Story by Kevin Henry, Editor
Indianapolis has earned the nickname of “The Crossroads of America,” thanks to the number of interstates traveling through the heart of the Hoosier State. Indianapolis also earned the nickname in early May when dental assistants from around the country gathered at the downtown Marriott for Professional Dental Assisting 2007. More than 350 dental assistants from Alaska to North Carolina came to Indianapolis for classes and camaraderie.
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Attendance grew from the first year, and the number of exhibitors doubled from the previous PDA - both positive signs of growth as PDA steams ahead toward its third year.
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“There’s no question that dental assistants are hungry for knowledge and want to make their job more of a profession,” said Lyle Hoyt, publisher of Dental Office, PDA’s media organizer. “PDA has been embraced by so many dental assistants because this is a conference where they can grow as professionals.”
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Three days of lectures and hands-on workshops were highlighted by keynote presentations by Dr. Joe Blaes and Mary Govoni. Both focused their talks on what dental assistants can do to become better at their jobs and how to play an even bigger role in the practice’s success.
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“Mary Govoni is a star. Did you notice how everyone took a ton of notes?” asked Marsha Crouthamel of Ames, Iowa. “She held her audience so well and had such great energy.”
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Crouthamel was also a star of her own at PDA, earning the first-ever Dental Assisting Award of Excellence from DUX Dental. Crouthamel and Dorothy Strach from Muskegon, Mich., were named co-winners of the award. Each received an award, $150 in cash, rooms and entrance to PDA, a free one-year membership to the ADAA, and were recognized at PDA’s Friday evening cocktail reception. The people who nominated the winners each received $50 gift certificates.
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“These two ladies exemplify everything good about dental assistants and the dental assisting profession,” said Therese “Tree” Mainella, director of marketing for DUX Dental. “We’re honored to sponsor this award and recognize these two outstanding individuals.”
Next year’s PDA meeting is set for April 24-26 in Norfolk, Va., at the Waterside Marriott. Information about PDA is always available online at www.professionaldentalassisting.com.
Interview with Dorothy Strach
Tell me a little about your dental assisting career.
When I graduated from high school, I saw a newspaper ad for a dentist seeking a dental assistant. I applied and worked for him for nine years. I had two children and wasn’t sure I wanted to go back to work, but Dr. Jack Mixer asked me to work for him. I accepted and worked for him for 17 years before Dr. Tom Smith bought the practice. I have worked for him for 19 years, and he really is like a son to me.
So you’ve worked for three doctors for a total of 45 years. What do you like so much about your job?
I enjoy people. I have a good boss and I work with good people. I can’t think of anything else I would rather do than work in Dr. Smith’s office.
What has been the biggest and most beneficial change you’ve seen in the field of dentistry?
I think the biggest advancement has been the introduction of composite materials. It’s amazing what we can offer patients now.
What advice would you pass on to other dental assistants reading this?
Treat your patients very nicely, and don’t forget that children are opportunities. Be good to all of them and help them have a great experience at the dentist’s office.
What Dr. Tom Smith says about Dorothy ...
I once had a patient write on her health history under “Reason for appointment,” “To see Dorothy.” Dorothy worked for the dentist I bought the practice from for approximately 17 years and has worked for me for all 19 years I have been in practice. She is a very special person who treats me like a son and makes people feel special by just being their friend.
