Dental Assistants Week is just around the corner, and the Applied Health Institute foyer will soon buzz with activity as celebrations return to campus.
This year, Dental Assisting students will host an event on March 8 (9 -11 a.m.) in celebration of DA Week, and will continue to raise awareness via social media. Their goal: to educate about the importance of oral health in the community and celebrate the oral health team.
In the spirit of celebration, second semester Dental Assisting student Kristina Sherk and her classmate Amna Ahmed have designed t-shirts for participating students to wear and are organizing games and activities for the event to engage the college community.
“I am very excited for this year’s dental assisting week, the opportunity to host an in-person event allows us the perfect environment to educate our peers and celebrate our futures as dental assistants,” said Sherk, who is originally from Haldimand County and currently resides in Welland as she attends the one-year program.
“Being involved with DA week has been so rewarding; it has given us a platform to express our passion for the field and to celebrate the beautiful career of dental assisting!”
She also feels that the opportunity has given her experience in a leadership role and has helped her to improve her time management and organizational skills.
“These are skills/traits that I will carry into my future career and continuously develop further,” said Sherk. “Being involved with DA week has been a highlight of my time at Niagara College and has been an amazing and valuable learning experience. ”
Ahmed, who is originally from London and currently lives in Welland, is studying to become a certified level one and two dental assistant.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the Niagara College community be able to experience all that we have planned for DA Week,” she said. “This experience has shown me a new perspective in a leadership setting, working collaboratively with professors, students and businesses in order to achieve a positive outcome has been a great learning experience.
“Overall, getting the opportunity to show our appreciation for fellow dental assistants has been very rewarding.”
Professor Jennifer Karnay, who is leading the students in their efforts, said they are excited to be back on campus in person to engage the College community for DA Week.
“We will also be continuing our social media blitz to inform and educate our friends and followers about the importance of oral health related issues, help with tips and tricks, and celebrate the importance of Dental Assistants in the office and community.
Designated by the Canadian Dental Assistants Association, Dental Assistants Recognition Week will be held March 5-11.
March 8 celebration
Don’t miss NC’s Dental Assisting students and their DA Week celebration on March 8 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Applied Health Institute foyer (Welland Campus).
