Get an annual fiscal examination - President's Page

Dental Assistant, The, March-April, 2003 by Karen Waide

An annual physical examination is critical ensure long-term health. It is equally important to have an annual fiscal examination to ensure your long term financial health.

Do You Know Your Net Worth?

You are priceless. Clever mind. Bright smile. Doctor says "I can't work without you." You are worth your weight in gold. Read about your value below.

ADAA is a great place to grow. It can assist you in Putting Your Future in Focus--It can be a best ROI = Return on Your Investment.

If you want to increase your self worth for instance with extended duties, ADAA offers Legislative Assistance Program Funds that can assist with the legislative process to achieve this. We can assist with Public Relations advocacy on issues important to Dental Assistants. You have the power to make a difference.

Enjoy economic benefits of ADAA as well as services that can save you money:

* Professional liability insurance

* Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

* On-line employment service on the net

* Discounts on homestudy education and seminars

* Free CE in your Journal

* Free subscriptions to Linda Miles' Dynamic Data Newsletter and PennWell's Dental Equipment & Materials

* ADAA's own credit card through MBNA

* Group rates on health and life insurance

Don't let "S.E.P." someone else's problems or other organizations determine the assistant's role in relation to access to oral health care. This is about you, your ADAA investment or your future--you are more than an employee. Keep in balance. Your Professional Way of life. Your Investment--Protect it!

It's about Your Association and My Association.

VALUE OF A DENTAL ASSISTANT

Dental Assisting is an ever changing and challenging career requiring a multitude of talents with the ability to adapt to the needs of the patient and the practice. The more educated the dental assistant the more benefits to the patients and the practice. An educated dental assistant brings the following advantages to the dental practice:

Trust--patients are more likely to be satisfied and comfortable with their dental treatment if they are aware that the assistant is educated as well as knowledgeable and up to date in all areas of responsibility. As a result, gaining the trust of the patient whether in the operatory or at the front desk is so very important to the success and viability of the practice.

Productivity--educated assistants are trained in the latest procedures and techniques. As a result, valuable time is not lost by the dentist and staff to instruct, explain or teach at the expense of the patient and the practice.

Loyalty--educated assistants consider themselves professional. They will remain employed with the same office longer, become more valuable and an integral part of the dental team. As a result, time and money are not utilized to recruit, train, and introduce a new assistant to the patient and practice.

Dental assisting requires a wide spectrum of knowledge gained through education. The ability to maintain that proficiency as a dental assistant is a life-long commitment of training and continuing education. The home-study library, produced by the American Dental Assistants Association can provide for the continuing education needs and requirements of your dental assistant. Whether clinical or business assistant, there is an educational curriculum available to increase the worth and make your assistant more valuable to your practice.

Presented 1999 Delegates Handbook