Dental Assistant Nation

Nearly half of billing professionals are considering a job change next year—what’s driving this trend? —-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Don’t miss CE on the Beach™, June 26–28, 2025, at the stunning Westin Grand Cayman Resort & Spa! Dentists, teams, coaches, and speakers are all welcome at this premier destination event. 👉 Save $1...

Struggling with confidence in your dental assistant role? Jennifer Schultz shares her proven tips on how to build confidence and master key skills that make you invaluable to your team. In this episode, I chat with Jennifer Schultz, a dental assistant with over 20 years of experience, who’s now helping others level up their careers. Jennifer talks about how she built confidence in her role and dev...

Are you ready to take your dental assistant career to the next level in 2025? Discover the 3 must-dos that will set you up for success this year! In this episode, let’s dive into the essential steps every dental assistant should take to start 2025 on the right foot. From creating actionable plans to setting realistic milestones and having honest conversations with your dentist, this episode is pac...

Do you ever feel like your busy schedule leaves no room for self-care? Today, we tackle burnout and the importance of taking breaks—even in the middle of a hectic workday. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Laura Schwindt and Dr. Karen Tindall, life coaches and former dental professionals. They share valuable insights on recognizing burnout, why breaks are essential for peak performance, and how...

As we close out 2024, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who tuned into the Dental Assistant Nation Podcast this year. It's been an incredible journey sharing insights, tips, and encouragement with our amazing dental assistant community. Take a moment to celebrate your growth, achievements, and the profound impact you've had on your patients and practices. You are the heartbeat...

Have you ever wondered how better front-to-back communication could transform your dental practice? Don’t let poor handoffs and missed details hold you back! In this episode, Michelle Lasky, founder of Consistent Dental Solutions, shares her insights on streamlining communication between the front and back office. From effective handoffs to overcoming barriers in patient scheduling, Michelle provi...

Are you curious about how dental practices are evolving to meet modern challenges? In this video, we explore a game-changing innovation in dental instrument processing that’s designed to save time, improve compliance, and support overworked dental assistants and hygienists. Join us as we take a closer look at the latest Midmark steam sterilizer. Learn how this new design simplifies daily workflows...

Ready to Land Your Dream Dental Assistant Job? Thinking of a fresh start in 2025? Whether you’re new to dental assisting or looking for a new practice, this video is for you! Learn how to stand out in interviews and find a workplace that truly fits your needs. In this episode, you’ll discover: - 6 important questions to ask during your interview. - Tips for building great communication with your f...

What does digital workflow mean for dental assistants and how can you integrate it into your practice? Whether you're looking to stay ahead of industry trends or want to boost your skills, understanding the technology in today’s dental world is key. In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry sits down with Jordan Reiss, Senior Director of Clinical Strategic Development at...

Are you a dental assistant looking to take your case acceptance and communication skills to the next level? Today’s episode is packed with game-changing insights you won’t want to miss! Discover how dental assistants can confidently contribute to the case acceptance process, build trust with patients, and create seamless alignment within their practice teams. Sophia Dunkley, a seasoned practice ma...

In this episode of Dental Assistant Nation, host Kevin Henry discusses the intersection of dental assistants and the musical Wicked. He shares three key lessons that dental assistants can learn from the story: understanding that everyone has a backstory, the importance of sticking to one's beliefs, and the necessity of being consistent in both public and private settings. Through these lessons, he...

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, host Kevin Henry speaks with Rose Olague, PhD, about the vital role of dental assistants in healthcare and the initiatives by PDS Health to support their education and career advancement. They discuss the scholarship programs available, the importance of continuous education, and the various career paths within the dental field. The conversat...

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry speaks with Allison Lacoursiere about the evolving role of dental assistants, particularly in the context of clear aligners and digital dentistry. Allison shares her journey from dental assistant to professional speaker and coach, emphasizing the importance of self-empowerment and continuous learning. The conversation highlights t...

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry speaks with Dr. Cindy Roark and Misty Mattingly, RDH, from Sage Dental about the vital role of dental assistants in the DSO environment. They discuss the importance of creating career growth opportunities, fostering a positive work environment, and the significance of ongoing training and professional development. The conversation...

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry interviews Kricket Doker, a certified dental assistant and registered dental technician, who shares her journey in the field of dentistry, particularly focusing on chairside restorations. Kricket discusses her passion for digital dentistry, the importance of strong relationships with dental professionals, and her role as an educat...

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry and Nancy Coy discuss the importance of financial literacy for dental assistants. They explore how understanding credit basics can empower assistants to have meaningful conversations about financing options with patients. The conversation emphasizes the significance of communication skills alongside clinical skills, the role of te...

In this conversation, Kevin Henry interviews Leslie Canham, a key opinion leader in infection control. They discuss the importance of testing and treating dental unit water lines, citing outbreaks and cases where contaminated water led to illness in patients. They also highlight the need for proper training and adherence to CDC guidelines and manufacturer's directions. The conversation emphasizes...

In this episode, Dental Assistant Nation host Kevin Henry speaks with author Julio Vincent Gambuto about his book 'Please Unsubscribe, Thanks.' They discuss the inspiration behind the book, practical steps to unsubscribe from life's distractions, the impact of social media on happiness, and the challenges faced by the younger generation in a digital world. Julio emphasizes the importance of reeval...

In this episode, Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry reflects upon a recent social media post made by Steve from Blue's Clues and the profound impact it seemed to have on an entire generation. Did it prove we need to know we're not alone in our struggles and someone is listening to us when we need it? Kevin thinks so ... so what does that mean for dental assistants. Let's dive in and talk...

In this episode, I sit down with Productive Dentist Academy CEO and co-founder Victoria Peterson to discuss why dental assistants and productivity are such a focus for PDA. What does it mean to really be a "productive" dental assistant? Is it the dentist or assistant (or both) who creates a "productive" assistant? We talk about this and much more. Learn more about PDA at https://productivedentist....

In this episode, two thought leaders join the show to help dental assistants know how to finish the year strong professionally (with thoughts from Tija Hunter, EFDA) and personally (with thoughts from Caitlin Parson, RDH). As 2024 starts to wind down, how can dental assistants make sure they are in a good place inside and outside the dental practice? That's what we're diving into today. Learn more...

Recorded during the South African Dental Association meeting in Pretoria, Kevin Henry welcomes back Jeanné Oosthuysen, the dental assistant champion of South Africa, to discuss what she sees from assistants in her native land and how there are so many similarities between how they feel on the job and the feelings of American dental assistants. This is a must-listen as a reminder that dental assist...

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry interviews two dental assistants, Amy Mitchell and Catie Lis, about their experiences in the field. They discuss the importance of core values, creating a positive work environment, and celebrating wins. Hanna Aronovich from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and DALE Foundation also joins the conversation to talk about th...

The conversation between Kevin Henry and Mary Govoni, CDA, RDH, discusses the balance between social media engagement and infection control in dental practices. It emphasizes the importance of professionalism and the potential negative impact of inappropriate social media posts on the image of the practice. The hosts also highlight the need for proper PPE in social media content and the potential...

In this episode, Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA, joins the show to talk about how dental assistants can finish 2024 strong, and that includes making sure they are educated through both clinical and practice management CE courses. She also discusses why documentation is so important and how dental assistants can make sure it is done properly. You can reach Tija at tijaefda@gmail.com