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 publ…

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 c…

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 …

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 train…

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 wi…

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 communicatio…

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 manuf…

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 digita…

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 m…

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. …

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 practic…

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…

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 Found…

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 pro…

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 T…

In this episode, Kevin Henry interviews Lisa Heaton from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health about the importance of health screenings in dental practices. They discuss the disconnect between patients' willingness to undergo screenings and the low percentage of patients actually receiving them. They also highlight the role of dental assistants in f…

In this conversation, Kevin Henry and Linda Harvey discuss the importance of patient safety training for dental assistants. They explore different ways for dental assistants to receive training, including mentorship, consulting, and additional courses. They emphasize the need for dental assistants to be aware of their state's requirements and to se…

In this episode, Kevin Henry, founder of Dental Assistant Nation, interviews Sarrah Rose, the CEO and founder of Elixr, about Gen Z and their needs and desires in the dental practice. They discuss the loneliness that Gen Z often feels, the importance of connection and relationships, and how older generations can better connect with Gen Z. Sarah als…

Today's episode is a pivot for Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry after a comment from a recent meeting drew his attention. Dental assistants, what are your goals for the rest of 2024? What's keeping you from achieving them? We all have to be ready to take that next step, but it's up to us to set the path. In this episode, let's embrace wh…

After an unexpected week off to deal with his dad's medical emergency, Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry discusses finding work-life balance and how dental assistants can work with their dentists to plan ahead for contingencies. As always, communication is key, as is knowing what you want in teams of the ideal work-life balance.…

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, host Kevin Henry interviews Linda Harvey, a dental assistant advocate and patient safety champion. They discuss the important role of dental assistants in patient safety and the various hats they wear in the dental practice. They also delve into four types of medical errors in dentistry: commu…

In this episode, Kevin Henry interviews dental hygienist Cris Duval about the lifeguard approach to patient care. Duval emphasizes the importance of dental assistants in improving patient outcomes and increasing practice profitability. She encourages dental assistants to decide who they want to be for their patients and to ask quality questions tha…

In this episode recorded live at the Speaking Consulting Network meeting in Austin, Texas, Tija Hunter, EFDA, explains what dental practices are doing wrong when it comes to their HIPAA and OSHA training. From common mistakes to what OSHA inspectors may be looking to find in the practice, we cover a wide range of topics. Connect with Tija at tijaef…

Suzanne Cano, founder of LunaLite Dental, shares her journey from dental assistant to entrepreneur and the development of LunaLite, an x-ray positioning device. She discusses the impact of faith, innovation, and disruption in the dental industry, offering advice for dental assistants with innovative ideas. The conversation highlights the importance…

Episode 334: Narrowing the focus for dental assistants in the practice by Dental Assistant Nationبقلم Dental Assistant Nation

In this episode recorded live at the California Dental Association (CDA) meeting in Anaheim, Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry sits down with CDA's Teresa Pichay, CHPC, and Ashley Reich to discuss the dental assistant's scope of practice and why it's important for every dental assistant and dentist to know what their state law allows dent…

Fresh off his day of speaking at the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference (PNDC), Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry shares two questions that were asked of him in Seattle by dental assistants and how he responded. Are these problems plaguing you and your dental practice?بقلم Dental Assistant Nation

In this episode, Kevin Henry, founder of the Dental Assistant Nation, explains the importance of stay interviews, what they are, and why dental assistants should be having one with the dentist before the first half of 2024 is over. What do you need to make this happen? How can these be successful for the dental assistant, dentist, and practice? Kev…

In this episode, dental assistant Mila McNeely returns to the show to discuss a connection in the oral-systemic link she believes every dental assistant should be willing to discuss with his or her patients ... the link between periodontal disease and erectile dysfunction.You can see the study detailing the link referenced here ... https://www.ncbi…

In this conversation, Kevin Henry interviews Lynda Ricketson, the president and CEO of the Dental Lifeline Network, to discuss the organization's mission and impact. The Dental Lifeline Network is celebrating its 50th anniversary and has served over 170,000 patients, providing over $550 million worth of donated dental treatment. They connect patien…

Neo of Neo Positivity, a mindset specialist, shares his journey of discovering the power of manifesting and the law of attraction. He emphasizes the phrase "thoughts become things" and the importance of staying focused on positive thoughts. Neo discusses the impact of limiting beliefs and how they can hold us back from achieving our goals. He encou…

Episode 327: The front vs. back battle and the importance of documentation by Dental Assistant Nationبقلم Dental Assistant Nation

In this episode, Kevin Henry interviews Lynda Sherman, a certified dental assistant and founder of Get Mouthy, a sustainable dental subscription box. Lynda shares her journey in dentistry and how she discovered her passion for the environment. She discusses the importance of sustainability in dentistry and her mission to protect the oceans. Lynda a…

In this episode, Kevin Henry interviews Tom Viola, RPh, a renowned dental pharmacology expert. They discuss various topics related to dental pharmacology, including controversies surrounding antibiotic prophylaxis and self-medication. Viola emphasizes the importance of accurate medical history and the role of dental assistants in obtaining this inf…

In this episode, Kevin Henry and Mary Govoni discuss the COVID isolation guidelines and what dental assistants need to know. They emphasize the importance of following the guidelines for healthcare workers and taking necessary precautions. They also highlight the need for dental practices to continue practicing infection control and screening patie…

Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry has a strong message for every dental assistant as Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW) 2024 kicks off. Simply put, sometimes the recognition has to come from within. An emotional episode filled with hope and love for all dental assistants out there.بقلم Dental Assistant Nation

In this episode, Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry is joined by Matthew Nelson, a practice analyst with the California Dental Association, to discuss how dental assistants can help new dentists get comfortable in the practice. They cover topics such as the role of the dental assistant as a leader, the importance of trust and communication…

In this episode, Kevin Henry, Dental Assistant Nation's founder, interviews Stephanie Botts, RDH, an ergonomic specialist, about the importance of ergonomics in dentistry. Stephanie shares her background and how she became interested in ergonomics. She emphasizes the need to prioritize ergonomics and not wait until pain or injury occurs. Stephanie …

In this episode, Kevin Henry and Mary Govoni, CDA, RDH, discuss the use of lead aprons in dental radiography. They address the recent recommendations from the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and the American Dental Association regarding patient shielding. While the use of lead aprons is no longer necessary in most cases due to …

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry interviews Ashley Reich, RDA, from the California Dental Association about Smile Crew California. Smile Crew California is a program aimed at addressing the dental assistant shortage by providing accelerated training and entry-level positions for dental assistants. The program has …

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 wh…

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…

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 high…

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 rea…

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.michael…

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.بقلم Dental Assistant Nation