PDS Health, a prominent integrated healthcare support organization, is partnering with the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) to honor Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW), observed March 1–7, 2026. In recognition of the occasion, the organization is spotlighting its ongoing commitment to dental assistants through enhanced pay initiatives, expanded leadership training, education support programs, and a significant milestone for the PDS Health Foundation’s Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship. The scholarship program is celebrating 10 years of impact, with $2 million invested in helping aspiring dental assistants pursue their careers.

Dental Assistants Recognition Week celebrates the skill, dedication, and vital contributions dental assistants make to patient care and the smooth functioning of clinical environments. Within PDS Health, more than 6,500 dental assistants support providers, streamline practice operations, and help ensure patients receive quality care in a welcoming setting.

“Dental Assistants Recognition Week gives us the opportunity to acknowledge the professionals who play a key role in delivering exceptional care every day,” said Stephen E. Thorne IV, Founder and CEO of PDS Health. He noted that dental assisting requires advanced clinical knowledge and strong patient engagement skills, comparable to other allied health professions. He added that the organization remains focused on supporting dental assistants through continuing education, career progression opportunities, and comprehensive professional resources, while encouraging broader advancement across the field.

Rosalinda Olague, RDA, Director of Dental Assistant Programs and School Relations at PDS Health, emphasized the importance of dental assistants in shaping patient experiences. She highlighted that DARW serves as a moment to recognize their impact on clinical quality, collaboration, and patient confidence. She also reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to equipping dental assistants with the mentorship, education, and tools needed to grow professionally and take on leadership roles.

A key part of this effort is the PDS Health Foundation’s Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship program, which recently marked a decade of service and $2 million in funding dedicated to tuition assistance, mentorship, and practical training for future dental assistants.
PDS Health further supports dental assistants through several initiatives:

PDS Health University™
Dental assistants have access to comprehensive training and professional development resources. In 2025 alone, they completed more than 42,000 hours of continuing education, helping maintain current clinical expertise and advance their skills.

Lead Dental Assistant Development Program
Designed to prepare dental assistants for leadership positions, this program offers structured advancement pathways, mentorship, and management training. This year, the initiative is expanding to reach more participants, complemented by the nationwide “Lead DA Charge” event, which delivers hands-on leadership training to hundreds of dental assistants.

College Advancement Program
Education remains a core priority. Through the PDS Health College Advancement Program, eligible team members — including dental assistants — can receive full tuition coverage for undergraduate degrees, enabling them to pursue higher education while continuing their careers in dental healthcare.

Click here to know more about career opportunities for dental assistants at PDS Health.

Autoshop Answers is proud to unveil significant enhancements to its 2026 Training Calendar. The updated schedule includes newly added dates, all-new courses, special guest instructors, and additional host locations—making it easier than ever for automotive shop owners and leaders nationwide to access high-impact education.

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These additions reinforce Autoshop Answers’ commitment to helping shop owners increase profitability, strengthen operations, and develop scalable, high-performing teams. Participants will also gain exposure to core principles of the proven Key2Key methodology, developed by Todd Hayes:
https://www.autoshopanswers.com/key-to-key-to-call-backs-2025