The Dental Assistants' Professional Association

04/04/2026

🐰 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝗔𝗣𝗔!

To all our dental assistants and practice teams working over the long weekend, and to everyone else enjoying a well-earned break, thank you. Your contribution to the profession is valued every day.

Whether you are caring for patients or spending time with family and friends, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable Easter (and don’t forget your toothbrush).

Wishing our whole DAPA community a happy Easter 🐣🪥

26/03/2026

👉 DAPA Representing Dental Assistants at ADX 2026!
Dental assistants are the backbone of every dental practice - and at ADX Sydney 26 - 28 March, DAPA will make sure your profession is seen, heard and supported nationally.

Come meet our team at Stand 135 to:
✔️ Connect with Australia’s peak dental assistant body
✔️ Explore professional development opportunities
✔️ Share your experiences and learn from industry leaders

📍 ICC Sydney | 26–28 March 2026
💬 Let’s shape the future of dental assisting - together!

👉 Visit ADX Sydney 2026 now: https://www.adx.sydney/

See you here!

19/03/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁!
A big thank you to everyone who joined our 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 webinar. The level of engagement, questions and discussion showed just how important this topic is for our profession.

We covered the 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, what they mean in practice, and how Dental Assistants can approach conversations with confidence and clarity.

A huge thank you to our 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹, 𝗛𝗥 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 for sharing their insights and helping break this down in a practical, easy-to-understand way.

If you couldn’t make it live, or want to revisit the key takeaways…

👉 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻-𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/hJu6KmYK5JVYKv9BpQcANA3AMo53cFUbdH39BpybBYhooH-mW812HgDc4hZ7hxyK.stwSaD2n6E2c1Qh-?startTime=1773818184000

18/03/2026

🦷 World Oral Health Day - 20 March 2026
A happy mouth is a healthy mouth! Quality oral care is especially important for older adults, impacting comfort, nutrition, and overall well-being.

This WOHD26, make a difference with small daily actions:
🪥 Assist with brushing twice daily using fluoride toothpaste
🪥 Clean between teeth and care for dentures daily
🪥 Monitor and manage dry mouth
🪥 Support regular dental check-ups

Every step counts toward comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

Learn more: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/prevention/Pages/oral-health-carer-support-kit.aspx

💙 What is one step you’ll be taking toward good oral health today? Tell us in the comments!

17/03/2026

🚨 24 hours to go 🚨

Our upcoming webinar, Dental Assistant Pay Changes: What You Need to Know, is almost here and over 90% of places have already been filled.

The recent Fair Work Commission decision has introduced structural Award changes, new classifications, and a two-stage implementation process. There has been a lot of discussion and a lot of confusion.

This webinar will break it down in clear, practical terms so you understand:

• What the changes actually mean
• How the implementation will work
• What to consider before workplace conversations

You will hear directly from legal, HR and sector representatives who have been closely following the decision.

📅 Wednesday, 18 March
⏰ 6:30 pm AEDT
💻 Live online

If you have been meaning to register, now is the time.

Register now https://go.savemymarketing.com/HWU177

12/03/2026

One week to go!

Do you fully understand what the new structural Award changes mean for you?

There has been a lot of discussion about the Fair Work Commission decision, but many dental assistants are still unsure how these changes apply in real workplaces.

Join us next week for a live webinar where legal, HR and sector experts will explain it in clear, practical terms.

𝗗𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂
18 March 2026 | 6:30 pm AEDT
Live online

This session supports your understanding, confidence and career development.

Register via the link in bio!

07/03/2026

Today, we celebrate the achievements, leadership, and impact of women in our communities and across the world.

A special acknowledgement to the women Dental Assistants who show up every day with skill, care, and professionalism - supporting patients, strengthening teams, and helping dentistry deliver its best.

Your work matters. Your voice matters. Your future matters.

Happy International Women’s Day. 💜

03/03/2026

Confused about the Fair Work Commission decision on Dental Assistant pay and classifications?

DAPA is here to support you.

Join our free live webinar to hear directly from legal, HR and sector representatives as we explain:

• New minimum pay rates
• Implementation timelines
• Updated classifications
• What this means for you

Stay informed, understand your rights, and prepare with confidence.

Register now 👉🏻 https://go.savemymarketing.com/HWU177

25/02/2026

🚨 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 - 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄

The Fair Work Commission has handed down its final decision on Dental Assistant pay and classifications.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂?

Join DAPA for a free live webinar where you will hear directly from 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹, 𝗛𝗥 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀, and have the recent Award changes explained, including:

✔️ The new minimum pay rates
✔️ The two-stage implementation timeline
✔️ The updated classification structure
✔️ How to prepare for workplace conversations

This is an important milestone for our profession. Make sure you understand what is changing, 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂.

🔗 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘄: https://go.savemymarketing.com/HWU177
We look forward to supporting you with clear, reliable information.

25/02/2026

🚨 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 - 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄

The Fair Work Commission has handed down its final decision on Dental Assistant pay and classifications.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂?

Join DAPA for a free live webinar where you will hear directly from 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹, 𝗛𝗥 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀, and have the recent Award changes explained, including:

✔️ The new minimum pay rates
✔️ The two-stage implementation timeline
✔️ The updated classification structure
✔️ How to prepare for workplace conversations

This is an important milestone for our profession. Make sure you understand what is changing, 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂.

🔗 Register now: https://go.savemymarketing.com/HWU177
We look forward to supporting you with clear, reliable information.

24/02/2026

🦷✨ 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸! ✨🦷

While Dental Assistants Recognition Week™ is a U.S.-based observance, here at DAPA we want to honour the incredible dental assistants across Australia.

The 2026 theme, “𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀,” shines a spotlight on the essential role dental assistants play in 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀, 𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿-𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱.

🪥💙 Thank you for everything you do - your profession, your contribution and your commitment deserve recognition!

🎉 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺? 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄!

19/02/2026

🚨 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 – 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄

Our CEO, Marty Thomas, was recently interviewed by Bite Magazine to discuss the growing dental assistant workforce shortage across Australia.

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 new dental assistants leave their roles within weeks -- a concerning trend that is placing increasing pressure on practices and, ultimately, patient care nationwide.

Key findings from DAPA’s recent workforce report, ‘𝘿𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 – 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙖’, include:
• 20% of new assistants leave within 45 days
• Low wages and high part-time roles contribute to attrition
• Lack of formal training and career pathways fuels “silent leaving”

Marty emphasised “𝙒𝙚 𝙤𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙨 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨.”

The report outlines urgent reforms needed to address this crisis, including fair pay, structured training and formal career pathways for dental assistants.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲:
🔗 https://www.bitemagazine.com.au/dental-assistants-in-short-supply-2/

With one in five dental assistants leaving their roles within weeks, the sector is heading for a crisis unless key reforms are implemented, and soon. By John Burfitt When Martin Thomas speaks about the state of Australia’s dental assistant workforce, he offers this blunt assessment. “We have suc...