Dental Assistant Nation

In this episode, host Kevin Henry tells a story about how a recent random act of gratitude reminded him of how important saying "thank you" is to each of us, every day. Is the attitude of gratitude flowing through your practice? If so, awesome. If not, let's get that started with some ideas here.

In this episode, Laura Skarnulis, the CEO of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and the Dental Advancement through Learning and Education Foundation (the DALE Foundation), joins the show to discuss how her organizations are tackling the shortage of dental assistants and how she sees their role in dentistry changing. A timely listen for assistants and those looking to find and hire them. Le...

In this very important episode, Dr. Parul Dua Makkar joins the show to discuss the dental assistant's role in oral cancer screenings and why she is so passionate about the topic. Dr. Makkar's younger brother, a dentist, lost his battle with oral cancer, and she discusses the impact that has made on her and why screenings are so important. You can learn more about her and the book that is a tribute...

In this episode, dental consultant Michelle Affanato joins the show to discuss some surveying she has done of dentists to ask them what they are looking for in their dental assistants. With today's hiring puzzle still in place, the information she gathered is interesting and may surprise you. She can be reached at michelle@affinitymanagementcons.com.

Debra Engelhardt-Nash joins the show to discuss how she has seen dental assistants serve in such a key role every day in the dental practice when it comes to the patient accepting or rejecting treatment. In this fast-moving conversation, she gives some tips to assistants on how to become even more valuable and successful in this process. For more information on her, visit https://debraengelhardtna...

In this episode, dental consultant Shawn Peers stops by to discuss why he believes every dental assistant can be a leader in the practice. Let's talk about unearthing those hidden leadership traits and how they can help assistants have a more fulfilling career.

As Dental Assistants Recognition Week begins, perhaps it's time to make it Dental Assistants Rejuvenation Week as well. Let's talk about rediscovering your professional passion and what it means to have passion and happiness working together in your career. We're live from Scottsdale, Ariz., for this must-listen episode.

In this episode, Jenn St. Pierre, RDA, of MyRemoteDentalAssistant.com stops by the show to talk about what it means to be a remote dental assistant and how it is helping dental assistants and dental practices work together in a streamlined effort that can benefit both sides. We're talking technology and dentistry in this episode, so come join us!

In this episode, consultant Lynne Leggett joins the show to discuss what she is seeing with dental assistants and burnout in today's dental environment and offers some ideas for those who are either already burned out or feeling like they are dangerously close to that. A must- listen for every dental assistant.

In this episode, Dental Assistant Nation host Kevin Henry breaks down some of the things that dental assistants love about their careers in dentistry, as well as how they can find more fulfillment in the dental practice.

Just how important are job descriptions in today's dental practice? Why should a dental assistant make sure his or hers is accurate and up to date? We asked dental consultant Dayna Johnson what she has seen when she works with dental practices and how dental team members can make sure they are being protected and given every option possible to work smarter, not harder.

In a special crossover episode, Kirk Behrendt from The Best Practices Show joins in with Dental Assistant Nation's Kevin Henry to tackle some of the questions asked by dentist and dental assistant attendees at the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention about each other and their relationship in the practice. Some real talk with real answers in a very unique episode.

In this episode, Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas once again joins the show to talk on a myriad of topics, including what she has seen from her vantage point in terms of hiring and the key traits dental assistants must have before fitting into a practice's culture. A must-listen for every dental assistant and dentist as well.

In this episode, IgniteDA co-founder Kevin Henry discusses a memorable meal in Italy and the lesson he learned from a man who didn't speak English, but served up a delicious plate of spinach and pork. What does this lesson have to do with your dental practice? Plenty, as Kevin discusses in this episode.

In this episode, long-time dental assistant Mila McNeely joins the show to discuss how she believes dental assistants can be an asset when it comes to the oral health of African-Americans. An important way to start off 2023!

It's nearing the end of 2022 and IgniteDA co-founder Kevin Henry has a message for every dental assistant out there as the year winds down.

In this episode, IgniteDA co-founder Kevin Henry shares his thoughts about acknowledging milestones along life's journey and giving yourself the freedom to celebrate and breathe during them as well as at the end of the year. A short, quick-hitting must-listen as the holidays approach.

In this episode, Dr. Grace Yum, the founder and CEO of Mommy Dentists in Business, joins the show to discuss what she is hearing from female dentists about working with their teams and how the rise of females in the practice is changing the industry. She also discusses communication tips for within the practice and more.

In this episode, Kelly Tanner, PhD, RDH, joins the show to give advice on how to navigate the tricky path of difficult conversations in the dental practice. She shares her advice compiled through the years as a dental team member and consultant.

Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas joins the program to talk about what she has seen in her young career working with dental assistants and what advice she would give to dentists and assistants about their skills and working relationship with each other, as well as the relationship with patients. This wide-ranging interview provides plenty of insights for both sides of the chair.

Dr. Chelsea Fosse joins the show to discuss some of the findings from a recent study done by the American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute on the state of today's dental assistant, including satisfaction with job and career, plus a look at what benefits are desired and if the job market is really changing. What does the outlook look like for assistants in 2023? We ask Dr. Fosse in a wi...

Tom Viola, RPh, dental's pharmacology expert, joins the show to discuss what he is hearing about the rise of anti-depressants as the holidays approach and how dental assistants need to not only be on the lookout for patients who might be struggling, but also know the warning signs to take care of their own mental health as well. A timely and important discussion.

In this episode, Amanda Hill, RDH, joins the show to talk about how dental assistants can have more patience and kindness to each other and patients as the end of the year approaches and stress levels might be rising. With stress levels on the rise, this is a show that can help lower blood pressure and change perspectives.

In this episode, Kyle Zak of DentalPost joins the show to talk about the company's recent job and salary survey that covers the entire dental industry, including what is going on with dental assistants. In this quick-paced interview, we talk about the hiring crisis and what lies ahead for dental assistants and dental practices.

In this episode recorded at ADA's SmileCon 2022, Sameer Bhasin of CareCredit joins the show to give tips to dental assistants on how to have more productive conversations about treatment costs and patient financing in the dental practice. When the conversation turns to money, how can assistants best help patients understand what's truly best for them? We talk about that and more in this informatio...