At UPD Dental Associates, our mission has always been centered around delivering exceptional, compassionate, and advanced dental care to the children and families of Western New York. With five convenient locations across the Buffalo region, we take tremendous pride in our team and the high standard of care they provide every single day. [University...Dentistry]
Every March, we join dental practices across the country in celebrating Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW); a special time dedicated to honoring the vital role dental assistants play in the success of every dental office. This year, we’re excited to spotlight not only our incredible assistants but also the entire UPD team, whose collaboration ensures that each patient receives the best possible care.
The History Behind Dental Assistant Recognition Week
Dental Assistant Recognition Week has been celebrated annually during the first full week of March since 1977, when it was founded by the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) to honor the skill, dedication, and invaluable contributions of dental assistants nationwide. [nationalda...lendar.com]
The profession itself has roots going back to 1885, when Dr. C. Edmund Kells hired the first recorded dental assistant, his wife, ushering in a new era of improved patient care and expanded dental capabilities. As his practice grew, he later hired Malvina Cueria, the first professional dental assistant. This early innovation opened the door for dental assistants to become an essential and respected part of modern dentistry. [nationaltoday.com]
Today, dental assistants perform hundreds of clinical and administrative tasks that make dental practices function smoothly and safely. Their role has evolved dramatically, now encompassing infection control, radiography, chairside assistance, patient education, and much more.
Why Dental Assistants Are So Important
Dental assistants are often the first and last people patients interact with during their visits. They help ensure each appointment is efficient, safe, and comfortable. Some of their key responsibilities include:
Without the skill and dedication of dental assistants, modern dental care simply wouldn’t be possible. They truly are, as the 2026 ADAA theme highlights, “Superheroes behind the Smiles.” [adaausa.org]
Celebrating the ENTIRE Dental Team
While this week highlights dental assistants, UPD recognizes that exceptional patient care is the result of a team effort. In a pediatric practice especially, it takes a village to make every child’s experience positive, safe, and even enjoyable.
Front Desk Team - Our front desk staff are the welcoming faces of UPD. They coordinate schedules, manage communication, help families navigate insurance questions, and set the tone for a warm and friendly visit.
Dental Hygienists - Hygienists play a vital role in preventive care, cleanings, education, and early detection all help keep our young patients on track for lifelong oral health.
Dental Assistants - The backbone of clinical flow, our assistants ensure every procedure, from simple checkups to complex treatments, runs smoothly and safely.
Pediatric Dentists & Specialists - Our dentists and specialists provide expert clinical care, compassionate guidance, and individualized treatment plans for infants, children, adolescents, and adults with special needs.
Behind-the-Scenes Staff - Office managers, insurance coordinators, sterilization technicians, and administrative professionals all contribute to creating the seamless, patient‑centered experience that UPD is known for.
At UPD Dental Associates, we believe each department is essential. Together, our team supports our Uncompromising Promise to deliver the very best care to families throughout Western New York, a standard we’ve upheld for over 30 years. [University...Dentistry]
Sources
1. Concorde Career Colleges. “The History and Celebration of Dental Assistants Recognition Week.” Concorde Career Colleges, 8 Mar. 2024, https://www.concorde.edu/blog/history-and-celebration-dental-assistants-recognition-week. [concorde.edu]
2. National Today. “Dental Assistant Week – March 1–7, 2026.” National Today, https://nationaltoday.com/dental-assistant-week/. [nationaltoday.com]
3. American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA). “Dental Assistants Recognition Week.” ADAA, https://adaausa.org/education-events/dental-assistants-recognition-week/. [adaausa.org]
4. National Day Calendar. “Dental Assistant Recognition Week – First Full Week in March.” National Day Calendar, https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/march/dental-assistant-recognition-week-first-full-week-in-march. [nationalda...lendar.com]