You deserve recognition — here’s what DANB is doing
This article is contributed by DANB Board Chair Kim Plate, CDA, CPFDA, CRFDA, B.S.
As a dental assistant and educator, I’ve had the privilege of seeing our profession grow and evolve in incredible ways. What continues to inspire me is the passion and professionalism that dental assistants bring to their teams, day in and day out. We play a vital role in supporting dentists, hygienists, and office managers. We stay two steps ahead of the doctor during procedures, while offering comfort and reassurance to patients. We are the infection control experts of the dental practice. Dental assistants truly do it all!
Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW), which takes place March 2-8, is the perfect opportunity to honor the invaluable contributions of dental assistants — not just this week, but throughout the entire year. As we enter the third year of DANB and the DALE Foundation’s ambitious strategic plan, we have a lot to celebrate.
We already know dental assistants are the backbone of the dental team, and with the help of robust research, we now have concrete data to show the value they bring. Here are a few ways this research provides measurable insights that will elevate our profession for years to come.
The financial impact of dental assistants on the dental practice
In 2024, DANB released new research demonstrating the financial impact of dental assistants on dental practice productivity and the high cost of dental assistant turnover — which could add up to more than $100,000 per year. The research reveals that dental assistants bring tangible financial value to dental practices and clinics, and 94% of respondents state that dental assistants help improve patient retention. The data also shows that increasing dental assistant pay can ultimately increase dental practice profitability.
DANB shared this report with employers and dental organizations to demonstrate the benefits of raising wages as a retention strategy. Increasing dental assistant pay by 15% can improve retention while offsetting turnover costs and potential revenue loss.
Certification leads to dental assisting success
The results of DANB’s 2024 Dental Assistants Salary and Satisfaction Survey are a guide for dental assistants as they navigate their careers, as well as for dentists and employers who want to understand best practices to attract and retain qualified dental assistants.
According to the report, certification leads to dental assisting success — Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) are more likely to be lead dental assistants and are more likely to train and supervise other dental assistants. CDAs are also more likely to earn higher wages and have higher job satisfaction.
This report helps dental assistants determine their earning potential based on factors such as certification, years of experience, location, and more. It also gives employers information to support dental assistants through pay, career growth, and overall job satisfaction.
The vital role of dental assistants
DANB elevated the role of dental assistants through the Job Analysis Report, which found that dental assistants perform over 200 essential duties that are crucial for delivering effective dental care. The results of the job analysis provide important insights on the value of dental assistants, and considerations for dental offices to attract and retain these professionals.
Beyond their core duties of infection prevention and control, acquiring dental images, and chairside and office duties, dental assistants perform and assist with a variety of other functions, including restorative, impressions, preventive, and more. The wide range of tasks dental assistants perform illustrates the variety this rewarding career path offers.
Setting the bar for dental practices
Last year, we launched the Great Practice for Dental Assistants to Work award, which celebrates outstanding dental practices and clinics that provide supportive and fulfilling environments for dental assistants.
The nine winning practices all prioritized dental assistants and the dental team by encouraging positive work/life balance, fostering team camaraderie, providing opportunities for dental assistant career growth and development, and offering wages in line with or above other practices in the area. We hope this award will provide best practices and inspiration for other dental offices.
Recognizing dental assistants today and always
As you celebrate DARW, remember to check DANB’s social media channels throughout the week for exciting giveaways and opportunities to highlight your unique skills as a dental assistant. The DANB Board of Directors and the DALE Foundation Board of Trustees are proud to champion you and the profession — thank you for all you do!
About the Author
Kim Plate, CDA, CPFDA, CRFDA, B.S., is the Chair of DANB’s Board of Directors. She is the Director of the dental assisting program at Elgin Community College in Elgin, Illinois, and works chairside as a dental assistant.