Rhonda M. Peterson, CDA
Andrews, NC
"One of my most proud moments in the 14 years of dentistry was becoming a CDA.  I was the first CDA in western North Carolina.  I consider it to be an honor to have a job that I not only love but also a wonderful and professional career.  It makes me proud to say I am a CDA and my advice to other dental assistants would be to become certified.  It not only supports you better financially, it also is rewarding when your patients know that you took that "extra step" in learning more about the profession that you are in."

Lois Smith, CDA
Colonial Heights, VA
37 Years
"My proudest achievement as a dental assistant was becoming the first CDA in my home town.  I have been in the dental profession since 1957.  I love it."

Katheryn Goller, CDA Emeritus, RDH, BS
"Today more than ever they are concerned about credentials, and I have noticed that if they don't see them, they will ask about them."

Ellen DiGiacomo, CDA
Littleton, MA
29 Years
"Currently I am a Director of Dental Assisting at Minuteman Technical Adult Career Center in Lexington, MA.  The dental assisting profession has remained a service-oriented position that is dedicated to betterment of oral health.  Its wonderful networking environment has remained constant over many years.  The DANB credential enhances my image by establishing credibility.  It alerts people to the level of competency and knowledge one possesses."

Susan Maio Bauman, CDA, EFDA
"Patients think I should become a dentist.  They trust me completely."

Ellen Dietz, CDA
Mesa, AZ
27 Years
"Currently I am self-employed.  I will be publishing my sixth book on dental assisting.  My advice to new dental assistants is to get all the continuing education courses you need to stay certified and current.  Be proud of who you are and what you do."