For many people, a trip to the dentist can be stressful and anxiety producing. A dental assistant who can ease the nerves and calm the fears of a patient is invaluable. The 37th annual Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW) begins on March 2 and is a great opportunity to thank the dental assistants in your office for all they do. From seating and preparing the patient, assisting the doctor during patient treatment, preparing and delivering dental materials, performing X-rays and basic lab procedures, and providing postoperative patient instructions, the dental assistant is like the right-hand man or woman for the doctor.
This year’s DARW theme is “embracing the changes of the profession” and it addresses another important asset that dental assistants need: the ability to embrace change. Enhancements in technology, new developments in dentistry and the need for exceptional patient care are changes that are vital for a dental assistant to embrace. Despite all these changes, one thing will always stay the same – the importance of putting the patient first.
This week, let’s applaud all of the right-hand men and women who make patients feel welcome and put the needs of others first on a daily basis.