PDS Health™, a leading integrated healthcare support organization, is proudly joining the American Dental Assistants Association in celebrating Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW), from March 2 to 8, 2025. This annual celebration acknowledges the dedication, expertise, and essential contributions of dental assistants in providing high-quality patient care and ensuring the smooth operation of dental practices. PDS Health reaffirms its commitment to advancing the profession by investing in education, career development, and leadership training to support the growth of dental assistants nationwide.
Celebrating the Essential Role of Dental Assistants
Dental assistants are integral members of the dental team. These skilled allied health professionals assist in complex procedures, manage infection control, and ensure efficient clinical operations. Their professionalism and commitment to excellence make a lasting impact on both patients and clinicians, contributing to the success of dental practices.
“During Dental Assistants Recognition Week, we celebrate the essential role dental assistants play in patient care,” said Stephen E. Thorne IV, Founder and CEO of PDS Health. “Dental assisting is a highly skilled profession, comparable to medical assistants and other allied health professionals, in their level of patient interaction and clinical expertise. DARW is an opportunity to raise the visibility and status of the profession while recognizing the dedication and impact of dental assistants nationwide. It’s time for the industry to champion their growth, expand career pathways, and secure a future where dental assistants are valued at the highest level.”
Advancing Career Pathways for Dental Assistants
PDS Health is committed to creating meaningful pathways for career advancement and professional growth for dental assistants. This year, the organization is investing $2.5 million in increased compensation and continues to expand its team of over 6,000 dental assistants, reflecting the growing demand for these highly skilled professionals.
Through PDS Health University™, dental assistants and other team members have access to industry-leading training and professional development. In 2024, over 30,000 continuing education hours were awarded to dental assistants, ensuring they have the resources to refine their skills and progress in their careers.
Empowering Leadership and Growth
PDS Health’s Lead Dental Assistant development program provides structured growth opportunities for those advancing into leadership roles. Hundreds of dental assistants will participate in the organization’s biannual “Lead DA Charge” event, where they will gain valuable skills and training to mentor others and take on greater responsibilities within their practices and the allied health field.
Education remains a cornerstone of PDS Health’s commitment to the profession. Through the PDS Health College Advancement Program, eligible team members, including dental assistants, can receive 100% tuition coverage for undergraduate degrees while maintaining full-time employment. This year, PDS Health is donating $40,000 to various dental assistant programs across the country, demonstrating its dedication to shaping the future of the profession and supporting the next generation of dental assistants.
Additionally, PDS Health supports the PDS Foundation’s Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship, which provides tuition assistance, mentorship, and hands-on training to aspiring dental assistants.
Celebrating Year-Round Commitment
While Dental Assistants Recognition Week is a special time to honor the contributions of dental assistants, at PDS Health, this commitment extends beyond a single week. The organization continually works alongside dental assistants to support their evolving role in healthcare and ensure a bright future for the profession.
As part of DARW, practices across the country will host special events to recognize their dental assistants. PDS Health remains dedicated to elevating the profession through ongoing initiatives that provide dental assistants with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive.
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