2006 Dental Assistants Recognition Week.

Thank you for sharing the many ideas you have had about observing DARW in all parts of the globe. We appreciate the time you took to develop and present these activities and the extra effort of sharing them with us. We are pleased to present all the entries from the 2006 DARW competition.

DENTAL ASSISTING SCHOOLS

FIRST PLACE

NORTH DAKOTA STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 

WAHPETON, ND

Presented by Lucinda Johnson

Students conducted a contest for all affiliated dental sites, inviting dentists to nominate their leading assistant with a letter of recommendation. Students chose the most deserving nominee for special recognition but presented all nominees with a card and pastries. A revolving sign at the entrance to the campus announced DARW and a table display was mounted with free toothpaste and brush-ups. Costumed students (Ms. Molar and Tooth Fairy) solicited funds to purchase toothbrushes for families in need. Health talks, campus clinic care, smile pins and bulletin boards rounded out the activities and a luncheon capped the Week.

SECOND PLACE

HERZING COLLEGE--LAKELAND ACADEMY

CRYSTAL, MN

Presented by Linda Boyum, CDA, RDA 

How to impress a student body? Let 'em eat cake. The dental assisting students served cake to all students in honor of DARW and then conducted a contest among themselves writing an essay on "Why I Chose to Become a Dental Assistant." As a result of guessing games (using saliva ejectors) and solicitations for donations, enough money was raised to donate 15 bears in the "Freedom Teddy Bear" fund.

ALSO NOTED

AMERICAN SCHOOL OF NURSING

FERN PARK, FL

Presented by Dana Wickman, CDA, EFDA 

The dental assisting faculty created goody bags for all clinical affiliation offices, and students were recognized each day of DARW with various prizes. On the last day, "Smile Bingo" was played and the winner received Billy Bob teeth.

THE BRYMAN SCHOOL WEST

PHOENIX, AZ

Presented by Vivian Koistmen

Table clinics were presented for the benefit of the eight other programs offered at this school. The clinics were aimed at student concerns such as smoking, tongue jewelry, sexually transmitted diseases and other topics. Students staffed the tables and answered questions. Tongue scrapers, mouth mirrors, floss and toothbrushes were explained and demonstrated.

COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO

TWIN FALLS, ID

Presented by Tonja Bowcut, CDA

A lot of public awareness was created by this school whose students appeared on local TV in the "Community Connection" program as well as placing articles in local newspapers outlining the purpose of DARW and providing information about dental assisting as a career. Students contacted local businesses and asked them to help promote, and an open house was held to showcase the school's new Dental Assisting lab on campus. ADAA 10th District Trustee Bonnie Marshall visited the campus for a day of continuing education on digital radiography.

HACIENDA LA PUENTE D.A. PROGRAM

LA PUENTE, CA

Presented by Gretchen Richardson, Instructor

A 24-member Headstart class was invited to join the D.A. students at this school and were given rides on the dental chairs, demos on tooth brushing and Super Tooth hand puppets the D.A. students had prepared. After a healthy snack, everybody sang the ABC song.

INDIANA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY 

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

Presented by Patricia A. Capps

All comprehensive care clinic assistants received flowers and candy, and a sign was posted in the clinic announcing DARW. The Magnificent Molar award--given for attitude, flexibility, team playing, mentoring and clinical ability--was presented to a clinical assistant and also the clinic's longest employed assistant was recognized for 11 years of service. Throughout the week, food treats were supplied along with a feeling of respect and appreciation for the dental assistants.

LUZERNE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 

NANTICOKE, PA

Presented by Donna S. Lepkoski, FADAA 

ADAA students of Luzerne College sold soy candles to raise money for Operation Smile during DARW. A total of $240 was collected and duly recognized in the college's newsletter.

NORTHEAST METROPOLITAN REGIONAL TECH/VOC HIGH SCHOOL

WAKEFIELD, MA

Presented by Rosemary Pisani, CDA

Preschool children enrolled in Northeast's child care program were invited into the dental clinic for a cavity prevention awareness day. Students organized a day that included a dental hygiene film, a dental bingo game, reading aloud from a book about teeth and brushing and flossing demonstrations. In appreciation for their efforts, D.A. students were awarded a "Makeover" Day at the school's cosmetology program.

ORLANDO TECH DENTAL ASSISTING

ORLANDO, FL

Presented by Denise Murphy, CDA, CDPMA, FADAA, EFDA

A Mary Kay Cosmetics consultant who is also a student in the program provided a day of beauty for D.A. students to kick off DARW. There was also a potluck luncheon. ADAA national President Debra Von Alman, CDA, RDA, and Executive Director Larry Sepin visited the class during DARW for continental breakfast and a dental trivia game, a special treat for the class and DARW.

REMINGTON COLLEGE

NASHVILLE, TN

Presented by Darryl L. Jones, CDA, and Evelyn Stevens, CDA, RDA

Creating posters depicting how they planned to "Deliver Excellence Throughout the World" was the first task of Remington's D.A. students. They also created an oral health information booth for the benefit of other students.

SANTA FE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 

SANTA FE, NM

Presented by Aamna Nayyar, B.Sc., BDS 

The first observation of DARW at this school brought the distribution of sweets and thank-you notes to all D.A. students and dental assistants on board. A writing contest was conducted among the D.A. students and "thank-you" notes were sent to all dental assistants in northern New Mexico.

SEA TAC OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS CENTER

SEATTLE, WA

Presented by Carol Scharnikow

Students created a large bulletin board about oral health and dental assisting for display at the main entrance of the school. They also arranged a gubernatorial proclamation in honor of DARW and each dental assistant received a red rose and a certificate of appreciation.

SEATTLE VOCATIONAL INSTITUTE 

SEATTLE, WA

Presented by Margaret M. Camden

A diverse student body celebrated the DARW theme of "Excellence Throughout the World" and focused on bringing DARW to Headstart because of its multicultural population. Nutritional information was provided along with preventive oral health tips. ADAA membership is high among students at SVI, and all D.A. students were honored at a luncheon and received DARW pins and Make America Smile pins.

SOUTH FLORIDA COMMUNITY COLLEGE 

AVON PARK, FL

Presented by Bobby A. Sconyers

The weekend before DARW, students held a car wash and raised $200 to be spent on events. These funds were then spent presenting intern offices with doughnuts and coffee mugs filled with sweet treats. A thank-you note accompanied the gifts.

WALKER CAREERS CENTER

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

Presented by Candy Ryan, CDA

The week began with attendance at the Indianapolis DA Society's monthly meeting. Tooth-shaped cookies were served and students were presented with goody bags filled with oral hygiene items. Cards were created and delivered to dental offices on the school's advisory board, and at the school's annual Career Fest the reasons for becoming a dental assistant were presented. A pizza party and presentation of the ADAA Pledge and Creed wrapped up the week for all Center D.A. students.

WEST KENTUCKY COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

PADUCAH, KY

Presented by Carrie Russell

Students wanted to create a feeling of appreciation throughout the community, and so on Thursday, March 10, they assembled long-stemmed pink roses and attached thoughtful cards. These were hand delivered by the students to assistants in dental offices throughout the community--a way of saying thank you for dedication and professionalism.

DENTAL ASSISTING ASSOCIATIONS

FIRST PLACE

WASHTENAW DISTRICT DAS

WASHTENAW, MI

Presented by Gwen Graham-Feldkamp, CDA, RDA

Washtenaw chose the occasion of DARW to celebrate its 50th anniversary with tiaras, noncaloric cake candles, flowers and party horns. At their celebration, everyone got a heart-shaped goody basket filled with dental products. There was a hands-on class for making "toothprints" and several other pertinent educational offerings and a luncheon and complimentary hot wax hand therapy treatment.

SECOND PLACE

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA DAS

DALLAS, PA

Presented by Elizabeth Manzoni

A member of this local component wrote and placed an article on the importance of the dental assistant's role in dentistry that appeared in their community news along with a mention of DARW on the front page. The article, surrounded by ads from local dentists recognizing the D.A., comprised a full page in the paper. A social gathering that featured a dental assisting CE presentation was also offered during DARW.

ALSO NOTED

NORTH DAKOTA DAA 

Presented by Lucinda Johnson

Postcards were mailed to all dental offices in North Dakota reminding dentists of DARW. Students of two dental assisting classes were invited to an NDDAA meeting at which prizes were given and students saw demonstrated the importance of association membership. As a result of the postcard, many area dentists invited their assistants out for lunch and well-deserved recognition.

SOUTH CAROLINA DENTAL ASSISTANTS ASSOCIATION

Presented by Lois Bell, CDA

The SCDAA presented checks in the amount of $2,000 each to the Greenville Free Medical Clinic and the Lexington County Children's Dental Clinic in honor of Dental Assistants Recognition Week. The Greenville Free Medical Clinic opened for medical services in 1987. Dental services were added in 1994. Last year, over 1,200 dental patients were seen. The Lexington County Children's Dental Clinic began in 1989 and is part of the Family Service Center of South Carolina. Annually, the Children's Dental Clinic treats over 1,000 children, providing free comprehensive dental care. Most of their patients are referred through school nurses.

DENTAL OFFICES

FIRST PLACE

CHILDREN'S DENTAL CARE

BATESVILLLE, IN

Presented by Brian Warner

Staff members were recognized with an ad in the local paper listing each D.A. by name and creating a very positive response from the patient base who enjoyed seeing the names they recognized from office visits. Each assistant received a card with a certificate for extra vacation days as well as a gift certificate from Bath & Body Works.

SECOND PLACE

PERFECT SMILE DENTISTRY

WELLINGTON, FL

Presented by Lisa M. Field

An interview by the local paper and a photo with all the assistants wearing a Making America Smile T-shirt set the tone for DARW in this practice. As the week unfolded there were luncheons and a brunch and the publication of the interview that delighted the staff. To celebrate that milestone they arranged to visit a local grade school and provided toothbrushes, toothpaste and a presentation on preventive dentistry, elementary style.

ALSO NOTED

ALAMEDA PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 

ALAMEDA, CA

Presented by Sandy Wakamatsu, RDA

A long, relaxed luncheon and a scavenger hunt was an unusual way to honor this staff during DARW. As their business manager says, "We can't honor them enough--we couldn't do it without them."

THE OFFICE OF DR. MURPHY AND DR. WELZEL

BALTIMORE, MD

Presented by Chante Green, CDA, QDA 

This team decorated their offices with "Support Your Dental Assistant" signs and welcomed the opportunity to visit a local grade school and demonstrate how to brush and floss and fight plaque. At the close of the week, the D.A.s accepted the doctors' thanks and a very nice luncheon.

PERFECTION DENTAL

CLARKSTON, WA

Presented by Robin J. Henderson, DDS 

All week long homemade snacks prepared by the doctor herself treated the staff, and on the last day a cookie bouquet with tooth- and toothbrush-shaped cookies was presented to each assistant. An evening dinner as a group and a card and photo in the ADA's DARW picture frame was a lasting souvenir of the Week.

PROGRESSIVE DENTAL

CONKLIN, NY

Presented by Cindy Blair

Banners proclaiming DARW were hung in all three of the practice's offices and a personalized certificate of excellence was presented to each assistant along with a key chain bearing the slogan "Together Everyone Achieves More." At the close of the week all offices celebrated with cakes.

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

FIRST PLACE

CREATIVE ARTS DENTAL LAB, INC.

SACRAMENTO, CA

Presented by Valerie Penrod

This dental lab observed DARW and honored dental assistants in a variety of ways: notes on bags on all completed cases from their office during DARW; the notes lauded and applauded D.A.s both seriously and with gentle humor. Breath mints and candies were also delivered to all offices connected with the Lab. On March 8th Creative Arts hosted DARN: Dental Assistant Recognition Night with each attending D.A. receiving a chance to spin the prize wheel, a Dental Diva T-shirt, goody bags and a delicious dinner.

SECOND PRIZE

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MT, DENTAL STAFF

Presented by M/Sgt Michael Roy, NCOIC 

A week of fun and games began with a scavenger hunt, then there was a "Who's That Baby" contest and still another day brought a contest to match the pet to the family, then match the motto to the person. Finally Friday came and a pizza and bowling bash was provided with prizes donated by air base doctors.

HONORABLE MENTION

ULTRADENT PRODUCTS, INC.

LAS VEGAS, NV

Presented by Victoria Wallace, CDA, RDA

Seventy-five percent of Ultradent sales reps are dental assistants who definitely understand the importance of the D.A. in the dental practice. During DARW, these reps presented over 15,000 gold DARW stickers to dental assistants along with recognition fliers sent out with every order placed during the Week: over 12,000!

ALSO NOTED

DELAWARE VALLEY JOB CORPS

CALLICOON, NY

Presented by Mary Ann Hollenbaugh

"Dental Assistants Make America Smile" was the slogan on the banners in the facility's main hallways, dorms and cafeteria. Students collected and disseminated information on blood pressure and took pressure readings at a health fair. A newsletter concerning oral health and explaining DARW was created and distributed. Corsages, pins and certificates of appreciation were presented to the D.A. trainees.

U.S. AIR FORCE ENTRIES

52nd DENTAL SQUADRON SPANGDAHLEM AFB, GERMANY Presented by Dr. Jeffrey Moeller, Capt., USAF, DC

An hour-long radio interview with a leading base dental technician promoted DARW on radio to start off the Week and the next day opened with breakfast prepared and served to D.A.s by the doctors of the Squadron; later that week, a dinner was provided. Base access TV presented a power-point show on dental assisting throughout the week and two large marquees at bases' entrances offered congratulations to the squadrons D.A.s

96TH DENTAL SQUADRON EGLIN AFB, FL Presented by Brenda D. Bennett, NCOIC

The dedicated military and civilian assistants of the Squadron were honored with banners placed strategically throughout the dental clinic. A week-long calendar of events included breakfast, luncheons, bowling and a beach party picnic.

97TH MEDICAL OPERATIONS SQUADRON/ DENTAL FLIGHT ALTUS AFB, OK Presented by T/Sgt Robyn Nuss, NCOIC

Base dental assistants were recognized in many ways including base-centered radio/TV and newspaper coverage, banners, buffets, certificates, plaques and flowers. In closing, the "Dental Flight Toothbrush" was proudly raised.

U.S. ARMY DENTAL COMMAND ENTRIES

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUNDS, MD Presented by SFC Rooks 

Following the lead of the Academy Awards, D.A.s received "star treatment" as they entered the clinic and were greeted with a poster in the patient waiting area like a star in the Walk of Fame. This theme with photos was carried out throughout the clinic. Each day featured treats and activities and a last day "red carpet" exit.

FT. CAMPBELL, KY Presented by COL Mark N. McDonald

A proclamation declaring March 5-11 DARW was signed by the Installation Commander and articles were carried in both post publications. Dentists and senior NCOs hosted luncheons for clinics individually and as a group and Ft. Campbell Dental Activity sports water bottles were presented to D.A.s as a gift of appreciation.

FT. GEORGE G. MEADE, MD Presented by Deanna Benicewicz

Each morning of the Week, D.A.s were offered a different breakfast treat provided by the clinic doctors, and luncheon and flowers were presented by the hygienists and Expanded Function D.A.s as well. A field trip to a nearby restaurant for a special luncheon was also provided as well as time off as a show of appreciation.

FT. GORDON, GA Presented by SGT Xavier Creekmur and 1SG Court-right "Best Ever" DARW featured many treats on a daily basis such as Groovy Muffin Monday, ice cream on "Too Cool Tuesday," pizza luncheon, chocolate goodys and much much more because Ft. Gordon considers itself the home to some of the world's finest dental assistants.

U.S. DENTAC-HAWAII Presented by 1SG Purcelle Harris

A BBQ on the headquarters lawn was provided with officers serving and thanking each dental assistant personally. A traditional Hawaiian lei and personalized certificate were presented to each assistant.

FT. HUACHUCA, AZ Presented by SSG Maria I. Walker

A Friday luncheon was held to celebrate DARW and featured a cake with photo collage of all the D.A.s. Doctors funded the event and NCOs prepared and served. From the enlisted fund, a large, colorful fish tank was purchased for the clinic.

FT. IRWIN, CA Presented by Col. George Hucal

"You are the Heart of What We Do" was Ft. Irwin's special theme for DARW and appreciation was shown through food, fun and games, which included a pie-in-the-face fundraiser. Presents included free movie passes and a personalized certificate of appreciation.

FT. JACKSON, SC Presented by COL Richard Nichols

Signage on the camp's main marquee announced DARW, and both civilian and military D.A.s were guests at luncheons sponsored by clinic doctors. A drawing for door prizes capped the fun.

FT. LEE DENTAL CLINIC, VA Presented by SFC Tomaruin Polite

Roses and a certificate of appreciation were presented to D.A.s at a luncheon that was provided by DENTAC but served by the senior dental NCO.

FT. LEONARD WOOD, MO Presented by COL Ronald Mikaloff

A pizza party, goody bags and daily theme basket raffle were featured at Harper Clinic during DARW, and Roll Clinic provided breakfast, luncheon and roses for its D.A.s. A slide show presentation and cake to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the Dental Corps concluded the week's activities.

FT. POLK, LA Presented by SFC Robie Bivens

Each dental clinic at Ft. Polk provided its own activities during DARW and all included luncheons, pastry treats and a recognition ceremony.

FT. RILEY, KS Presented by LTC Nancy Elliston

For DARW, Ft. Riley turned its dental assistants into DENTAC princesses with a feast and a Disney cake. A mermaid (a.k.a. the clinic hygienist) presented prizes for a hat decorating contest and hand-painted pencil holders with appropriate thanks for the care given to Ft. Riley's soldiers.

FT. RUCKER, AL Presented by Linda Wimes

A huge banner surprised and greeted assistants returning to the Brown Clinic on March 6, and a picture of the Fort's D.A.s appeared in the local newspaper (The Army Flyer) in recognition of DARW. A catered lunch and framed certificates of appreciation were presented.

FT. WAINWRIGHT/FT. RICHARDSON, AK Presented by SFC Gravelin

A message on the entrance marquee announced DARW, and each morning brought breakfast treats to the resident assistants. A midweek luncheon was provided at which goody bags and certificates of recognition were presented. There was also bowling and tours of Permafrost Tunnel. All events were funded by officers, doctors and NCOIC of the clinics.

DENTAL CLINIC WALTER REED ARMY MEDICAL CENTER WASHINGTON, DC Presented by SGT Mary Spears

Red and blue stars trimmed the halls and honored the D.A.s during DARW, and each day continental breakfast was provided along with gift drawings. Assistants were invited to a continuing education lecture at which they were recognized and presented with carnations. Four assistants were honored with "Top Gun" awards and all were presented with certificates of appreciation and a trip to a nearby restaurant for a festive lunch.

BAUMHOLDER DENTAL CLINIC GERMANY Presented by COL Walter F. Rongey, Commander

The local TV channel and the main gate marquee heralded DARW, and the week started with a flower and a card from the Commander thanking each D.A. A luncheon prepared by the doctors was provided as well as an afternoon of bowling and pizza, and civilian assistants received extra time off.

HEIDELBERG DENTAL ACTIVITY GERMANY Presented by SFC Scott Martini

The 11 dental clinics of Heidelberg Dental Activity conducted several DARW activities hosting breakfasts and luncheons throughout the week and climaxing with the assembling of all the more than 115 D.A.s for recognition and the presentation of individualized certificates of appreciation. The ceremony was televised by AFN-Europe.

WUERZBURG DENTAL ACTIVITY, GERMANY Presented by Carol Bartoschek

Highlight of the week was a field trip to the Roentgen Museum to learn about Conrad Roentgen and his discovery of the X-ray. This was followed by a luncheon in a local restaurant. Commemorative gifts, a cake and a pizza party were also included during DARW and all assistants received certificates of appreciation. During the Week, many assistants visited CDC and elementary school bringing the message of oral hygiene to the students.

DENTAC IRAQ ANACONDA, BALAD, IRAQ Presented by Dianne D. Pannes, LTC

Manifesting well-deserved gratitude during DARW is a real challenge in a combat zone as is providing professional dental care to soldiers involved. Appropriately, in a wartime setting and during the month of March, SPC Lynne Botchers, 91 E Dental Assistant, 502nd Dental Company, Ft. Hood, Texas, was recognized by Major General Grushka (The Polish Commanding General at Camp Echo, Diwanitah, Iraq) for superbly accomplishing his critical role due to his high level of commitment and outstanding support of the Coalition Forces. This was acknowledged by presenting him with the distinguished MND-CS Medal.

DENTAL COMMAND LIVORNO, ITALY Presented by LTC Craig Patterson

Armed Forces Radio recognized DARW and so did the leadership at Camp Darby with presentations of individual certificates of appreciation and a decorated cake and refreshments. A novel twist was the four-page dental-related quiz that earned D.A.s 10 minutes off for each correct answer. There was also a breakfast and a luncheon and a tour of one of Tuscany's oldest basilicas.

DENTAL COMMAND VICENZA, ITALY Presented by SSG Danielle Font

A cake-cutting ceremony, small gifts and thank-you cards started DARW at Vicenza, and later in the week doctors served a full breakfast catered by a local restaurant. On Thursday, D.A.s were treated to luncheon in the post's VIP dining room.

DENTAL COMMAND JAPAN

D.A.s were recognized on three levels: community, personal and clinical. There were local newspaper articles, banners and posters for the community, and doctors prepared and served D.A.s breakfast where they were presented with a thank-you card and a unit coin. On the clinical level, they were treated to a full day of activities (see photo on Journal front cover), an elegant brunch and a cruise on Yokohama Bay.