Dental Assistant Nation

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...

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...