5 ways DANB is elevating the profession — and your career
This article is contributed by DANB Board Chair Barbara Mousel, D.D.S., CDA, RDH
Dental assistants are the power behind the practice, and there’s no better time to celebrate everything they do than Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW), March 1-7.
My career in dentistry began as a trained-on-the-job dental assistant. 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. I went on to become a dental hygienist, a dentist, and an educator, but I never forgot my roots as a dental assistant.
It’s important to celebrate the positive impact dental assistants have on their patients and their colleagues during DARW, but also throughout the entire year. Their knowledge, passion, and dedication are invaluable to the practice, and dental assistants deserve recognition for the essential role they play in oral healthcare.
Three years ago, DANB and the DALE Foundation launched a bold strategic plan centered on recognizing, elevating, and celebrating the role of dental assistants. Here are five exciting results of the strategic plan that are elevating the dental assisting profession and dental assistants’ careers.
1. A model to strengthen and grow the dental assisting workforce
The Dental Assisting Professional Model Workgroup published its recommendations for the Dental Assisting Professional Model, a framework that outlines proposed dental assisting levels, functions, pathways for education and training, and considerations for implementation. This landmark model provides a practical solution to the ongoing dental assistant workforce shortage.
The Dental Assisting Professional Model has earned endorsements from leading dental organizations that recognize its potential to strengthen the profession and build a consistent, qualified workforce.
2. Patients value infection control and welcome conversations about it
Dental assistants are often responsible for dental infection control, and this is a duty patients value greatly. A DANB survey of more than 1,000 people found that cleaning and safety in the dental office is a top priority for patients. According to the survey, nearly all patients (98%) said it’s important that their dental office properly clean tools before they are reused on the next patient.
Only about 1 in 4 patients said their office has discussed how it keeps the treatment area clean and safe. However, most patients said they would like someone at their dental office to talk about cleaning protocols with them. Dental assistants are well-versed in patient communication and infection control, giving them a unique opportunity to build trust and educate patients on how the practice keeps them safe.
3. Record number of scholarships awarded
DANB and the DALE Foundation offer scholarship opportunities to help dental assistants and other dental professionals advance their careers and reach their goals. These scholarships support individuals — from students to experienced professionals — in taking exams, earning certification, and advancing their education. Over the past year, DANB and the DALE Foundation awarded a record-breaking 90 scholarships to support dental professionals at all phases of their careers.
4. Increased access to exams and education
In May 2025, DANB launched its Infection Control (ICE) exam in Spanish. The ICE Practice Test is also available in Spanish to help candidates prepare. DANB’s Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam has been available in Spanish since Jan. 2024.
DANB’s RHS and ICE exams are two of its most popular exams, with more than 18,000 exams administered each year. DANB exams are recognized or required by 39 states and D.C. DANB is the first and only dental testing organization to offer exams in Spanish.
Additionally, DANB began offering free study guide plans and a discount for exam retakes to support exam candidates.
5. New toolkit strengthens dental practices
To help foster positive, safe, and supportive cultures, DANB and the DALE Foundation, with the support of the Dental Assistant Workforce Coalition, created the Empowered Workplaces for Dental Assistants Toolkit. This resource includes valuable tools, strategies, and complimentary CE courses to address crucial workplace issues.
Recognizing dental assistants today and always
As you celebrate DARW, check out DANB’s social media channels throughout the week for an exciting giveaway and discounts. The DANB Board of Directors and the DALE Foundation Board of Trustees are proud to champion you and the profession — thank you for all you do!
About the author
Barbara Mousel, D.D.S., CDA, RDH, of Chicago is the Chair of DANB’s Board of Directors. She has owned a private practice in general dentistry since 1984 and previously worked as an educator, a dental hygienist, and a dental assistant.