National Dental Assistants Recognition Week

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Happy Spring! It’s finally March, which means Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW) has begun over here at your SLO Smiles family dentist. Every year during the first week of March, dental offices in San Luis Obispo and everywhere throughout the country celebrate the work of their dental assistants; the special folks who keep patients happy and the office running smoothly. While last year’s theme was “Advancing the profession through collaboration and leadership,” the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) has dubbed 2019 as the year to celebrate “Today’s Dental Assistants—Polished, Poised & Professional”.

Ever wondered exactly what your dental assistant does? Aside from appointment scheduling and patient care, many dental assistants are also certified in radiography and can operate x-ray machines. A Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) has completed a special training course, and can perform coronal polishing. Furthermore, a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF) has other special roles, including the authority to decide what kind of radiographs should be performed on a patient. Last, a dental assistant can also be a sedation assistant after becoming an RDA and an RDAEF. After completing a California Board-approved dental sedation course and passing a state written exam in dental sedation techniques, they can apply for a special permit to be a Dental Sedation Assistant. Now that’s a lot of duties!

Dental assistants are the backbone of every dental office—they strengthen the entire practice and promote quality patient care. Although every member of our team is dedicated to creating top-notch experiences for our patients, we want to celebrate the special folks around our office who always go the extra mile, and are role models of professional development.

We’d like to introduce a few of our rockstar dental assistants. If you’re at our family dentist office this week, be sure to give them a high five for all of their awesome work!

Brittany
How long have you worked at SLO Smiles?

6 glorious years

What is your favorite thing about your job?

The staff and our patients. I love meeting new people, and everybody here feels like family

What do you like to do for fun?

I love sports, Hockey (Go Kings Go) riding dirt bikes, snowboarding, hanging out with my Fiancé and helping my son explore and experience this world.

Jamie
How long have you worked at SLO Smiles?

5+ years

Best SLO Smiles memory?

The fun Christmas parties.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love going to stand up comedy shows with my husband and inlaws!

Debbie
How long have you worked at SLO Smiles?

This September will be 12 wonderful years.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

They say it takes a village, well I have the best village. Everyone is supportive and encouraging. Truly a great place to work.

What do you like to do for fun?

I’m a homebody—nothing better than a movie and a home cooked meal with my hubby of 26 years.

Katie
How long have you worked at SLO Smiles?

2010-2015, now since January

Best SLO Smiles Memory?

I love our continuing education courses and every time we get to learn something new. Also, the Christmas party is always a good time!

What’re you most grateful for?

Health, family, friends, and living on the Central Coast!

Kim
How long have you worked at SLO Smiles?

28.5 years worked!

Best SLO Smiles memory?

When I first started a 90 year old patient had to hold my hand while we extracted his tooth, Good old Bob. I think I was about 19 years old then (as green as one could be at a new job and terrified). Every day I laugh with someone at work either a coworker or patient. It makes the energy in the building so much better.

What do you like to do for fun?

I am most happy being outside in nature hiking, riding my mountain bike, riding my motorcycle, just being active.

Izabel
How long have you worked at SLO Smiles?

9.5 wonderful years

What is your favorite thing about your job?

Love implants! On a more personal level, I love how we are able to give our opinion and ideas and be heard.

What’re you most grateful for?

For being healthy and a close second is having succeeded as an immigrant.

Here at SLO Smiles, we are more than just a dental office on the Central Coast. We are a committed team of individuals with years of experience to leverage, and most of all, we love what we do. Providing our patients with the best care in the most comfortable environment is our goal. Together we want to bust the paradigm that dentists are scary, and instead show that dental visits are an empowering step towards whole body health. Whether you’re looking for a family dentist, or simply want to scope out all the dentists in San Luis Obispo for your procedure, reach out to us today. One of our awesome dental assistants will set you up with all the information you need.

Office Hours
  • Monday7:00am - 5:00pm
  • Tuesday7:00am - 5:00pm
  • Wednesday7:00am - 5:00pm
  • Thursday7:00am - 5:00pm
  • Friday7:00am - 2:00pm
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New patients are always welcome at SLO Smiles. Our friendly San Luis Obispo dental team looks forward to meeting you!