Keep that passion flowing into March!

February is known as a month for passion: passion surrounding Valentine’s Day, passion for the spring season just right around the corner, and passion for children’s oral health month. Sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA), February is National Children's Dental Health Month, a time to sharpen our focus on the importance of good oral hygiene as part of a child's overall health status. Many dental assistants participate in a wide variety of service projects to commemorate the occasion. From participation in Give Kids a Smile Day to providing oral health education in the schools and Head Start Programs — we are getting the word out on the importance of good oral health!

As February winds down, we look forward to March roaring in like a lion. Although I am not as “windy” as Mother Nature, a shout out for Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW) March 6-12, 2011, is needed. DARW is a time to recognize an often-overlooked, essential part of the dental team — the dental assistant. Team integration varies from state to state, and even from practice to practice within the same state. “Key to Productivity: The Professional Dental Assistant” is the theme through 2012. DARW is a joint effort of the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA), the American Dental Association (ADA), the Canadian Dental Assistants Association (CDAA), and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). I encourage each of you to participate in some way during DARW. It can be something as small as giving a piece of chocolate to your dental assisting coworkers to something as large as a community involvement project. What better way to celebrate and help those in need! For more information and ideas for DARW, please click here.

Another great way to celebrate DARW is to join the organization that promotes the passion of your profession — the ADAA! Our membership ranks are continuously growing and we share some wonderful ideas. Visit our Web site at www.dentalassistant.org to learn more about what ADAA can do for you! I look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming regional dental meetings. Please stop by the ADAA booth to meet us!

Here’s to a great profession!

Natalie

Natalie Kaweckyj, LDARF, CDA, CDPMA, COA, COMSA, CPDA, MADAA, BA
ADAA President