It’s Dental Assistant Recognition Week in the US.
The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) – supported by the American Dental Association (ADA) – designates a week every March as a time to ‘acknowledge and recognise the versatile, multi-talented member of your dental team – your dental assistant’.
The Dental Assisting National Board cite a study by the ADA Council on Dental Practice as a good reason for acknowledging the contribution made by dental assistants.
The study suggests dental auxiliaries consistently report that appreciation for staff efforts is key to professional satisfaction.
‘Employees want feedback, they want to feel appreciated, and they want opportunities for professional development,’ it concludes.
The Dental Aggregate website – a dental blog for the industry – asks: ‘What will you do to acknowledge and recognise the dental assistants in your office?
‘Do you make special note of the holiday, and express sincere appreciation for the good work she or he provides for your office and patients?’
It continues: ‘Many dental offices and staff members celebrate Boss’ Day so it’s reasonable to think that dentists can and should acknowledge the hard-working assistants and front desk staff each year as well.
‘Without their efforts to help in providing excellent dental care for your patients, as well as working together as a team to assist you in reaching goals set for the practice, where would you be?’
The blog suggests a note, a card, flowers – or even taking them out for lunch.
Watch this space in case the UK follows suit soon!
