Dental Assistants Recognition Week
Dental Assistants Recognition Week is held the first full week in March every year. During the first week of March 2026, the Ontario Dental Assistants Association invites you to celebrate the hardworking, vital, and valued members of the oral health team - Certified Dental Assistants.
The ODAA’s theme for DARW 2026 is “Stronger Together,” highlighting the important role Certified Dental Assistants play as integral members of the oral health team and the team’s strength when everyone works together and values each other’s contributions. It also aims to highlight the importance of Dental Assistants, Dental Receptionists, and Dental Treatment Coordinators from across the province, coming together as a collective. As members of the Association, we are a unified voice, stronger together, advocating to move our profession forward.
Certified Dental Assistants are an integral part of our Oral Health Care System. They do everything from taking X-rays to filing insurance claims and from fluoride treatments to whitening your smile. Certified Dental Assistants are an essential part of your dental office visit, however, there is currently a significant shortage of Certified Dental Assistants in Ontario.
Whether working chairside supporting dentists and hygienists, at the front desk, in public health, in sales for oral health products and services, or behind the scenes in insurance, Ontario Dental Assistants bring their skills and knowledge every day and deserve recognition year-round. Dental Assistants are irreplaceable when delivering quality dental care, demonstrating unwavering commitment and expertise. By fostering a culture of appreciation, the ODAA believes we can uplift the value of Certified Dental Assistants while encouraging a thriving and harmonious oral healthcare environment for all.
Dental Assistants Recognition Week Media Release
About DARW: Dental Assistants Recognition Week™ (also known as DARW) is held the first full week in March every year. This year, March 1-7, 2026 was designated by the American Dental Assistants Association as the perfect time to acknowledge and recognize the versatile, multi-talented member of your dental team. Dentists in the United States and Canada will celebrate by honouring their Dental Assistants for their various duties and helping them provide patients with quality dental care. In the United States, the theme for 2026 is “Superheroes behind the Smiles” and highlights the essential role Dental Assistants play in ensuring exceptional patient care and enhancing the overall dental experience.
Learn more about DARW from the organizers, the American Dental Assistants Association.
