As March comes to a close, so, too, does March, where Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW) occurs.
Held annually during the first week of March, DARW is a chance for dental practices to thank dental assistants for the important work they do daily that impacts patients and the practice's bottom line.
I've had a soft spot for dental assistants since I joined the industry in 1999. Dental assistants are often among the lowest-paid members of the dental team, yet so much of the practice's success depends on what they do every day.
Of course, dental assistants often move on to other jobs. While some continue in the practice as a hygienist or in the front office, some become a dentist. Some also leave the practice and impact the industry in other ways.
Among those who have done that is Angela Martinez, the vice president of strategic associations and dental health policy, at CareCredit.
I recently spoke with Martinez about her background as a dental assistant and how it formed her in her current role.
Kevin Henry: As a former dental assistant, you likely have a unique angle to this answer, but why do dental assistants matter so much to a practice's success?
Angela Martinez.
Angela Martinez: I entered the field in 1992 as a registered dental assistant and played a vital role in the practice's success. Not only was I the doctor’s right hand and charged with making sure that every procedure was set up for success, but I also built strong, trusting relationships with patients.
Spending the most time in the operatory, I often helped calm patients’ nerves, explained each procedure in detail, and provided reassurance throughout their care. Over time, I developed a special rapport with my patients, getting to know them like family, which fostered a unique level of trust.
This trust made me a key asset to the practice. Patients would often turn to me after an exam or diagnosis to ask my opinion, and I was able to confirm the doctor’s recommendations while also guiding them through payment options and next steps.
What are ways that a dental assistant impacts a practice's bottom line that may often be overlooked?
Today, with workforce challenges, many dental assistants are wearing multiple hats, sometimes working both the front and back office. It is very important for dental assistants to communicate clearly with patients about payment options that work with their budget.
The three biggest barriers to patients moving forward with treatment are time, the cost, or fear. Dental assistants play a key role in addressing all three: calming patients’ nerves and explaining procedures, helping them find appointment times that fit their schedules, and providing reassurance about financial options.
Even a simple conversation, such as, “We have payment options that can work for your budget. Susie at the front will be happy to go over them with you shortly,” can make a big difference in patient care and treatment acceptance.
Why does CareCredit believe so strongly in the power of assistants?
Synchrony and the CareCredit team strongly believe in the power of dental assistants. We’re grateful for their impact every day, but Dental Assistants Recognition Week is a special time to honor the vital role they play in supporting both patients and practices.
Assistants are the true hub of the dental office. They connect patients, providers, and the care team to keep everything running smoothly. Often among the most trusted members of the practice, dental assistants build relationships through clear communication, empathy, and consistent support at every step of the visit.
They play a critical role in helping patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident, including discussing payment options with patients that fit their budget. This guidance aligns with CareCredit’s mission to make dental care accessible responsibly by providing clear and accessible financing so patients can get the treatment they want. By supporting both patients and providers, dental assistants help practices thrive, improve the patient experience, and strengthen a practice’s overall success.
The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.
