Dental Assistant Nation

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry interviews Ann-Marie DePalma at the Yankee Dental Congress in Boston. Ann-Marie shares her unique career path, starting as a hygienist and later becoming a dental assistant. They discuss the impact of technology on the dental team and the importance of asking the right questions when adopting new technologies. They also explore th...

In this episode recorded live at the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention in Denver, host Kevin Henry is joined by Carrie Webber, the owner of Jameson Coaching, to discuss what really happens when a consultant walks into a practice and how the dental assistant should prepare and react. Change is inevitable, but how can assistants and other team members best prepare for that change? Webber dishes some...

In this episode, Shannon Pace Brinker, CDA, CDD, ACE, joins the show to discuss dental assistants and digital scanning. Among our topics is the explosion of this technology in dentistry and how dental assistants can become better at their scanning skills. Learn more about Shannon at https://chairsideassisting.com.

In this episode, Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry talks about the attitude that dental assistants should have entering the New Year. How can assistants make sure that others aren't putting limits on them AND that they are simply accepting them? Kevin talks about this and more in a passionate plea to all dental assistants.

As part of the final episode of 2023, lasting just over 10 minutes, Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry shares the importance of focusing on two key things in the New Year. In a time when resolutions are made (and broken quickly), it's more about embracing what you can control and making sure you're always curious about what comes next.

In this episode, Kevin Henry is joined by dental's pharmacology expert, Tom Viola, RPh, to discuss the drug Ozempic and its connection to weight loss, diabetes and dental health. They explore the side effects of Ozempic, including gastroparesis and halitosis, and the importance of including this medication on the health history form. They also highlight the challenges of taking Ozempic and the pot...

When it comes to infection control and many other things within the dental practice, sometimes the information floating around on social media isn't the right information. So how can dental assistants get the right information to protect themselves and their patients? Sarah Stream, MPH, joins the show to share her ideas and thoughts. She can be reached at stream.education.and.consulting@gmail.com.

In this episode recorded at the Greater New York Dental Meeting, Dr. Michael Sonick discusses why the right culture is important for every dental practice and his view on how dental assistants can help change it. Learn more about Dr. Sonick at https://www.michaelsonick.com and check out his book, Treating People Not Patients, at https://www.michaelsonick.com/peoplenotpatients.

In this episode recorded at the recent Greater New York Dental Meeting, Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry sits down with Amy Gagne, RDHEF, to discuss dental unit waterlines (DUWL) and what assistants really need to know about the water in their practice. Follow Amy on Instagram at agagne_rdh and learn more at solmetex.com.

In advance of his talk to dental teams at the upcoming Greater New York Dental Meeting, Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry shares the five tips he wishes every new dental assistant and dental assisting student knew heading into their careers.

In this episode, Kristine Berry, MSEC, CDE, joins the show to discuss the important role dental assistants have in forming the culture of their dental practice. With so many personalities and demographics, how can the practice come together behind the scenes? Berry shares her thoughts on that and much more. Learn more about her at https://dentaldiversityandinclusionalliance.com.

What do dental assistants need to know about what is coming in 2024? Dental industry expert (and insurance guru) Teresa Duncan joins the show to talk all things dental assisting as we look into the future, touching on everything from AI to cross-training and more. If you're ready to take your career to the next level in 2024, this is a must-listen.

In this episode recorded during SmileCon in Orlando, Fla., Katie Poulsen, RDH, stops by the show to talk about the growing trend of artificial intelligence and how it will impact dental practices even more in the very near future. What do dental assistants need to know about it for their everyday responsibilities? How will it impact patients? We talk about that and much more about the technology h...

In this episode recorded at SmileCon in Orlando, Fla., Sameer Bhasin of CareCredit stop by to discuss how the dental assistant is not only a key advocate for the patient, but also how he or she plays a key role in treatment acceptance and the "money talk" that has to happen with patients as well. Let's tackle this hot topic together!

In this episode, Dayna Johnson of Novonee.com drops by to share what she is seeing in dental practices around the country when it relates to dental assistants and their job as the "choreographer" of the back. A dental consultant and software and workflow expert, Johnson shares the two things she wishes every dental assistant would have on their goal list before the New Year hits. Learn more about...

Sherri Warshaw, RDH, CTTS, returns to the show with an important message about how dental professionals can help their patients work toward nicotine cessation. Dental assistants are so often the bridge between the patient and the practice, giving these key team members the opportunity to help their patients with nicotine habits. Warshaw gives advice and tips on how to get started on this quest in...

In this episode, infection control expert Mary Govoni, CDA, RDH, drops by the show to discuss how dental practices should prepare for the flu season, including how to handle COVID cases with patients and team members in a post-pandemic world. For every dental assistant and practice heading into the heart of the fall and winter, this is a must-listen.

Dr. Melanie Love stops by the program to discuss what dental assistants can expect if attending SmileCon in Orlando, Fla. She also dishes on why education is so important for dental assistants and how trade shows are changing to meet the needs of the next generation of attendees. If you're coming to SmileCon, stop by the podcast pavilion on Thursday for live tapings of the Dental Assistant Nation...

With Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry in Greece and tracing the footsteps of Socrates, it's a great time to celebrate a podcast milestone and remind us all of one of the greatest lessons every taught by the renowned philosopher. Remember to like and review the podcast to help us grow!

In this episode, Colleen Huff, FAADOM, joins the show to discuss the importance for dental assistants to have a strong knowledge of revenue cycle management, coding and more in the practice. While clinical skills are important, Huff argues that business skills and knowing how to impact the bottom line of the practice is just as important. This is an information-filled episode. For more information...

In this episode, Sherri Warshaw, RDH, CTTS, joins the program to discuss her definition for the acronym of RDH (Road to Dental Hygiene) and shares advice from her years in the industry and own journey on transitioning from a dental assistant to dental hygienist. She shares the tips she shares with assistants throughout the nation on this show, making it a must-listen for any assistant interested i...

In this episode, we welcome Sarah Suttles, EFDA, to the program to talk about her journey as a cross-trained dental assistant and the advice she would give to other assistants. Sarah can be reached at SarahSuttles@psalmddc.com with further questions.

In this episode, Dr. Teresa Yang stops by the show to share what she believes are important tips for the dental assistant on why education is important and how it can lead to better communication with the patient and doctor. Could coming from outside the dental industry be an advantage for new assistants? We talk about that and more in this episode.

In this episode, Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry shares what he is hearing about "ghosting" when it comes to open dental positions and why dental assistants may be harder to find over the next five years than ever before.

Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA, joins the show to discuss some of the latest buzz she is hearing from dental assistants. As someone who travels throughout the country speaking to assistants, Hunter always has a fresh perspective on what's going on. You can learn more about her at https://rockstardentalassistant.com and contact her at tijaefda@gmail.com. Note: Slight glitches with audio recording, so pleas...