Dental Assistant Nation

Dental Assistant Nation
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Kevin Henry is a champion for dental assistants and host of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast. He is also the editor in chief for DrBicuspid.com. Speaker, consultant and author focused on empowering, enlightening and educating dental assistants.

  1. Episode 423: What Helps Dental Assistants Grow And Earn More

    5D AGO

    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 they also want feedback, appreciation, and clear opportunities to elevate their careers. Simple ideas like personal business cards, public recognition, and meaningful appreciation during Dental Assistant Recognition Week can transform how valued they feel. The conversation also highlights why earning and maintaining a CDA credential matters for validation, confidence, and higher pay, showing that investing in professional development can change how assistants see themselves and how others see their value in the practice. Connect with Atia DANB website: https://www.danb.org/ Email: ABlack@DANB.org Contact: 800-367-3262 —--------------------------- At the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention, Kwikly teamed up with Dental Assistant Nation to give away FIVE sets of Fabletics scrubs, and we’re celebrating the amazing dental assistants who make it all happen every day. Congratulations to our winners: Emma Ghent Karen Sigala Virginia Valles Reyna Gonzales Marians Grajeda Huge thanks to Sarah McLaughlin and the Kwikly team for supporting our community and giving back in a big way 💗 Want to learn more about how Kwikly supports dental assistants nationwide? Check out their website https://www.joinkwikly.com/ and see how it can help grow your career. —--------------------------- Dental assistants play a powerful role in whether patients move forward with treatment. You are a key part of the patient journey, and having the right financial options can make all the difference. CareCredit is a health and wellness credit card that offers flexible financing options, so patients can pay over time for the care they want or need, subject to credit approval. When money isn’t the obstacle, patients say yes. Want to make CareCredit part of your practice’s offerings and strengthen case acceptance? Email me at kevin@kevinspeaksdental.com and let’s make it happen for your team.

    20 min
  2. Episode 422: What Every Dental Assistant Should Know About 3D Printing

    FEB 9

    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, and give teams pride in providing high quality care without relying solely on outside labs. Through education like DDAA and the Digital Dental Assistant Academy, assistants gain hands-on training, build real confidence with technology, and step into expanded roles that support the entire practice, creating smoother days, stronger outcomes, and a future focused approach to dentistry. Connect with Rochelle Website: https://theddaa.com/ Email: info@theddaa.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DigitalDentalAssistantAcademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitaldentalassistantacademy/?hl=en Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@digitaldaacademy —------------------------------- Meet me at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, February 20–21, for two powerful sessions: ✨ Harnessing the Power of Personalities in the Dental Practice February 20, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM learn how understanding personalities can transform teamwork and communication in your dental practice. 🔥 Battling and Beating the Demons of Dental Assisting February 21, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM an honest, empowering session just for dental assistants about overcoming the real challenges in our profession. Let’s connect, learn, and grow together. In 2026 it’s going to be a year of real conversations and real change for dental assistants everywhere. 👉 Chicago Midwinter Meeting: https://midwintermeeting.eventscribe.net/?_gl=1*15ae5ic*_ga*MTY3Nzc0OTM5OC4xNzU5OTcxOTAw*_ga_VZTQV2NKLH*czE3NTk5NzE5MDAkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTk5NzE5MDAkajYwJGwwJGgw

    16 min
  3. Episode 421: How Dental Assistants Elevate Occlusal Analysis with T-Scan

    FEB 2

    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 traditional bite adjustment methods rely heavily on guesswork and why articulating paper alone cannot measure bite force or timing. Dr. Kerstein shares decades of clinical experience using computerized bite analysis and explains how objective data leads to more precise adjustments, fewer post treatment visits, and greater patient comfort. The conversation highlights the important role dental assistants play in recognizing unresolved bite issues, supporting better diagnostic tools, and helping practices move toward more efficient and predictable care. This episode offers practical insight into how measuring the bite improves treatment results, strengthens patient trust, and supports long term oral health. Connect with Dr. Robert Kerstein TechScan Website: www.tekscan.com/dental Dr. Robert’s Website: https://www.drrobertkerstein.com/ Email: tmjdoc@ix.netcom.com 4 Volume T-Scan Research Book: https://www.igi-global.com/book/handbook-research-scan-technology-applications/318679 —------------------------------- Meet me at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, February 20–21, for two powerful sessions: ✨ Harnessing the Power of Personalities in the Dental Practice February 20, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM learn how understanding personalities can transform teamwork and communication in your dental practice. 🔥 Battling and Beating the Demons of Dental Assisting February 21, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM an honest, empowering session just for dental assistants about overcoming the real challenges in our profession. Let’s connect, learn, and grow together. In 2026 it’s going to be a year of real conversations and real change for dental assistants everywhere. 👉 Chicago Midwinter Meeting: https://midwintermeeting.eventscribe.net/?_gl=1*15ae5ic*_ga*MTY3Nzc0OTM5OC4xNzU5OTcxOTAw*_ga_VZTQV2NKLH*czE3NTk5NzE5MDAkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTk5NzE5MDAkajYwJGwwJGgw

    16 min
  4. Episode 420: Dental Assistants Avoid Burnout With These Steps!

    JAN 26

    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 assisting and how daily stress builds when self-care is treated as optional instead of necessary. It covers practical ways dental assistants can manage stress, protect their physical and mental health, and build simple daily habits around sleep, movement, nutrition, emotional awareness, and boundaries. It also shares quick techniques that can be used during the workday to reduce stress and support long-term career sustainability. This podcast is sponsored by: CareCredit CareCredit alleviates financial stress so you can focus on the precision and skilled work your patients deserve. Our financing options provide a foundational support system for both your practice and your dental team. drop me an email at: Kevin@kevinspeaksdental.com to learn how care credit works with your practice and you as a dental assistant. —------------------------------- Connect with Wendy Ernzen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen/ Email: letsplanthouses@gmail.com Website: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/ —------------------------------- Meet me at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, February 20–21, for two powerful sessions: ✨ Harnessing the Power of Personalities in the Dental Practice February 20, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM learn how understanding personalities can transform teamwork and communication in your dental practice. 🔥 Battling and Beating the Demons of Dental Assisting February 21, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM an honest, empowering session just for dental assistants about overcoming the real challenges in our profession. Let’s connect, learn, and grow together. In 2026 it’s going to be a year of real conversations and real change for dental assistants everywhere. 👉 Chicago Midwinter Meeting: https://midwintermeeting.eventscribe.net/?_gl=1*15ae5ic*_ga*MTY3Nzc0OTM5OC4xNzU5OTcxOTAw*_ga_VZTQV2NKLH*czE3NTk5NzE5MDAkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTk5NzE5MDAkajYwJGwwJGgw

    15 min
  5. Episode 419: How A Dental Assistant Can Achieve Financial Freedom Without High Salary or Burning Out?

    JAN 19

    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 through intentional money choices, self-care, and career alignment. Angela shares how balancing motherhood, chronic illness, and a demanding career pushed her to rethink finances, burnout, and the traditional definition of success. The conversation breaks down the FIRE movement in a realistic way, showing how even dental assistants living paycheck to paycheck can work toward debt freedom, flexibility, and long-term stability. This episode connects money, mental health, and career empowerment, reminding dental assistants that small, conscious decisions can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life. Connect with Angela Website: https://fireyourcareer.com/ This episode is sponsored by CareCredit. If you'd like to make sure that's an option for your patients, just reach out to Kevin Henry at kevin@kevinspeaksdental.com and he'll hook you up with the resources you need. -------------------- Big things are coming in 2026 for dental assistants! Join me at the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention in Denver, January 22–23, for Real Talk About the State of Dental Assistants happening 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM MST. We’re getting real about what’s working, what needs improvement, and how we can strengthen the future of our profession together. Then meet me at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, February 20–21, for two powerful sessions: ✨ Harnessing the Power of Personalities in the Dental Practice February 20, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM learn how understanding personalities can transform teamwork and communication in your dental practice. 🔥 Battling and Beating the Demons of Dental Assisting February 21, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM an honest, empowering session just for dental assistants about overcoming the real challenges in our profession. Let’s connect, learn, and grow together. In 2026 it’s going to be a year of real conversations and real change for dental assistants everywhere. 👉 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention: https://rmdconline.com/ 👉 Chicago Midwinter Meeting: https://midwintermeeting.eventscribe.net/?_gl=1*15ae5ic*_ga*MTY3Nzc0OTM5OC4xNzU5OTcxOTAw*_ga_VZTQV2NKLH*czE3NTk5NzE5MDAkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTk5NzE5MDAkajYwJGwwJGgw

    17 min
  6. Episode 418: What a Dental Assistant Needs to Do to Get Paid More

    JAN 12

    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 industry. With staffing shortages continuing and practice costs rising, now is the best time for dental assistants to take control of their careers, but only if they do it the right way. You will learn why asking for a raise too soon can backfire, how to clearly show your value in the practice, and what steps to take in January and mid-year to set yourself up for better pay. Kevin walks you through simple, practical actions like tracking what you do every day, setting career goals with your dentist, and creating a plan that makes it easier for your employer to say yes when the money conversation comes up. This episode is not about demanding more. It is about earning more by proving your worth and positioning yourself as a dental assistant your practice cannot afford to lose. Listen now and start taking control of your dental assistant career. If you want help applying these steps in your own practice, email me at kevin@kevinspeaksdental.com . Be sure to check out past episodes of Dental Assistant Nation for more practical advice to help you grow your skills, confidence, and career. -------------------- Don’t forget to follow us! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dentalassistantnation/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@dentalassistantnation -------------------- Big things are coming in 2026 for dental assistants! Join me at the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention in Denver, January 22–23, for Real Talk About the State of Dental Assistants happening 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM MST. We’re getting real about what’s working, what needs improvement, and how we can strengthen the future of our profession together. Then meet me at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, February 20–21, for two powerful sessions: ✨ Harnessing the Power of Personalities in the Dental Practice February 20, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM learn how understanding personalities can transform teamwork and communication in your dental practice. 🔥 Battling and Beating the Demons of Dental Assisting February 21, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM an honest, empowering session just for dental assistants about overcoming the real challenges in our profession. Let’s connect, learn, and grow together. In 2026 it’s going to be a year of real conversations and real change for dental assistants everywhere. 👉 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention: https://rmdconline.com/ 👉 Chicago Midwinter Meeting: https://midwintermeeting.eventscribe.net/?_gl=1*15ae5ic*_ga*MTY3Nzc0OTM5OC4xNzU5OTcxOTAw*_ga_VZTQV2NKLH*czE3NTk5NzE5MDAkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTk5NzE5MDAkajYwJGwwJGgw

    20 min
  7. Episode 417: How Dental Assistants Can Build a Better Career and Life

    JAN 5

    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 shares how belief, willingness, and honest self reflection are the foundation for creating change at any stage of life. They discuss overcoming fear of failure, building mental toughness, and why vulnerability and community matter when pursuing career and life goals. Toni also challenges the idea of shortcuts, emphasizing the value of skill sets, consistency, and sustainable habits over quick fixes. This episode offers encouragement and perspective for dental assistants who are ready to grow, evolve, and create a more fulfilling career and life. Connect with Toni Will Website: https://www.toniwill.com/ Women In… Podcast: https://www.toniwill.com/women-in-podcast -------------------- Don’t forget to follow us! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dentalassistantnation/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@dentalassistantnation -------------------- Big things are coming in 2026 for dental assistants! Join me at the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention in Denver, January 22–23, for Real Talk About the State of Dental Assistants happening 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM MST. We’re getting real about what’s working, what needs improvement, and how we can strengthen the future of our profession together. Then meet me at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, February 20–21, for two powerful sessions: ✨ Harnessing the Power of Personalities in the Dental Practice February 20, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM learn how understanding personalities can transform teamwork and communication in your dental practice. 🔥 Battling and Beating the Demons of Dental Assisting February 21, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM an honest, empowering session just for dental assistants about overcoming the real challenges in our profession. Let’s connect, learn, and grow together. In 2026 it’s going to be a year of real conversations and real change for dental assistants everywhere. 👉 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention: https://rmdconline.com/ 👉 Chicago Midwinter Meeting: https://midwintermeeting.eventscribe.net/?_gl=1*15ae5ic*_ga*MTY3Nzc0OTM5OC4xNzU5OTcxOTAw*_ga_VZTQV2NKLH*czE3NTk5NzE5MDAkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTk5NzE5MDAkajYwJGwwJGgw

    17 min
  8. Episode 416: Top 5 Dental Assistant Nation Podcasts of 2025 | New Year Special

    12/29/2025

    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 year. You will hear highlights from conversations that covered: • Career growth and leveling up • Dental assistant onboarding and training • Recognition and appreciation in dentistry • Professional development and success tips • The topics that truly mattered to dental assistants in 2025 Thank you for making 2025 an incredible year for Dental Assistant Nation. Your support, engagement, and passion continue to drive this movement forward. We are excited for what is ahead in 2026 as we tackle tough topics, elevate the profession, and keep raising dental assistants up. The Top 5 Dental Assistant Nation Podcasts of 2025 10:28 #1: Episode 374: How Top Dental Assistants Level Up Their Careers: Essential Tips https://youtu.be/_aGzvOVquLw 08:01 #2: Episode 373: 5 Must-Know Tips for Dental Assistants During Recognition Week! https://youtu.be/iD_xzc8-qek 06:36 #3: Episode 382: What Every Aspiring Dental Assistant Must Know To Be Successful https://youtu.be/tJOwwTz9ovI 04:32 #4: Episode 381: THIS is the BEST Onboarding Guide for Dental Assistants! https://youtu.be/cnWgzK2dWf0 02:43 #5: Episode 391: The Oral Preventive Assistant: Is it bad news for dental assistants? https://youtu.be/ElyssposlQQ Follow us on Tiktok! : https://www.tiktok.com/@dentalassistantnation?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

    17 min
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4.7
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Kevin Henry is a champion for dental assistants and host of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast. He is also the editor in chief for DrBicuspid.com. Speaker, consultant and author focused on empowering, enlightening and educating dental assistants.

Information

  • Creator
    Dental Assistant Nation
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    423
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Dental Assistant Nation