March is not only a month to celebrate the arrival of spring but also a time to acknowledge and honor the invaluable contributions of dental assistants. From March 3-9, 2024, we observe Dental Assistants’ Recognition Week™, a special occasion designated by the American Dental Assistants Association to pay tribute to these essential members of our dental teams.
Dental Assistants Recognition Week, also known as DARW, serves as an opportunity for dentists across the United States and Canada to express gratitude for the dedication and versatility of dental assistants. This year, the theme "100 Years Supporting Oral Health" highlights a century of dentistry's role in healthcare and the significant contributions made by dental assistants.
To help dental practices nationwide celebrate this important week, the American Dental Assistants Association has developed a comprehensive toolkit. This resource equips practices with various materials, including advertisements, press releases, and social media content, to promote and honor their dental assistant teams.
The role of dental assistants continues to evolve, encompassing a wide range of responsibilities such as chairside assistance, X-ray imaging, administrative tasks, education, and community outreach. Whether in the dental office or beyond, these dedicated professionals are vital in promoting oral health and overall well-being.
At Delta Dental, we recognize the importance of supporting dental assistants and fostering the growth of the dental workforce. Through the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation, we allocate $1 million annually to support organizations in New Jersey and Connecticut that provide dental care and education to underserved populations.
Some of the dental assisting initiatives supported by our Foundation include:
- Through Bloomfield Health Careers Foundation—the Rutgers Dental School Internship/Shadowing Program, which introduces high school students to dental careers, specifically dental assisting.
- Student scholarships at Brookdale Community College to encourage more individuals to pursue careers in dentistry, specifically dental assisting and dental radiology.
- Support for the Dental Academy program at Central High School in Newark, preparing students for entry-level positions in the dental assisting field.
- Fund KinderSmile Foundation to promote workforce development in Trenton through their Intro to Dental Assisting Program.
- Fund Middlesex County College to support re-establishing its dental assisting program to address workforce shortages.
- Funding for Zufall Health's Dental Assistant Training Expansion Program to provide job opportunities for individuals from underserved communities and local high schools for in-demand dental assisting jobs.
SMILE Workforce Grants: Remembering Dr. Gene F. Napoliello, DDS
In honor of Dr. Gene F. Napoliello, former Chairman of our Foundation, we are launching SMILE Workforce Grants in 2024. These grants will focus on establishing or expanding dental assisting programs and promoting dental careers among middle and high schoolers, continuing Dr. Gene's legacy of supporting dental education and access to care.
Dr. Napoliello, or Dr. Gene as he was affectionately known, was the Chairman of our Foundation for more than 25 years. Sadly, we lost Dr. Gene in 2022. Dr. Gene was passionate about dental education, engaging with youth about dental careers, and giving back to his communities. As Chairman of our Foundation, Dr. Gene worked tirelessly to increase access to dental care for all, as well as expand the dental workforce through educating youth on dental careers.
Our Foundation will be putting a call out for applications this month. Be sure to check our Foundation website for grant cycle details.
For anyone interested in learning more about the SMILE Workforce Grants, don't hesitate to get in touch with Kim Elmore atkelmore@deltadentalnj.com.
As we celebrate Dental Assistants' Recognition Week, let us express our gratitude to dental assistants for their unwavering commitment to oral health and their invaluable contributions to dental care all year long.
