PDS Health, a leading integrated healthcare support organization, proudly joins the American Dental Assistants Association in celebrating Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW), taking place March 2–8, 2025. This annual celebration recognizes the dedication, expertise, and essential contributions of dental assistants in providing high-quality patient care and ensuring the seamless operation of dental practices. Through continued investment in education, career development, and leadership training, PDS Health reaffirms its commitment to elevating the profession and supporting the growth of dental assistants nationwide.
Dental assistants are integral members of the dental team and skilled allied health professionals. They assist in complex procedures, manage infection control, and ensure efficient clinical operations. Their commitment to excellence and professionalism makes a lasting impact on both patients and clinicians, contributing to the success of every practice.
“During Dental Assistants Recognition Week, we celebrate the essential role dental assistants play in patient care,” said Stephen E. Thorne IV, founder and CEO of PDS Health. “Dental assisting is a highly skilled profession, comparable to medical assistants and other allied health professionals in their level of patient interaction and clinical expertise. DARW is an opportunity to raise the visibility and status of the profession while recognizing the dedication and impact of dental assistants nationwide. It’s time for the industry to champion their growth, expand career pathways, and secure a future where dental assistants are valued at the highest level.”
“Dental assistants are at the core of dentistry and health care. Their skill, dedication, and impact on patient care make them a key part of every practice,” said Rosalinda Olague, RDA, director of dental assistant programs and school relations at PDS Health. “Dental Assistants Recognition Week is a time to celebrate not only their contributions but also the incredible career paths available to them. Whether they choose to specialize, lead teams, or grow into new roles in health care, there is no limit to what they can achieve. This profession continues to evolve, and dental assistants are driving its future.”
PDS Health is committed to elevating the dental assistant profession by creating meaningful pathways for career advancement and professional growth. This year, the organization is investing $2.5 million in increased compensation while continuing to grow its team of more than 6,000 dental assistants, reinforcing the rising demand for these highly skilled professionals.
Through PDS Health University, dental assistants and other PDS Health team members have access to industry-leading training and professional development. In 2024, over 30,000 continuing education hours were awarded to dental assistants, ensuring they have the resources needed to refine their skills and advance in their careers.
PDS Health’s Lead Dental Assistant development program provides structured growth opportunities for those advancing into leadership roles. This year, hundreds of dental assistants will participate in the organization’s biannual “Lead DA Charge,” gaining valuable skills and training to mentor others and take on greater responsibilities within their practices and the allied health field.
Education remains a cornerstone of PDS Health’s commitment to the profession. Through the PDS Health College Advancement Program, eligible team members, including dental assistants, can receive 100% tuition coverage for undergraduate degrees, allowing them to further their education while maintaining full-time employment. This year, the organization is donating $40,000 to various dental assistant programs across the country, demonstrating its dedication to shaping the future of the profession and supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Additionally, PDS Health supports the PDS Foundation’s Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship, which provides tuition assistance, mentorship, and hands-on training to aspiring dental assistants.
As part of Dental Assistants Recognition Week, practices nationwide will host special appreciation events to recognize the dedication and contributions of their dental assistants. At PDS Health, this commitment extends beyond a single week, as the organization continually works alongside dental assistants to support their evolving role in health care and ensure a strong future for the profession.
For more information about career opportunities for dental assistants at PDS Health, visit pdshealth.com.
About PDS Health
PDS Health continues the journey started by Pacific Dental Services in 1994, with a vision to redefine health care through the integration of dental and medical services. Its approach, centered on the connection between oral health and overall health, aims to create healthier, happier patients and set new benchmarks in the healthcare industry. As a leading provider of integrated healthcare support, the company delivers a broad spectrum of services to dental, dental specialties, and medical providers, enhancing operations and care delivery for clinicians across the U.S. For more information about PDS Health and its vision, visit pdshealth.com.
