Dental Assisting Professional Model Workgroup moves draft framework forward
The Dental Assisting Professional Model Workgroup gathered in Chicago on Oct. 25 to move forward on developing a recommended framework for dental assisting requirements for states to consider. The group has been meeting virtually each month since February. The group includes dental assistants, dentists, educators, dental hygienists, and regulators who were nominated by more than 10 leading dental organizations.
Dolores Cottrell, D.D.S., M.S.H.A., Executive Secretary of the New York State Board of Dentistry, is the co-chair of the group. “During our virtual meetings, we laid a good foundation for this work,” she said. “Coming together in person, the camaraderie was extraordinary. We had meaningful discussions and carefully considered many perspectives.”
Helen Sublette, CDA, COA, CDIPC, FADAA, B.S., is the co-chair of the group. She is a member and fellow in the American Dental Assistants Association and owner of Coastal Dental Professionals Consulting. She says the group’s work will uplift dental assistants.
“I’ve been inspired to see the group come together to make a difference for the dental assistant workforce,” Sublette said. “Dental assistants are essential to the practice and in providing patient care, yet there is no national agreement on the dental assistant scope of practice or levels for advancement. The framework this group is building will create pathways that will help attract and retain dental assistants to the profession, while also enhancing patient care and public protection.”
The workgroup was formed to address the shortage of qualified dental assistants by creating a framework that will:
Elevate the dental assisting profession and attract more candidates to the field
Provide a road map for career growth that can support recruitment and retention of dental assistants over the long term
Improve professional mobility of dental assistants from state to state
Increase practice efficiency and enhance access to care
Provide states with a straightforward framework for regulation that reflects the needs of dentistry
The framework will contain definitions of dental assisting levels, scope of duties, pathways for education and training, sample legislation and regulations, and guidance and resources for implementation.
The group will publish a draft of the framework in early 2025 and ask for feedback from the dental community.
About the Dental Assisting Professional Model Workgroup
The Dental Assisting Professional Model Workgroup was formed in early 2024 and is made up of 20 members, including dental assistants, dentists, educators, dental hygienists, and regulators. Members of the workgroup were nominated by these organizations:
American Association of Dental Administrators
American Association of Dental Boards
American Dental Assistants Association
American Dental Association
American Dental Education Association
American Dental Hygienists’ Association
Association of Dental Support Organizations
Dental Assisting National Board
Hispanic Dental Association
National Network for Oral Health Access
The DALE Foundation