By Robynn Rixse, BS, CDA, EFDA, MADAA – President of the American Dental Assistants Association
The ADA’s Call to Pause and the Impact on Dental Assisting
It’s been over two months since the American Dental Association (ADA) recommended postponing elective procedures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Since then, the dental assisting community—including clinical and business assistants, educators, students, and administrative staff—has faced tremendous change.
One thing has become clear: dental assistants are incredibly adaptable. We’ve all been challenged to adjust, support one another, and grow in new ways during this unprecedented time.
Facing Layoffs, Furloughs, and Uncertainty
For many assistants, the pandemic brought reduced hours, furloughs, or even layoffs. Navigating the unemployment system has been anything but easy. Still, dental assistants rallied across forums and social media to support one another, answer questions, and share advice.
Some assistants used this downtime to give back to their communities, while others focused on continuing their education—a powerful move as we begin to understand how COVID-19 is reshaping dental practices.
Learning and Growing Through Education
With the future of dental care evolving, education has become more important than ever. Many dental organizations stepped up by offering free or discounted courses, webinars, and resources. Assistants can use this new knowledge to help their teams prepare for reopening and implement updated protocols.
PPE Shortages and Infection Control Challenges
For those clinical assistants still working, the focus shifted to emergency and urgent care. This shift came with major concerns:
- What PPE is required?
- How do we manage shortages?
- What infection control updates are needed?
The shortage of N95 masks, surgical gowns, and face shields made the situation more complex. Additionally, the increased risk related to aerosol-generating procedures put infection control under a microscope.
In response, the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) began advocating for statewide mandatory education in infection control to protect both staff and patients.
Adapting Education for Dental Assisting Students
As schools closed due to stay-at-home orders, many dental assisting programs pivoted to online learning. Instructors faced the challenge of adapting curricula—especially clinical components—for a virtual format.
Fortunately, a strong support network emerged. Webinars, virtual town halls, and collaboration helped programs stay on track and ensure that students graduate with the skills they need, despite the limitations.
New Responsibilities for Business and Practice Managers
Dental assistants who serve as office or practice managers also had to adapt. Key responsibilities now include:
- Pre-screening patients for COVID-19 symptoms
- Designing reopening protocols
- Managing logistics around PPE and protective measures
In many practices, managers are installing plexiglass barriers, air filtration systems, and even UV sanitation lights to improve safety. Their clinical background is especially valuable in navigating this “new normal.”
Moving Forward—Together
No matter your role—whether clinical, administrative, or educational—dental assistants are vital to the future of dentistry. We’ve proven our resilience, our commitment to learning, and our ability to adapt.
Let’s continue to support one another, advocate for the profession, and share what we’ve learned. Together, we’ll not only overcome the challenges of COVID-19, but emerge stronger and more unified than ever.