New Academy of Chairside Assisting a professional growth opportunity for dental assistants
New Academy of Chairside Assisting to provide credentialing credits for chairside dental assistants.
Job descriptions for dental assistants vary, but most define their role as one that helps the dental operator (dentist or other treating dental auxiliary) to provide more efficient treatment by overseeing the necessary, albeit sometimes menial tasks and effectively becoming the operator’s extra set of hands. Today this encompasses much more than technical skills. Modern dental assistants have endless possibilities for professional growth and achievement through expanding their vision, capabilities, and accomplishments.
If these opportunities excite you and ignite your passion for dental assisting and continuing education, your next professional move should be to become a member of the Academy of Chairside Assisting (ACA).
Founded in October 2016 by Shannon Pace Brinker, CDA, and a team of dental assistants from across the US, the ACA is the first organization to provide dental assistants with a comprehensive platform that encompasses all aspects of their multi-dimensional profession. This includes the art and science of cosmetic and esthetic dentistry. Even before its launch, more than 3,000 dental assistants committed to the ACA.
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Employment trends in dentistry lead to a bright future for dental assistants
Clearly, as clinical procedures in dentistry continue to expand, transform, and improve, the role of dental assistants has evolved as well. The dynamics of dentistry require assistants to apply new evidence-based models that result in conservative treatments and responsible esthetics. Delivering state-of-the-art quality care demands that dental assistants embrace working with next-generation nanotechnology materials, advanced digital technologies, and high levels of communication with dental team members and patients.
Therefore, the main goal of the ACA is to promote a higher level of education for the chairside assistant. One of the ways the Academy will achieve this is through its annual session, which focuses on enabling dental assistant attendees to exchange new ideas and receive meaningful, interdisciplinary, and actionable information on the latest in clinical procedures, materials, and chairside techniques. Dental assistants will earn credit toward ACA Accreditation status.
Through tthe ACA Accreditation process, dental assistants can demonstrate their dedication to ongoing skills improvement and knowledge enhancement by earning and maintaining academy credentials. This visibly differentiates them as exceptional professionals committed to the highest standards of oral health care and continuing education.
The purpose of the ACA is to protect and preserve the validity of the ACA Accreditation while maintaining the standard of excellence that the credentials represent. The ACA will assure that the rights and privileges of Accredited members are honored, while allowing opportunities for dental assistants to achieve their full potential in chairside assisting.
In addition to the networking opportunities, support, and encouragement from professional peers, the ACA will enable assistants to achieve their goals for clinical excellence through educational resources and benefits that can enhance their careers. Members value knowledge sharing, the spirit of professional camaraderie, and engaging with the community. Membership in the ACA is awarded to assistants who have demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards of care and advancement in the field.
For more information or to apply for membership, contact Shannon Pace Brinker, CDA, at [email protected].
