients and performs X-rays and other laboratory tasks.
- Education: Informs patients on proper oral hygiene and techniques
- Billing & Scheduling: Schedules patient appointments and processes payments.
How to Become a Dental Assistant
To become a dental assistant, one must first choose a dental assisting program, such as laboratories, classrooms, or pre-clinical instruction. Most of these programs can be completed within one year. Employers may require additional credentials, including experience in the dental field through clinics and dental schools.
Getting Certified as a Dental Assistant
States may require dental assistants to have a license or certification by passing examinations and participating in continuing education. AMT offers valuable RDA credentials that can help dental assistants earn a higher salary and demonstrate their expertise in the field. To earn certification, certain criteria must be met, including passing the official Registered Dental Assistant certification exam. This certification is designed for those finishing their dental education or already working in the dental field.
Dental Assisting Radiography Certification
Dental imaging continues to progress, and there is a growing need for dental assistants who can assist with dental radiography procedures, including X-rays, 3D imaging, and more. Proficiency in dental radiology is a valuable skill, and you can expand your knowledge with our Dental Assisting Radiography (DAR) certification. Certification may be required in some states, and this credential can help you advance your career.
Continuing Education for Dental Assistants
Continuing education credits (CE) are required to maintain certification and allow RDAs to stay current on dental care trends, techniques, and protocols. Our library of dental CE courses is growing and makes it easy to meet certification requirements.
Dental Assistants Recognition
This week is a time to acknowledge the dental assistants in your network and their role in ensuring smooth operations in dental practices. Their contributions help patients receive exceptional care through diligence, professionalism, and daily commitment. Extend a heartfelt “thank you” to your dental assistants today.