Dental Assistant Nation

Did you know being a great coworker can actually make your job easier and more enjoyable? When the team works well together, everything gets easier. In this episode of Dental Assistant Nation, Kevin Henry talks with Monica Satake about how being a great coworker can improve your day-to-day experience as a dental assistant. Monica shares real, simple ways to build better relationships at work. It s...

Did you know the California Dental Assistants Association is no longer part of the ADAA? The split is real, and it could be a sign of bigger shifts ahead. What does this mean for the profession, for state associations, and for dental assistants? We’re diving into the “why” behind the separation and what happens next. Shari Becker shares what led to the decision, how members have responded, and wha...

The ADA introduced a new role. Is the Oral Preventive Assistant a problem for Dental Assistants? Everyone in dentistry is talking about something big. For dental assistants, this change feels like a direct challenge to their daily work. The American Dental Association's proposed Oral Preventive Assistant role could redefine work, value, and entire career paths. Are assistants about to take on more...

When dentists and dental assistants support each other, everything gets better In this episode, Dr. Alan Stern opens up about the hidden tension that lives inside many dental practices—not between patients and staff, but between dentists and dental assistants themselves. He shares why miscommunication, lack of feedback, and unspoken expectations are doing more damage than any full schedule ever co...

Is dental waterline safety a headache in your practice? Discover how simple and easy it can truly be. Ensuring your dental unit water lines are safe for patients is incredibly important. But let's be honest, it often feels like a complicated and time-consuming task, especially with everything else dental assistants juggle. If a process isn't straightforward, it's easy for it to get pushed aside. G...

Ever feel like dental ordering is a confusing task that only one dental assistant knows how to handle? If you’re a dental assistant who’s ever felt overwhelmed by online ordering or unsure if you’re getting the best deal on dental supplies, this episode is for you. Kevin Henry sits down with Elise Hill to explore how dental assistants can take charge of dental ordering, simplify the process, and t...

Dental practices are being shut down — not for what they did, but for what they didn’t know. And no one’s talking about it… until now. Sherrie Busby joins Kevin Henry to have the kind of conversation most practices don’t realize they need until it’s too late. This episode dives into the real reason some offices are blindsided during inspections—not because they don’t care, but because they assume...

Seriously, dental assistants, are your handpieces living their BEST life? 🤔 You NEED to hear this! This episode, featuring Mike Etheridge, Senior Manager for Marketing and Channel with KaVo North America, delves into the critical role dental assistants play in ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of dental handpieces. The discussion stresses that proper care goes beyond basic cleaning;...

Still failing waterline tests? This protocol shows why—and how to fix it for good. Only around 30% of dental practices are testing their waterlines regularly—and that’s a problem. Regulations are changing fast. Some states now require quarterly testing, immediate remediation after failure, and documentation. This game-changing protocol breaks it down into three critical steps: 👉 Test 👉 Shock 👉...

Micromanaged as a dental assistant? Try these 5 genius ways to handle it. Is your dentist boss constantly hovering, double-checking your every move, or refusing to let go of control? You’re not alone—and you’re not powerless either. In this episode, we’re diving into 5 brilliant strategies dental assistants can use when dealing with a micromanaging employer. From setting boundaries and shifting yo...

Do you think your dental waterlines are clean? Discover the hidden risks and how to ensure patient safety. In this episode, Kevin Henry and Michelle Strange, RDH, delve into the critical topic of dental waterline safety. They explore the formation of biofilm in dental unit waterlines and its potential health risks. The discussion covers essential practices for maintaining clean waterlines, includi...

Most people have no idea what dental assistants actually do — and it’s costing the profession trust, talent, and respect. In this episode, Dr. Mark Thoreson pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to become a successful dental assistant — from the truth about patient trust to the soft skills no one’s teaching. You'll hear how his weekend training program in rural Wyoming is filling clinics...

Onboarding in a dental office isn't just about policies and protocols—it's about how clearly you communicate when the pressure is on. Miss the mark, and even the most experienced hires can falter. Training new team members starts with avoiding assumptions. Just because someone has experience doesn’t mean they understand how things are done in a new environment. Without clear instructions, even ski...

Wait! your dental implant failed... because of an antidepressant? This is what nobody tells you about SSRIs, and honestly, it’s terrifying. Antidepressants like Lexapro, Prozac, and Zoloft are more common than ever—but they come with side effects your patients and your team might not be ready for. In this episode, we dig into the surprising ways these meds impact the mouth, including: Why clenchin...

Is AI going to replace dental assistants? Or is it here to help? AI is one of the biggest trends in dentistry today — but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we talk about how AI is changing the dental workflow, what that means for dental assistants, and why this technology isn’t something to fear. From improving patient communication to making the day-to-day tasks easier, AI...

Many patients struggle with gagging during dental procedures — and it’s stressful for both the dentist and the patient. In this episode, we meet someone who decided to fix that problem with a simple but powerful solution. Recorded live from IDS in Cologne, Germany, this episode features Rodney Schutt, founder of No Gag, a company tackling one of dentistry’s most annoying problems: the gag reflex....

Dental assistant pay is one of the most talked-about issues in the industry right now, and for good reason. A surprising 47% of dental assistants feel they aren’t being compensated fairly, yet many don’t know what fair pay actually looks like in their area. That’s where today’s guest, Garrett Wilson, CEO of Pay Insights, comes in. His company is working to bring real data on dental assistant salar...

Burnout is hitting hard. If you're a dental assistant feeling exhausted, underappreciated, or just ready to walk away—this episode is for you. Burnout in dentistry is more common than we think, and the worst part? Too many assistants are keeping it all inside. In this episode, Kevin Henry talks with Lynne Leggett from Victory Dental Management about the real struggles facing dental assistants. Fro...

We always hear how social media ruins our mental health—but what if it’s also the tool we’ve been overlooking to actually heal? Social media isn’t just noise—it can be a lifeline. When used with purpose, social media helps create spaces that are uplifting, safe, and community-driven. It plays a critical role in supporting mental health, especially when users intentionally seek content that nurture...

Want to excel as a dental assistant? Discover how top assistants level up and advance their careers! Are you a dental assistant looking to take your career to the next level? In this episode, we dive deep into the strategies that successful dental assistants use to stand out, grow, and thrive in their field. 💡 Learn how to level up by mastering new skills, taking on leadership roles, and making a...

Dental assistants, gear up! This recognition week, we're unleashing 5 powerful tips to elevate your dental game and capture the recognition you deserve. In this episode, we break down 5 straightforward tips for dental assistants. These dental tips provide a surface-level insight into improving your workflow. Embrace this recognition week with actionable strategies and a fresh perspective, ensuring...

Are dental assistants just support staff, or are they key leaders in a thriving practice? This episode dives into the power of secondary leadership and why assistants should step up. Discover how assistants can take on leadership roles and drive real change. Learn about primary vs. secondary leadership and why being the “second dancer” can create momentum. Explore how finding the right practice ca...

Want to land a dental assistant job faster? AI is changing how recruiters screen resumes, and if you’re not adapting, you could be missing out on job opportunities without even realizing it! In this episode, Kevin Henry sits down with talent acquisition specialist Lisa Newburger to break down the secrets of getting hired in today’s job market. From using ChatGPT to craft a professional resume to u...

In the past year, Kansas City saw one of the largest tuberculosis outbreaks in the U.S., and it’s raising concerns in dental practices. With multiple cases being reported, dental professionals in Kansas City are on high alert. The Kansas City tuberculosis outbreak has affected both public health and local clinics. In this episode, we dive into how the Kansas City TB outbreak could directly impact...

Want to discover the game-changing chairside skills that could transform your career? In this episode, Christie Baker, shares her two decades of experience in dentistry. From starting in the lab to becoming a trusted dental assistant mentor, Christie reveals the skills that make assistants stand out, how to build confidence, and tips for growing in your career. ✅ Building confidence in your role...