I support the act to require Infection Control certification among DAs. As a current certified dental assistant, I have met many DAs that have been assisting in the office for many years, yet have never taken any accredited education courses relevant to the dental field. As a result, many new DAs that have been hired without certification are limited to understanding what they are taught in that office. I've noticed this creates assistants that do what they're told, without a full understanding of the why's and how's. The DA spends a lot of time with the patients and is expected to be fully knowledgeable. The patients are trusting our knowledge. 

   The current pandemic has complicated and strained many. Why not move on with professionals that are strengthened in how to handle infectious diseases for the future?