What is Dental Assistants Recognition Week?
Started by the American Dental Assistant’s Association, this celebration that is held during the first week of March honors dental assistants and other support staff who provide care for patients.
This year’s theme, “Dental Assistants – Our Heart Goes into Every Smile,” acknowledges the growing importance of dentistry’s role in health care and the broad spectrum of responsibilities of dental assistants and support staff.
At Virginia Family Dentistry, our locations across Richmond celebrated by showering these employees with flowers, gifts and socially distanced outdoor lunches.
Thank You to Our Great Dental Assistants!
What do dental assistants do?
These staff members make your patient experience smooth and pleasant from the moment they greet you and until you schedule your next appointment. They keep patients and staff safe by preparing the operatory with a sterile environment and instruments. They help dentists perform procedures by providing them with the proper instruments, rinsing & suction, and recording patient information. Some of these employees are x-ray certified and can also take impressions of the mouth if needed.
Who makes a great dental assistant?
Our dental assistants have an intrinsic desire to take care of others. They are compassionate and good listeners. They possess the ability to multi-task, are organized, and good at problem solving. They are independently motivated, but also value the importance of teamwork and are able to take direction from a dentist or other staff members. They are able to stay on schedule in a busy work environment.