Dear Fellow Dental Assistants,
As summer arrives and our calendars begin filling with vacations, family gatherings, pool days, and beach trips, I want to take a moment to talk about something that often gets pushed to the bottom of our priority list: ourselves.
Dental assistants are among the most dedicated professionals in healthcare. We spend our days caring for patients, supporting our teams, solving problems before they happen, and somehow keeping everything moving even when the schedule seems determined to fall apart. We are experts at taking care of everyone else. The challenge is remembering to take care of ourselves too.
Self-care is not selfish. It is not a luxury. It is an essential part of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and preventing burnout. Whether your idea of self-care is relaxing on a beach, reading a book on your porch, spending time with family, taking a weekend road trip, gardening, fishing, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee before the day begins, give yourself permission to recharge.
Vacation time is not something to feel guilty about. It is an investment in your well-being, your mental health, and ultimately your ability to continue providing excellent patient care. Think of it this way: even our handpieces need maintenance and lubrication to perform their best. We are no different!
As we enter pool and beach season, I’d also like to remind everyone to take a moment to verify that your CPR and BLS certifications are current and up to date. Emergencies don’t take vacations, and maintaining these critical lifesaving skills ensures we are always prepared both inside and outside of the dental office. You never know when your training could make a difference in someone’s life.
I also want to share some exciting news. I recently had the privilege of presenting at the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference (PNDC), and I am thrilled to report that the sessions were incredibly well received. The enthusiasm, engagement, and passion displayed by dental assistants and dental team members throughout the conference were truly inspiring. It was a wonderful reminder of the impact our profession continues to make across the country.
And we’re just getting started!
The ADAA is already planning exciting opportunities for the months ahead. Be sure to stay connected as we roll out upcoming webinars, continuing education programs, and networking opportunities this fall. Whether you’re looking to expand your clinical knowledge, develop leadership skills, earn CE credits, or connect with colleagues who understand the unique challenges and rewards of dental assisting, there will be something for everyone.
The future of dental assisting is bright because of professionals like you. Every day, you make a difference in the lives of patients, your teams, and your communities. Never underestimate the impact of your compassion, expertise, and dedication.
I’ll leave you with a favorite quote that feels especially fitting as we head into summer:
“Rest and self-care are not rewards for hard work. They are part of the work.”
Thank you for all that you do for our profession and for the patients who count on us every day. I hope your summer is filled with sunshine, laughter, relaxation, and maybe just a little sand that somehow follows you home from the beach.
With gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead,
Erin Hendricks, RDA, CCHW
President, American Dental Assistants Association