Dental Assistant Week – March 2-8

The dental assistant profession, which officially began in 1885, has deep historical roots that trace back to 7000 B.C., during the early days of dentistry. Archaeological discoveries suggest that dentistry was practiced as far back as the Stone Age in the Indus Valley, where early dental procedures were carried out using bow drills. In 5000 B.C., an ancient Sumerian text described the belief that tooth worms were the cause of dental decay, a theory that persisted across ancient civilizations such as India, Egypt, Japan, and China. This misconception even made its way into the Homeric Hymns, and it wasn’t until the 1700s that the idea was finally challenged.

By the 19th century, dentistry had evolved into a recognized profession, marked by milestones such as the establishment of the first dental school in 1840, the formation of the American Dental Association (ADA) in 1859, and the invention of new dental tools and techniques. In 1885, Dr. Edmund Kells, a dentist from New Orleans, is credited with pioneering the role of the dental assistant when he invited his wife to assist him in his practice. As his practice grew, Kells hired another woman, Malvina Cueria, to work as a full-time dental assistant. The addition of assistants not only helped Kells improve his practice but also attracted more female patients. By the end of the 19th century, other dental offices began to advertise “Ladies in Attendance” to appeal to female clients.

The first dental assistant organization was founded in Nebraska in 1917, followed by another in New York in 1921. After the first national convention of dental assistants in 1924, the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) was established in 1925. In honor of the profession's growth and significance, the ADAA later introduced Dental Assistants Recognition Week to celebrate the vital role dental assistants play in supporting dental professionals and contributing to public dental health.