Bright smiles will soon abound at the Welland Campus.
On March 9, the Applied Health Institute foyer will be buzzing with activity as 50 students in the Dental Assisting program will host an event to help educate and inspire the College community on oral health topics from smart brushing to dental dilemmas. An annual activity for students in the program to mark Dental Assistants Recognition Week, this year’s event will be held from12:45 to 3 p.m.
“For our dental assisting students, celebrating Dental Assistants Recognition Week is really about coming together and feeling proud of the profession they’re stepping into,” said said School of Allied Health Professor Jennifer Karnay. ” It gives them a chance to connect with their classmates, support each other through a busy program, and recognize the essential role dental assistants play in patient care. It’s a simple way to build community, boost confidence, and remind them why they chose this career in the first place.”
“They can’t wait to show off their hard work and invite everyone to stop by, join the fun, and learn something new.”
Student Marika Grenier, who began the program in September 2025, has been working on social media posts and vlogs for DA Week and creating educational posters with classmates in her group. At the event, her group will set up a table with educational visual aids about the importance of flossing, and promote the role of dental assistants and the importance of oral health.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to promote the program/profession; 99% of the time when I tell someone I’m studying to become a dental assistant, they think I’m a hygienist,” said Grenier. “Most people don’t know what assistants are or do … I think it’s a great opportunity to expand peoples’ view on the role, while hopefully getting them excited about the dental world and oral health care.”
Second-term student Monica Rojas, is looking forward to offering the College community a glimpse into the world of dental assistants. Along with her classmates, Rojas has been reviewing what she’s learned over the past term- their notes, clinical skills and procedures – to ensure they understand not just the theory, but how to put it into practice
“There’s so much that goes behind the scenes in dentistry, and DA week is a chance to showcase the hard work, precision, teamwork, and patient care that we’ve been developing all semester,” said Rojas.
She noted that she was drawn to NC’s Dental Assisting program due to its strong reputation for real-world hands-on learning,
“As a mom and someone who is very serious about building a stable and meaningful career, I didn’t want to choose just any program. I wanted something that would challenge me, push me to grow, and help me become confident in my skills,” said Rojas. “I feel like Niagara College gives me that … I’m learning so much, not just about dentistry, but about professionalism, responsibility, and patient care.”
Dental Assistants Recognition Week is held the first full week in March every year. The Ontario Dental Assistants Association’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.
“Certified Dental Assistants are irreplaceable when it comes to the delivery of quality dental care. They take dental X-rays, complete fluoride treatments, and even file your insurance claims,” said Chief Executive Officer, Tara Fitzpatrick, in an Ontario Dental Assistants Association media release. “Unfortunately, the shortage of these professionals already means that two-thirds of the dental offices in Ontario report needing to hire at least one new Dental Assistant.”
For more information, visit odaa.org
“Certified Dental Assistants are irreplaceable
when it comes to the delivery of quality dental care …
the shortage of these professionals already means
that two-thirds of the dental offices in Ontario
report needing to hire at least one new Dental Assistant.”
