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DSO Spotlight
Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW), designated by the American Dental Assistants Association, is an opportunity to honor the versatile and multi-talented members of the dental team who support quality dental care for patients.
As part of this year’s DARW, celebrated from March 2-8, 2025, PDS Health™ and Benevis are both honoring the essential contributions of dental assistants across the country. The theme for 2025 is “Superheroes behind the Smiles.”
Both PDS Health and Benevis are committed to elevating the dental assisting profession by investing in education, career development, and leadership training to support dental assistants’ growth and success.
PDS Health: Elevating Dental Assistants Through Education and Career Growth
PDS Health, an integrated healthcare support organization, recognizes the critical role dental assistants play in patient care. Their support of complex procedures, infection control management, and seamless clinical operations ensures that dental practices can function at their highest capacity. Stephen E. Thorne IV, Founder and CEO of PDS Health, emphasized that dental assisting is a highly skilled profession comparable to medical assisting and other allied health fields.
“It’s time for the industry to champion their growth, expand career pathways, and secure a future where dental assistants are valued at the highest level,” said Thorne.
PDS Health is committed to elevating the dental assistant profession by creating meaningful pathways for career advancement and professional growth. This year, the organization is investing $2.5 million in increased compensation while continuing to grow its team of more than 6,000 dental assistants, reinforcing the rising demand for these highly skilled professionals.
Through PDS Health University™, dental assistants and other PDS Health team members have access to industry-leading training and professional development. In 2024, over 30,000 continuing education hours were awarded to dental assistants, ensuring they have the resources needed to refine their skills and advance in their careers.
PDS Health Founder & CEO Stephen E. Thorne IV with dental assistants at last year’s Lead DA Charge in Dallas, an event dedicated to leadership development and career growth in the dental assisting profession.
PDS Health’s commitment to professional growth is evident through its extensive training and leadership development initiatives. The organization provides over 30,000 continuing education hours annually to its dental assistants. Their Lead Dental Assistant development program and biannual “Lead DA Charge” event offer valuable opportunities for assistants to grow into leadership roles.
Education remains a cornerstone of PDS Health’s commitment to the profession. Through the PDS Health College Advancement Program, eligible team members, including dental assistants, can receive 100% tuition coverage for undergraduate degrees, allowing them to further their education while maintaining full-time employment. This year, the organization is donating $40,000 to various dental assistant programs across the country, demonstrating its dedication to shaping the future of the profession and supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Additionally, PDS Health supports the PDS Foundation’s Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship, which provides tuition assistance, mentorship and hands-on training to aspiring dental assistants.
As part of Dental Assistants Recognition Week, practices nationwide will host special appreciation events to recognize the dedication and contributions of their dental assistants. At PDS Health, this commitment extends beyond a single week, as the organization continually works alongside dental assistants to support their evolving role in health care and ensure a strong future for the profession.
Benevis: Empowering Dental Assistants to Deliver Exceptional Care
Benevis, a dental healthcare delivery organization, also celebrates the immense impact dental assistants have on patient care. With over 750 dental assistants across 100 communities, Benevis serves more than 500,000 children and adults each year. The organization recognizes that dental assistants are integral to delivering high-quality care, especially in underserved areas. Bryan Carey, CEO of Benevis, expressed deep gratitude for the dental assistants on his team, acknowledging their pivotal role in both patient care and operational efficiency.
“We are honored to recognize the many incredible contributions of our dental assistants during this celebratory week. Their role is critical as part of our innovative care delivery model. We are tremendously grateful for our dental assistants and the value they bring to Benevis and our provider teams through their commitment to serving underserved communities, including children and their families.” – Bryan Carey, CEO of Benevis
Understanding the importance of continuous growth for all team members, Benevis offers ongoing education and advancement opportunities for dental assistants. The organization implemented a Dental Assistant Onboarding and Training Program two years ago, as a comprehensive introduction to Benevis operations with emphasis on dental assistants’ education during the first 60 days on the job.
Benevis has also created additional job classifications that recognize and compensate for the increased skills and capabilities dental assistants accomplish during their tenure with the company. This commitment ensures that dental assistants are well-equipped to provide the highest standard of care and are recognized for their essential role within the dental team.
“The model of care through Benevis allows me ample time with patients to build trusted relationships with them, while also developing my clinical skills through tasks such as X-rays and charting,” said Latavia Whittingham, dental assistant at Benevis-supported Sutton Dental & Braces. “By working as a team with other assistants, dental hygienists, and dentists, we can offer great care to more patients from underserved communities. I finish each day feeling accomplished that we’ve been able to support families in getting the care they need and deserve.”
In celebration of Dental Assistants Recognition Week, Benevis has organized personalized events across its offices to honor their dental assistants. These celebrations include gift baskets, in-office lunches, and other thoughtful treats. To support their continued development, Benevis has implemented an onboarding and training program for new dental assistants, focusing on both the operational aspects of the company and hands-on clinical skills.
Continuous Investment in the Profession
Both PDS Health and Benevis are unwavering in their commitment to creating meaningful career pathways for dental assistants. With a focus on education, leadership development, and continuous skill enhancement, both organizations are shaping the future of the dental assisting profession. By recognizing the contributions of dental assistants, celebrating their achievements, and investing in their growth, PDS Health and Benevis are ensuring that these vital team members continue to thrive in their roles and elevate patient care across the nation.
For more information on career opportunities for dental assistants,
visit PDS Health and Benevis.
About PDS Health
PDS Health™ is a leader in integrated healthcare support, continuing the mission of Pacific Dental Services® since 1994. The organization aims to redefine healthcare through the connection between oral and overall health, delivering a broad spectrum of services to dental, dental specialties, and medical providers nationwide. For more information, visit PDS Health.
About Benevis
Benevis is a prominent dental healthcare delivery organization committed to providing life-changing care to underserved communities. With a network of over 100 practices, Benevis delivers treatment to approximately 5 million individuals annually. For more information, visit Benevis.
