HENDERSON, Nev., March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PDS Health, a key player in healthcare support, is teaming up with the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) to mark Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW) from March 1 – 7, 2026. PDS Health is emphasizing its commitment to dental assistants through improved pay, career growth, and educational opportunities. Notably, the PDS Health Foundation recently celebrated 10 years and $2 million in scholarships dedicated to future dental assistants.
This week shines a spotlight on the vital role dental assistants play in providing top-notch patient care and ensuring smooth clinic operations. More than 6,500 dental assistants at PDS Health are essential in enhancing the patient experience and supporting clinical teams.
“Dental Assistants Recognition Week is a chance to honor the professionals who make great patient care happen every day,” said Stephen E. Thorne IV, Founder and CEO of PDS Health. He emphasized that dental assisting is as skilled a profession as medical assisting, as both involve significant patient interaction. PDS Health aims to invest in these professionals through education and career development to help elevate their roles.
Rosalinda Olague, Director of Dental Assistant Programs at PDS Health, stated, “Our dental assistants set the tone for every patient visit. This week celebrates their important contributions to teamwork and patient care. We’re dedicated to offering the training and resources that will help them grow in their careers.”
The PDS Health Foundation supports budding dental assistants through the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship, which recently hit a milestone of ten years and $2 million in funding. This program helps future dental assistants through tuition assistance, mentorship, and hands-on training.
PDS Health also provides several programs to enhance skill development:
- PDS Health University: Dental assistants have access to top-level training and professional growth. In 2025, they completed over 42,000 continuing education hours to stay updated in the field.
- Lead Dental Assistant Development Program: This expands pathways for dental assistants to move into leadership positions, offering mentorship and management training.
- College Advancement Program: This initiative covers 100% of tuition for undergraduate degrees for eligible team members, making higher education more attainable.
These commitments reflect a significant investment in the future of dental healthcare. In a recent survey, over 70% of dental assistants expressed a desire for more educational opportunities, highlighting a growing demand for support in their careers. This need for advancement in the field aligns with the mission of PDS Health and similar organizations, making this recognition week even more meaningful.
To learn more about the role of dental assistants and opportunities at PDS Health, visit pdshealth.com.
About PDS Health
PDS Health continues the journey that began in 1994 with a vision to integrate dental and medical services. The company’s approach connects oral health to overall well-being, aiming to foster healthier patients and set new standards in healthcare. For more information, visit pdshealth.com.
