2004 Dental Assistants Recognition Week: delivering excellence throughout the World

Dental Assistant, The, July-August, 2004

DENTAC/DCC: FT. SILL, OK

Presented by Col. William R. Bachand, Commander

A pizza party and bowling tournament at the post bowling alley provided a much needed stress breaker to show appreciation for assistants and provide an opportunity for interaction other than at work.

DENTAC/DCC: FT. STEWART, GA

Presented by Tammy L. Burke

A feature article in the base newspaper, The Frontline, lauded assistants for their work in helping to prepare soldiers for mobilization and outlined their duties and challenges. Col. Thomas G. Homing, Dental Activity Commander, stated, "Once a year we have a week to honor dental assistants and thank them for what they do because we could not do our job without them."

U.S. ARMY DENTAL ACTIVITY: FT. WAINWRIGHT, AK

Presented by MSG Barry S. Whitley

All dental assistants--civilian and military--were treated to a Mexican luncheon during an extended lunch period and then DENTAC Commander, Col. Hamilton, presented each with a carnation and thanks for a job well done. A cake was presented carrying the unit's crest and "Dental Assistants Recognition Week" and was served by the CDR, 1st Sgt., OIC, NCOICs.

DENTAC/DCC: WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, NM

Presented by SGT Croucher

The clinic staff was assembled for an awards ceremony and general recognition and thanks and each assistant was called up and presented with a certificate of appreciation. A surprise luncheon with an array of goodies followed.

DENTAC/DCC: U.S. ARMY DENTAL ACTIVITY, HI

Presented by 1st Sgt. Purcelle Harris

The staff at Schofield Barracks and Tripler Army Dental Clinics took time from their duties that help to prepare troops for deployment to observe DARW. At Scholield, dental officers dressed in white shirts and bow ties to greet and seat their assistants for a luncheon where they were entertained by "Mighty Mouse" and presented with cards and flowers and a personalized certificate of appreciation. At Tripler, there was also a luncheon and team-building competitions that included relay races and a load of laughs. Col. Henry Waddeil, Jr., and Col. Gregory Blythe joined in the hula hoop competition.

DENTAC/DCC: DARMSTADT (GERMANY) DENTAL CLINIC

Presented by SSG Nancy Zale

A banner and balloon launched the Week's festivities and luncheons with a daily drawing for a much appreciated hour off of work were held. On Wednesday, doctors took their assistants to a local restaurant, and the Week was ended with a cake and a certificate of appreciation for each assistant.

DENTAC/DCC WUERZBURG (GERMANY) KATTERBACH DENTAL CLINIC

Presented by LTC David G. Smith/Mark E. Eavey

Entering the post on Monday, a marquee highlighting DARW was on display and so was a bulletin board in the reception area recognizing each assistant with picture and name. Numerous posters also announced DARW. Chocolate treats and a thank-you card for each assistant were delivered to their operatory. On Tuesday, the OIC and NCOIC prepared breakfast burritos to order and on Wednesday the assistants were treated to lunch at a nearby restaurant and presented with certificates of appreciation. Thursday brought ice cream treats and Friday capped activities with a luncheon bowling party.