Dear Readers,

Your world as a dental assistant is changing and expanding every day. New patients, different procedures, and improved products and equipment continually broaden your opportunities to learn and apply your knowledge. It’s a brand-new world—and yours for the taking.

The range of articles in this issue attests to the many ways you touch your patients’ lives. From helping render treatment for children with autistic spectrum disorders to making sure you have the most recent vaccinations, articles in this issue present a continuum of ideas and information. Equipping yourself with knowledge is the best way to be the most effective on the job. This is why Inside Dental Assisting is so essential.

I know you will be particularly inspired by our cover story on Lori Paschall, the American Dental Assistants Association President. She is a dental assistant who shows how far dental assistants can go with their knowledge and skills and how building networks helped nurture a successful career.

Also, I am pleased to announce that we have kicked off our 2014 Dental Assistant of the Year contest with this issue. After you visit DentalAssistantOfTheYear.com, nominate yourself or a colleague for this unique opportunity. If you win, you will be our cover story subject and experience a memorable trip to the American Dental Association’s annual meeting in San Antonio to receive your award.

Inside Dental Assisting looks forward to being your resource and inspiration all year long. Don’t forgot to follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and support our sponsors. We couldn’t do it without them.

Sincerely,

Karen A. Auiler
kauiler@aegiscomm.com