Dental assistants are often told—directly or indirectly—that they are not true oral health-care professionals. That belief is not only inaccurate, it is damaging to the profession and to patient care. Dental assistants are professionals, and their experience, knowledge, and opinions matter.
The Myth That Refuses to Die
Wrong.
Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA, believes dental assistants should receive mandatory infection control training nationwide. According to her, standardized education would improve patient safety while also helping dental assistants earn the professional respect they deserve.
Unfortunately, many assistants still hear the message that their opinions do not matter. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
Dental Assistants Are Essential to Dentistry
Have you ever felt like the black sheep of your dental office?
In many states, dental assistants are not licensed or are only required to hold a certificate. Still, a lack of licensure does not equal a lack of professionalism. Dental assistants work tirelessly every day to support patients, teams, and doctors while helping practices grow.
Consider the numbers:
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Approximately 330,000 dental assistants
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Around 200,000 dentists
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About 150,000 dental hygienists
Clearly, dental assistants make up a significant portion of the dental workforce.
A dentist can technically work without a hygienist, although that may not be ideal. On the other hand, a dentist cannot run an efficient practice without a dental assistant. Assistants perform countless tasks behind the scenes that many people do not even realize exist.
Why Dental Assistants Deserve Respect
Dental assistants manage much more than chairside support. They handle:
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Instrument sterilization
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Operatory setup and turnover
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Infection control protocols
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Patient flow and communication
For example, walk into an operatory on Monday morning after a weekend emergency. Open cabinets, dirty instruments, and disorganization quickly reveal just how vital dental assistants are.
Because of this, dental assistants deserve the same respect afforded to other oral health-care professionals.
Infection Control Is Led by Dental Assistants
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many dental assistants felt invisible. Although dentistry relied heavily on infection control, assistants rarely served as thought leaders, policy contributors, or decision-makers.
This oversight is troubling. Dental assistants handle the majority of infection control responsibilities in dental practices. Their ability to multitask, follow protocols, and remain consistent protects patients and teams every single day.
Most importantly, infection control is not optional—it is foundational to dentistry.
Why National Infection Control Certification Is Necessary
Some states require infection control permits or certifications, while others do not. Additionally, training standards vary widely, and office protocols differ from practice to practice.
As a result, patient safety depends far too much on geography.
The most critical responsibility dental assistants carry—protecting patients and staff—should follow one national standard. Mandatory infection control certification before hiring should be nonnegotiable.
A Call to Action for Dentistry
Now is the time to act.
Dentistry needs a national infection control certification for dental assistants that carries across state lines. This training should be consistent, rigorous, and universally required.
Dental assistants want to be excellent. They want training, respect, and wages that reflect their value. Likewise, dentists who want the best outcomes for patients must invest in highly trained assistants.
Simply put, a strong dental assistant is worth professional pay.
A Message to Dental Assistants
Dental assistants, remember this: you are oral health-care professionals.
Demand training, respect, and professional wages. At the same time, commit to growth, accountability, and leadership. Learn your state laws. Understand OSHA and CDC guidelines. Follow protocols without cutting corners.
If you want to be treated like a professional, act like one every day.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Decide that you are a true professional—and then make it happen.
You can do this.