Dental Assistant Nation
Dental Assistant Nation is a podcast focused on the dental assisting profession. It is hosted by Kevin Henry, a speaker, consultant, author, and editor in chief for DrBicuspid.com. The show aims to empower, enlighten, and educate dental assistants through discussions relevant to their careers. Episodes may feature insights, interviews, and advice for dental assistants and the broader dental team.
Episodes
Episode 457: The Future of Dental Assisting Is Bigger Than You Think
What if your dental practice felt less like a team under pressure and more like a community that truly cares?
Kevin Henry talks with retired dentist Dr. Alan Stern about building a community of caring through open communication, honesty and mutual support. Dr. Stern shares why vulnerability builds trust, how dental assistants can start positive culture conversations with their dentists, and why t
Episode 456: How to Build Confidence and Skills as a Dental Assistant
Most dental assistants learned infection control on the job, and much of what gets passed around chairside is wrong. What you don't know can put you, your team, and your patients at risk.
Kevin Henry sits down with Atia Black of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), veteran assistant and educator Tija Hunter, and Andy Whitehead of the Association for Dental Safety (ADS) to answer a question
Episode 455: Why Your Patients Are Anxious (And How To Fix It FAST!)
Anxious patients cancel more, delay treatment, and drain team energy fast.
Kevin Henry talks with Catherine Fettig about why dental fear is so common and how past negative experiences shape patient behavior. Fear slows down appointments, leads to no shows, and creates added pressure for dental assistants who carry the emotional load chairside. Simple steps make a difference, from pre appointment
70% of Handpiece Repairs Come From This One Mistake
Seventy percent of dental equipment repairs trace back to one habit almost every practice repeats between patients.
Kevin Henry sits down with Matt Baker of Right Wipe for a special edition of Dental Assistant Nation to look at what the wipes used between patients are actually doing to chairs, upholstery, sensors, lights, handles, tubings, plastics, and handpieces. Matt points to findings pulled
Episode 454: What Makes a Dental Practice Worth Staying At
A dental practice can lose its best assistant and never figure out why. Dr. Sreenivas Koka says the answer is almost never the person.
Dr. Sreenivas Koka is a prosthodontist, a former practice owner in San Diego, a former dental school dean, the former chair of dentistry at the Mayo Clinic, and one of 16 dentists in his family, and he explains why every role on a dental team carries the same weig
Episode 453: How to Have Difficult Conversations in the Dental Office
Courage is not the absence of fear. It is choosing to act while you still feel it.
Dr. Elizabeth Carr joins host Kevin Henry to explain how dental professionals can balance bravery with humility to navigate difficult conversations with confidence and care. True courage starts with a foundation of knowledge and a patient focused intent, stays grounded in humility and respect for every team member,
Episode 452: A Better Way to Train Confident Clinic-Ready Dental Assistants
Becoming a confident clinic ready dental assistant should not require an expensive program or months of stressful catch up on the job. When new team members start without strong fundamentals, the entire practice feels the pressure.
DentalReady.ai was built to offer a more practical and affordable path forward. Host Kevin Henry talks with Dr. Sreenivas Koka and Dr. Elizabeth Carr about a gamified
Episode 451: Build a Dental Practice Where No One Wants to Quit
Most dental teams do not quit because of pay. They quit because they do not feel valued. In this conversation Dr. Paul White shows you how to change that starting today.
In this episode Kevin Henry talks with Dr. Paul White, psychologist and co author of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, about what it really takes to make your team feel seen and supported. Dr. White explains the
Episode 450: Why Latinas Are the Backbone of Dentistry and No One Is Talking About It
Latina dental assistants are already doing the work that keeps many practices moving, but too often their contributions go unrecognized. What happens when they stop working silently and start using their voice, culture, and bilingual skills as strengths?
In this episode of Dental Assistant Nation, Kevin Henry talks with Edna Abreu about the growing influence of Latinas in dentistry and the chall
Episode 449: How the Best Dentists Keep Their Assistants Happy and Loyal
What if the secret to keeping great dental assistants has nothing to do with fancy perks and everything to do with respect? In this episode, Dr. Marc Goldman shares how investing in his team, trusting their expertise, and creating a culture of mutual appreciation helped build a loyal and high performing practice.
Dr. Marc Goldman reflects on more than four decades in periodontics and explains why
Episode 448: The Truth About Being a Dental Assistant That Nobody Talks About
What if the biggest factor holding a dental practice back is not technology or production goals, but the way dental assistants are valued? In this conversation, leadership coach Brandi Marzolino shares why it is time to recognize dental assistants as essential leaders, invest in their growth, and create workplaces where they can thrive instead of simply getting through the day.
Brandi Marzolino
Episode 447: What Dental Assistants Say About Working at Aspen Dental
What does it take to build a lasting career in dental assisting? In this episode, you'll hear firsthand how earning a CDA, embracing continuous learning, and working in a supportive environment can open doors to leadership, hygiene school, and long term career growth.
Kevin Henry sits down with Molly Ward, Mikelle, and Lynn Turner to explore their career journeys at Aspen Dental and the impact of
Episode 446: How Certification Changes a Dental Assistant Career (Part 2)
Is dental assisting just a job or can it become a long term career with more opportunities, higher confidence, and greater earning potential? In this episode, we explore why national certification is helping dental assistants take their careers to the next level and why leading organizations are investing in professional growth.
In part two of this three part series, Kevin Henry is joined by Amb
Episode 445: Can Certification Make You a Better Dental Assistant? (Part 1)
What does it really mean for a dental assistant to practice at the top of their scope? In this episode, industry leaders explain why certification is more than just another credential and how it can transform careers, improve patient care, and strengthen dental practices.
Kevin Henry is joined by Amber Musser of Aspen Dental and Atia Black of the Dental Assisting National Board to discuss the rea
Episode 444: Every Dental Assistant Needs Infection Control Training (Here's Why)
Infection control is the most important responsibility in every dental practice, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. Are dental teams truly protecting their patients, or are outdated habits putting safety at risk without anyone realizing it?
In this conversation, Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA, CDIA, CDSO, MADAA joins Kevin Henry to discuss why infection control should always come before produc
Episode 443: ADAA President on the Future of Dental Assisting
Dental assisting is more than just a job. In this conversation, ADAA President Erin Hendricks shares why she believes it is a lifelong career that deserves greater recognition, stronger standards, and better opportunities for every dental assistant.
Drawing from nearly four decades of experience, Erin discusses her journey from the United States Air Force to becoming President of the American Den
Episode 442: Dental Assistants in Oregon Can Now Give Local Anesthesia!
Could dental assistants soon administer local anesthesia in more states? Oregon is leading the way with one of the most progressive changes in dental assisting, and it could shape the future of the profession across the country.
In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation Podcast, Kevin Henry is joined by Tina Clarke, Atia Black, and Tony Garcia to discuss Oregon's new Local Anesthesia Functio
Episode 441: The Best Way to Keep Dental Waterlines Safe
What if the biggest risk in your dental practice is something patients never think about? Dental unit waterline safety is often overlooked, but having the right system in place can simplify compliance, protect patients, and reduce the workload for your team.
In this episode, Kevin Henry sits down with Angela Simmons to discuss why dental unit waterline maintenance deserves more attention in ever
Episode 440: The Orthodontic Tool Assistants Wish They Had Sooner
What separates great orthodontic assistants from the rest? In this conversation, Anthony Herrera shares how patient trust, communication, and comfort can directly impact treatment success. Drawing from 14 years of chairside orthodontic experience, he explains why treating every patient as if they are the only one that matters leads to better compliance, stronger relationships, and a more positive
Episode 439: The Biggest Infection Control Risk in Every Dental Office (Dental Unit Waterlines)
Most dental teams were never taught about waterline safety in school, yet it has become one of the most important infection control topics in modern dentistry. In this episode, Angela Simmons shares why dental unit waterlines remain a misunderstood area of compliance and what practices need to do to better protect patients.
Angela and Kevin Henry discuss the challenges of getting waterline protoc
Episode 438: Can Probiotics Replace Brushing and Flossing?
Do you think probiotics can replace brushing and flossing? A viral TikTok trend is making that claim, but dental professionals are sounding the alarm. In this episode, Kevin Henry and pharmacology expert Tom Viola break down the truth behind probiotics and oral health so dental assistants can confidently answer questions patients are already bringing into the office.
Tom explains how probiotics m
Episode 437: The Dental Office System That Keeps Everyone Aligned
Running a successful dental practice is not just about clinical skill. It is about consistency, training, communication, and making sure every team member understands exactly how things should be done. In this conversation, Kevin Henry and Sherrie Busby break down why clear systems and written protocols are more important than ever for modern dental practices.
From staff turnover and training cha
Episode 436: Tips To Grow From Dental Assistant to Manager!
What separates dental assistants who stay stuck from the ones who grow into leadership and management roles? In this episode, Sherrie Busby shares the mindset shifts, career decisions, and uncomfortable moments that helped her build a 42 year career in dentistry and become a respected educator, mentor, and industry leader.
Kevin Henry and Sherrie dive into the reality of growth in the dental fiel
Episode 435: The BEST Way to Keep Dental Waterlines Safe!
What if the water flowing through your dental unit is quietly building a hidden community of bacteria that standard routines are not fully controlling?
In this episode, Kevin Henry talks with Chanda Chatham about what really happens inside dental waterlines and why consistency matters more than most practices realize. They break down how biofilm forms, how bacteria attach to particles in water, a
Episode 434: NEW Dental Assistant Scholarship Just Launched
Dental assistants are finally getting the recognition and support they deserve and this new opportunity could open doors that were never available before.
In this episode, industry leaders Gary Steinberg and Andrew Whitehead join Kevin Henry to announce a new scholarship program focused on infection control education for dental assistants. After decades in the dental industry, both Gary and Andy
Episode 433: Is Your Dental Practice Waterline Safe?
What if the water in your dental unit lines is putting patients at risk without you knowing it? This episode breaks down why testing, shocking, and proper protocols matter more than many practices realize.
Michelle Strange, RDH, joins Kevin Henry for a practical conversation on dental waterline safety, including why testing should be routine, how shocking fits into a safe protocol, and what prac
Episode 432: What Feeling Valued at Work Really Looks Like as a Dental Assistant
What if the reason you feel drained at work is not the workload, but the lack of feeling valued? In this episode, Kevin Henry explores a question that sparked powerful conversations among dental assistants across multiple states. When was the last time you truly felt valued in your practice? The answers reveal how appreciation often shows up in small but meaningful ways, from a simple thank you to
Episode 431: The Life Saving Skills Every Dental Assistant Should Learn
Most dental assistants don’t realize they could be the reason a patient’s cancer gets caught early enough to save their life.
In this episode, Kathryn Gilliam and Kevin Henry dive into the often overlooked role dental assistants play in patient care, especially when it comes to oral and head and neck cancer detection. Kathryn shares why assistants should be trained to perform both intraoral and e
Episode 430: Novel Opioids Warning! What They Don't Teach in Dental School
Dental assistants must know these hidden drug risks in patients
Dental assistants are often the first line of defense in patient safety, especially when patients use opioids, kratom, or other substances that may not appear on standard drug tests. Many patients do not disclose what they take, which increases the risk of dangerous drug interactions, oversedation, and medical emergencies during trea
Episode 429: Do This To Be A TOP Tier Dental Assistant
Most dental assistants don’t realize how valuable they truly are until they learn this.
Success in dentistry is no longer just about clinical skills but about mindset, leadership awareness, and continuous growth. Dental assistants play a critical role in keeping practices productive, organized, and patient focused, yet many struggle with unclear expectations and limited career direction. Understa
Episode 428: Why Smoking Marijuana Makes Dental Work Dangerous
In this episode, Tom Viola, RPh, breaks down why dental teams need to start asking the right questions about cannabis use and why it matters more than ever. From increased blood pressure and pulse to complications with anesthesia and healing, cannabis can change how a patient responds in the chair. The conversation also explores how modern cannabis use is more discreet and varied than most people
Episode 427: How Dental Assistants Protect Themselves in an Unethical Dental Practice
Working in a dental practice should be built on trust, but what happens when something in the office does not feel right?
In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation Podcast, Kevin Henry sits down with dental consultant and author Susan Gunn to have an honest conversation about ethics inside dental practices. Many dental assistants have quietly struggled with situations where decisions in the
Episode 426: Overwhelmed Dental Assistant? Try This
What if the stress you carry home from work is not about the job at all but about the energy you are giving away without even realizing it? In this powerful conversation on the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry sits down with author and entrepreneur Anne Karber to unpack the truth about boundaries, self awareness, and what it really means to take control of your life.
Anne shares how m
Episode 425: What is an Expanded Function Dental Assistant and What They Can Do
Expanded Function Dental Assistants are helping dental practices work smarter, improve efficiency, and deliver better patient care.
Taking on expanded functions allows assistants to perform more advanced clinical duties, which increases production and strengthens the partnership between doctor and assistant. Success depends on understanding the legal scope of practice, proper scheduling, and havi
Episode 424: Dental Assistant Shortage and What PDS Health Is Doing About It
Education access, financial barriers, and limited career awareness continue to slow the pipeline of new dental assistants entering the workforce. At the same time, patient demand keeps growing, putting more pressure on clinical teams. Organizations like PDS Health are actively working to close this gap through scholarships, mentorship, externship opportunities, and structured career development pr
Episode 423: What Helps Dental Assistants Grow And Earn More
What dental assistants really want from their careers might surprise most practices.
Imagine walking into a room with hundreds of dental assistants and asking them what matters most at work. The answers reveal a powerful pattern about growth, recognition, and having a real voice in the practice. Dental assistants shared that they love helping patients and keeping everything running smoothly, but
Episode 422: What Every Dental Assistant Should Know About 3D Printing
What if the future of dentistry is already sitting inside your practice and your assistant is the one who unlocks it?
Digital dentistry brings speed, confidence, and opportunity into the practice by allowing assistants to create appliances in house, reduce wait times, and deliver same day solutions patients can trust. Scanning and 3D printing streamline workflows, improve patient communication, a
Episode 421: How Dental Assistants Elevate Occlusal Analysis with T-Scan
Most dental bite problems are not caused by difficult patients or complex cases. They happen because the bite is rarely measured. In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, we explore how accurate bite measurement can completely change patient outcomes and day to day efficiency in the dental practice.
Kevin Henry sits down with prosthodontist Dr. Robert Kerstein to explain why tradit
Episode 420: Dental Assistants Avoid Burnout With These Steps!
Dental assistants work under constant pressure, expected to stay focused, calm, and precise while caring for patients and supporting the dental team. Over time, this demanding pace often leads to stress, physical pain, mental exhaustion, and burnout, especially when dental assistants put everyone else first and ignore their own health.
This conversation explores why burnout is so common in dental
Episode 419: How A Dental Assistant Can Achieve Financial Freedom Without High Salary or Burning Out?
Can a dental assistant really achieve financial freedom without a high salary or burning out?
In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry sits down with Angela Tipton, founder of Fire Your Career, to talk about what financial freedom actually looks like for dental assistants. They explore the idea that freedom isn’t about getting rich fast, but about living on your terms t
Episode 418: What a Dental Assistant Needs to Do to Get Paid More
Most dental assistants know they deserve more pay, but very few know how to get it without risking their job. If you feel underpaid, overlooked, or unsure how to talk about money at work, this episode shows you a smarter way forward.
In this episode, Kevin Henry breaks down what every dental assistant needs to understand about career growth, pay increases, and job security in today’s dental indu
Episode 417: How Dental Assistants Can Build a Better Career and Life
What if building a better career and life as a dental assistant is less about doing more and more about becoming more? In this episode, Kevin Henry sits down with Toni Will to explore reinvention, resilience, and the mindset shifts that can change everything at any stage of life.
Kevin Henry welcomes Toni Will for a powerful conversation about reinvention, resilience, and personal growth. Toni sh
Episode 416: Top 5 Dental Assistant Nation Podcasts of 2025 | New Year Special
As we close out 2025 and look ahead to an even bigger 2026, this New Year special episode of Dental Assistant Nation is all about you.
In this episode, Kevin Henry counts down the Top 5 most-listened Dental Assistant Nation podcasts of 2025. These episodes were not chosen by a panel or a ranking system. They were chosen by what dental assistants listened to, shared, and cared about the most this
Episode 415: How Dental Assistants Can Take Better Dental X-Rays Every Time
Taking dental X-rays can be one of the most challenging parts of a dental assistant’s day, especially when patients are anxious, uncomfortable, or difficult to image. Small technique mistakes, rushed positioning, or missed opportunities to build trust can turn a routine task into a frustrating experience for both the assistant and the patient.
In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcas
Episode 414: How Dental Assistants Build Confidence and Reduce Mistakes Every Day
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s built through everyday choices, skills, and brave moments. In this episode, we explore how dental assistants grow into confident professionals who protect patients, their practices, and themselves while helping reduce errors along the way.
Kevin Henry talks with Tosha Gurley, a dental assistant turned safety consultant and educator, about her jour
Episode 413: The Tough Side of Being a Dental Assistant
Thinking about becoming a dental assistant but not sure what really happens behind the scenes? This episode breaks open the truth in a way most people never talk about. In this podcast, we dive into the real challenges dental assistants face every day and why some assistants say they would warn others before joining the field. We talk honestly about pay, respect, and the physical pain that can bui
Episode 412: What Dental Assistants Should Know About Dental Therapists?
Dental therapists are opening new doors in dentistry and the earning potential might surprise you.
In this episode, we break down what a dental therapist is, how the role fits into the oral health care team, and why more states are considering dental therapy to expand access to care. You’ll learn what dental therapists are trained to do, how their scope compares to dental assistants and hygienist
Episode 411: Inside the AI in Dentistry Summit: How Dental Assistants Are Shaping the Future with AI
Join host Kevin Henry as he welcomes Hanna Aronovich and Atia Black from DANB, along with dental assistant Nicole Mora from Dr. Bari Posner’s office, for a powerful recap of the AI in Dentistry Summit. In this episode, they break down how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of dental assisting, the emerging skills DAs will need to thrive, and how DANB is preparing the profession for thi
Episode 410: The Real Reason Stress Messes With Your Gut
Stress doesn’t just live in your mind it shows up in your gut. If you’ve ever felt bloated, gassy, or uncomfortable during busy seasons of life, there’s a real physiological reason your digestive system reacts the way it does.
When stress hormones surge for long periods, they disrupt digestion, slow metabolism, and increase inflammation making bloating, constipation, cravings, and low energy far
Episode 409: Blood-Stained Surgical Tools Found at Colorado Hospital By State Inspectors
The shocking discovery of blood-stained surgical tools at a Colorado hospital is a wake-up call for every dental practice. When sterilization falls behind, even briefly, safety can break down fast and dentistry faces the same risks, especially with short staffing, rushed schedules, and inconsistent infection control habits.
In this episode, Kevin Henry and infection control expert Mary Govoni, CD
Episode 408: How Top Dental Assistants Stand Out and Earn More
Dental assistants play a bigger role in a practice’s success than most people realize. The difference between staying stuck and standing out often comes down to small, everyday actions that boost efficiency, protect equipment, and support the office’s bottom line. From managing supplies to improving documentation and communication, the best dental assistants know how to make themselves indispensab
Episode 407: The Dental Assistant Side of Dentistry
Behind every confident smile sits a team that makes it possible … but what happens when the stress behind the dental chair becomes too much? In this episode, we dive into the unspoken side of dental assisting, including the office politics, burnout, and emotional strain that can quietly erode morale in a practice. This episode takes a candid look at what it’s really like to be on the dental assist
Episode 406: What Makes the Best Dental Teams So Seamless
What if I told you the secret to a truly seamless dental team isn’t about skill, it’s about connection?
When the front and back office move together as one, everything changes. Genuine communication and trust turn daily routines into a smooth, consistent flow that patients can feel the moment they walk in. Every handoff, every small exchange, shapes how comfortable and confident a patient feels
Episode 405: This Dental Assistant Turned Her Clinical Skills into Her Biggest Asset
From the operatory to the tech world.How one dental assistant turned her skills into success.
In this episode, Kevin Henry sits down with Treneice Negron, a former dental assistant who transformed her clinical experience into a thriving career in dental technology. Treneice shares how her adaptability, organization, and deep understanding of patient care helped her transition from chairside work
Episode 404: How Dental Assistants Can Make a Lot More Money
Dental assistants bring incredible value to every practice, but too often they feel stuck with limited pay and few growth opportunities. In this episode of Dental Assistant Nation, a wonderful guest and respected voice in dentistry, Teresa Duncan, shares her story of moving beyond the operatory and building a career filled with new opportunities, higher income, and long-term stability.
The conver
Episode 403 Nicotine Addiction is Changing: What Dental Assistants Need to Know
Nicotine use is rapidly evolving beyond traditional cigarettes, with new products like pouches, vapes, and heat-not-burn devices changing the way patients consume and the way oral health professionals need to respond. In this episode, Kevin Henry speaks with Sherri Warshaw, RDH, CTTS and founder of Smokefree Steps, LLC, about the critical role dental assistants play in identifying nicotine use, ed
Episode 402: How to Make Dental Assisting Less Stressful
If you’ve ever felt the weight of stress in the dental office, this episode is one you don’t want to miss. Kevin Henry sits down with Dr. Eric Johnson to talk about the pressures dentists face and more importantly, what every dental assistant should know to make the day run smoother and less overwhelming. Dr. Johnson shares a powerful story from his own practice and introduces a simple but game-ch
Episode 401: The Dark Side of Ozempic
The Dark Side of Ozempic
From the Archives: Episode 313 Time-travel with us to a past episode where we dive into the rise of Ozempic for weight loss and what it means for both patients and dental professionals. Originally designed to manage type 2 diabetes, Ozempic’s surge in popularity as a weight loss aid has sparked shortages and concerns for those who truly need it. We also explore side effec
Episode 400: Ways Dental Assistants Can Shine With a New Doctor
Stepping into a new chapter with a different doctor can feel uncertain for many dental assistants. The routines you’ve relied on may suddenly change, the expectations may shift, and the comfortable rhythm of the practice can feel disrupted. Questions like why did this happen or where do I fit in now often surface, creating stress and doubt.
But in every challenge lies opportunity. While some dent
Episode 399: Proven Dental Marketing Tips That Bring New Patients
Proven Dental Marketing Tips That Bring New Patients
Bringing in new patients today requires more than polished ads. It’s about authenticity, visibility, and connection. A Dental Assistant plays a crucial role in dental marketing, not only inside the practice but also in shaping how the team is seen online. From genuine patient testimonials to engaging posts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, reels,
Episode 398: How to Handle Sick Patients: What Every Dental Assistant Needs to Know
Did you know hand-foot-and-mouth disease can knock an adult out for a week?
Kevin Henry welcomes infectious disease and compliance expert Joyce Weeks of Dental Ed for a timely conversation on keeping dental teams safe as school is back in session and community bugs resurface. Joyce shares her journey from HIV vaccine research to teaching dental professionals about OSHA and infection control, and
Episode 397: How to Make it Easy for a Dentist to Hire You
Did you know being prepared can make or break a dental assistant’s chance of getting hired by a dentist?
Landing a dental assisting position isn’t just about having the right skills. It’s about making the hiring decision effortless for the dentist. That means showing up prepared, polished, and ready to fit into their dental office culture. From a spotless, typo-free resume to researching the prac
Episode 396: Dental Assistant Shortages Are Getting Worse And A National Model is Being Built to Fix It!
Why are dental assistants still being held back in 2025?
The dental industry continues to face frustrating inconsistencies that limit the growth and mobility of dental assistants. This episode reveals a bold new professional model created to fix the fractured system of dental assisting across the U.S. With each state enforcing its own confusing rules, dental careers often stall or reset entirely
Episode 395: How Motivation and Research-Backed Goal Techniques Can Make You Successful
Discover the science-backed strategies behind setting goals that truly lead to success.
Many people set goals with good intentions, but few apply proven methods that actually move them forward. In this episode, we explore motivation not as a feeling, but as a system that can be built and sustained with the right approach. Backed by psychology and real research, these goal-setting techniques aren’t
Episode 394: Dental Assistants Make Great Hygienists: What Every Aspiring Hygienist Need to Understand
She went from dental assisting to redefining what it means to be a hygienist.
Some stories don’t age, they just get more relevant. Episode 298 is one of those, which is why we’re pulling it from the archives and back into the spotlight. Sherri Warshaw’s path through dentistry isn’t the one you’ve heard before. She didn’t just climb the career ladder, she took a hard left, pushed through the tough
Episode 393: Ways Dental Assistants Can Create a Positive and Productive Workplace
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
Episode 392: Future of Dental Assistants: Why CDAA Left ADAA & What To Expect
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 wh
Episode 391: The Oral Preventive Assistant: Is it bad news for dental assistants?
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 mor
Episode 390: The Real Reason Dental Offices Feel So Stressful — And How to Fix It
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
Episode 389: Making Waterline Protocols Easy And Efficient For Dental Assistants
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.
Episode 388: How Dental Assistants Can Simplify Supply Ordering (and Shine Doing It)
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
Episode 387: The Reason Dental Practices Get Shut Down
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
Episode 386: What Dental Assistants Need to Know About Handpiece Maintenance
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;
Episode 385: Sterisil's Game-Changing Waterline Protocol That Helps Customers Pass More Tests!
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
Episode 384: 5 Genius Ways for Dental assistants to work with Micromanaging Bosses
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 y
Episode 383: What you really need to know about your dental practice's waterlines
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, includ
Episode 382: What Every Aspiring Dental Assistant Must Know To Be Successful
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
Episode 381: THIS is the BEST Onboarding Guide for Dental Assistants!
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 sk
Episode 380: We Found Out What Antidepressants REALLY Do to Your Teeth… and It’s Scary
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 clenchi
Episode 379: Dental Assistant + AI: The Game-Changing Workflow You Need to Know
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, A
