Meet DANB Chair Barbara Mousel
Tell us about your dental background.
My career began as a trained-on-the-job dental assistant at the front desk. I attended City Colleges of Chicago for my associate of arts degree and earned DANB’s Certified Dental Assistant certification, which I have proudly held since 1975.
A few years later, I completed a dental hygiene program and became a Registered Dental Hygienist. During a meeting with a counselor about completing my bachelor’s degree, I inquired about dental school and was told I would never make the transition from employee to employer. With that gauntlet thrown down, I obtained my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Loyola University Chicago.
I have enjoyed giving back to the dental profession through several professional affiliations, including the Academy of General Dentistry, International College of Dentists, Academy of Dentistry International, American College of Dentists, and Pierre Fauchard Academy. I’ve also served as president of the Illinois State Dental Society, American Association of Women Dentists, Central Regional Dental Testing Service, and Chicago Dental Society Foundation.
What did you enjoy most about working in dental assisting?
The patients are just the best. Having them trust in you and your skills is a phenomenal feeling.
What do you wish more people knew about dental assistants?
People should know how dedicated dental assistants are to the profession and their employers. I have worked in many settings and have had close business relationships with these talented individuals.
What do you hope for dental assistants in the future?
Dental assistants deserve recognition for the essential role they play in oral healthcare. They bring a lot of value to the practice setting, and I hope more people will understand and utilize expanded dental assisting functions.
What are you looking forward to most as DANB’s Chair?
I’m excited for the opportunity to promote the Dental Assisting Professional Model. Through the hard work of representatives across dentistry, the Workgroup has produced a model that creates a roadmap for the profession that promotes growth and uniformity.