(November 2, 2015) Chicago: To best serve the interests and professional needs of America’s more than 300,000 dental assistants, the ADAA Foundation is now the Dental Assistants Foundation (DAF). The DAF is independent of the American Dental Assistants Association. 

The announcement from Foundation Chair Ellen Landis, Director, Operations Training and Development for Affordable Care, Inc., includes the intention to re-focus and re-brand its support to all constituents of Dental Assistants. Dental Assistants with expanded functions, as well as clinical and administrative assistants will benefit from the fundraising efforts of the organization. The Foundation will continue to strive for greater recognition and appreciation for donors, both corporate and individual whom share in the vision of elevating the profession. 

The DAF will continue the commitment begun in 1993 as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit to enhance the standards, and skills within the Dental Assisting profession. DAF fund raising is used for the support of education, scholarship, research and special programs benefiting the profession and the protection of America’s dental health. 

Beginning in 2016, new initiatives will include a robust social media campaign with a new website (DAFoundation.net) to attract today’s dental assistant. DAF will be conducting research to determine the needs of dental assistants, both professional and personal and will identify and support programs that meet those needs. For more information on the DAF or to donate please contact Jen Blake at jenblakecda@indy.rr.com.