March 3–9 is National Dental Assistants Recognition Week, and we couldn’t let it pass without taking a moment to celebrate the people who make FDA run every single day. Lindsey, Mary, Mirela, and Pat: this one’s for you.

A Century of Dedication

Did you know that dental assisting has been a formalized profession for over 100 years? The first national convention of dental assistants took place in 1924, and the American Dental Assistants Association was founded the following year. Recognition Week itself has been observed since 1977. That’s a long legacy of skilled, compassionate professionals, and Lindsey, Mary, Mirela, and Pat are proudly carrying it forward.

More Than Meets the Eye

Most patients only see their dental assistant for a few minutes before a procedure, but the role goes far deeper than that. Dental assistant duties span the full scope of a dental practice, including: 

• Patient Care – Greeting patients, recording medical histories, taking blood pressures and making them feel at ease from the moment they walk in
• Equipment Prep – Ensuring all instruments are sterilized, treatment rooms are disinfected and procedure areas are fully set up
• Chairside Assisting – Supporting Dr. B & Dr. K directly during procedures by making sure the dental materials and equipment are ready
• Imaging & Lab Tasks – Taking X-rays, digital scanning for crowns, nightguards and orthodontic treatments and assisting with other diagnostic procedures
• Patient Education – Explaining proper oral hygiene and home care techniques after appointments
• Referrals and Scheduling – Keeping the doctors’ day organized and helping the office run smoothly behind the scenes

A Day That Starts Before You Arrive

A typical day for the FDA dental assistants begins at 6:30 am, long before the first patient walks through the door. They get equipment up and running, verify sterilization, check in with the hygienists, and review the day’s schedule with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos. By the time you arrive, everything is in place for a smooth, comfortable visit.

“We are all a team when it comes to seeing patients,” shares Lindsey. “We see patients for all different types of situations – from emergency visits to re-cementing an old crown. Being a Dental Assistant is never dull! There is always something to be done.”

Committed to Continuing Education

Something that often goes unrecognized is that dental assistants don’t just do their jobs, they continually invest in improving them. Continuing education credits are required to maintain certification, keeping dental assistants current on the latest trends, techniques, and protocols in dental care. From advances in digital imaging to updated infection control standards, our team stays on top of it all so that you receive the best possible care.

Champions of Patient Comfort

Dental anxiety is real and it affects far more adults than most people realize. Our team takes that seriously every single day.

Mirela shares, “Anyone can be afraid of going to the dentist – not just children. That’s why we do everything we can here at FDA to make patients feel comfortable and relaxed while they’re in our chairs.” Pat adds, “I love helping patients feel relaxed and at ease during their dental appointments. I hope my presence, compassion, and experience helps everyone have a better experience when coming here.”

The Reward of Real Impact

At the end of the day, what keeps Lindsey, Mary, Mirela, and Pat coming back is knowing the difference they make. Mary shares, “I love knowing that our patients feel good about themselves afterward. They see the success, too.”

Their contributions help patients receive exceptional care through diligence, professionalism, and daily commitment and we are so grateful for every bit of it.

Thank You, Lindsey, Mary, Mirela & Pat!

We are so lucky to have you. If you’re ready to schedule your next appointment and experience the FDA difference firsthand, give us a call at 207.781.5900. We look forward to seeing you!