Dental Assistant Nation

Dental Assistant Nation
  • 4.7 (29)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

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. 4d ago

    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 experienced dental assistants are one of the most valuable investments a practice can make. He discusses how paying fairly, offering flexibility, and treating team members with respect created a workplace where everyone was willing to go the extra mile when patients needed them most. Dr. Goldman also shares how empowering assistants to take ownership of responsibilities like inventory management and surgical preparation helped the practice run smoothly every day. For dental assistants looking for the right employer, he offers practical advice on what questions to ask during interviews, including benefits, flexibility, and workplace culture. The conversation wraps up with the importance of continuing education, staying current with advances in dentistry, and ensuring the entire dental team is equipped to provide the best possible patient care. Special Offer Looking to expand your dental knowledge? Dr. Goldman teaches continuing education courses through the Dental Studies Institute of New Jersey, with many classes available live on Zoom for dental professionals across the United States. Mention Dental Assistant Nation when you register to receive 10% off your course. Website: https://www.dsi-nj.com/ ------------------- 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.

    Episode 449: How the Best Dentists Keep Their Assistants Happy and Loyal

  2. Aug 10

    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 joins Kevin Henry to discuss the evolving role of dental assistants and why they deserve greater recognition, development, and opportunity within dental practices. Drawing on two decades of experience in leadership and performance coaching, she explains how many assistants are expected to carry significant responsibilities without receiving the training, compensation, or professional support they deserve. The conversation explores why leaders need to invest in assistants just as they do other team members, encourage career growth, and create pathways for advancement. Brandi also highlights the importance of self awareness, healthy boundaries, and balancing professional demands with personal wellbeing. She shares insights into the unique challenges many women face in leadership, how people pleasing can limit growth, and why finding your voice is essential for long-term success. This episode is an empowering reminder that when dental assistants are supported, valued, and given opportunities to lead, the entire practice benefits. Connect with Brandi Instagram: Brandi Marzolino : https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ Linkedin: Brandi Marzolino : https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ Empowered Leadership Experience www.leadhershipexperience.com Podcast: The Real Talk of Dental: https://therealtalkofdental.com/ ------------------- 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.

    Episode 448: The Truth About Being a Dental Assistant That Nobody Talks About

  3. Aug 3

    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 becoming Certified Dental Assistants. Molly shares how she transitioned from being a certified nurse's assistant into dentistry, found confidence through earning her CDA, and is now pursuing her dream of becoming a dental hygienist. Mikelle reflects on a 20 year career that began as a dental assistant and evolved into managing dental assistant support, highlighting the value of mentorship, certification, and investing in professional development. Lynn discusses her experience as a lead dental assistant, her passion for coaching new assistants, and how expanding her knowledge through certifications has strengthened both her skills and patient care. Together, they emphasize the importance of supportive doctor assistant relationships, career advancement opportunities, and lifelong learning in creating fulfilling careers in dentistry. Aspen Dental Website: www.aspendental.com ------------------- 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. Watch the 2 previous episodes! Part 1: Episode 445: Can Certification Make You a Better Dental Assistant? https://youtu.be/rI7cGHQf0Ko Part 2: Episode 446: How Certification Changes a Dental Assistant Career https://youtu.be/Qw1S6Y2kFYA

    Episode 447: What Dental Assistants Say About Working at Aspen Dental

  4. Jul 27

    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 Amber Musser from Aspen Dental and Atia Black from the Dental Assisting National Board to discuss why national certification matters for dental assistants. They explain how certification strengthens clinical knowledge in areas like infection control, radiation health and safety, and regulatory compliance while also creating more career opportunities across multiple states. The conversation highlights how certification builds confidence, validates experience, increases job satisfaction, and can lead to higher earning potential. Amber also shares how Aspen Dental's investment in certification has improved retention, strengthened provider and assistant partnerships, and removed barriers that once kept many dental assistants from advancing their careers. Together, they make the case that supporting professional development is not only good for individual dental assistants but also improves patient care and strengthens the future of the dental workforce. Connect with DANB and Aspen Dental DANB Website: www.danb.org DANB State Requirements www.danb.org/state-requirements Aspen Dental Website: www.aspendental.com ------------------- 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.

    Episode 446: How Certification Changes a Dental Assistant Career (Part 2)

  5. Jul 20

    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 real impact of investing in dental assistant education. They explore how certification builds confidence, creates new career opportunities, improves workflow, and helps dental assistants deliver higher quality patient care. The conversation also highlights how Aspen Dental supports its teams through structured training, study resources, and career development while navigating different state requirements. Whether you are just starting your career or looking to take the next step, this episode offers practical insights into why practicing at the top of your scope benefits both dental assistants and the patients they serve. ------------------- 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.

    Episode 445: Can Certification Make You a Better Dental Assistant? (Part 1)

  6. Jul 13

    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 productivity, scheduling, or practice growth. They explore the growing challenge of training new dental assistants, the spread of misinformation in dentistry, and why proper education is essential for keeping both patients and dental teams safe. Tija explains how certification in dental infection prevention builds confidence, strengthens careers, and helps establish consistent standards across the profession. The discussion also covers common misconceptions about sterilization, the importance of documentation, understanding state regulations, and why continuous education is one of the best investments any dental assistant can make. Whether you are new to dentistry or an experienced professional, this episode highlights why infection control remains the foundation of quality patient care. Connect with Tija Hunter Email: tijaefda@gmail.com DANB Website: https://danb.org/ ADS Website: https://www.myads.org/ ------------------- 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.

    Episode 444: Every Dental Assistant Needs Infection Control Training (Here's Why)

  7. Jul 6

    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 Dental Assistants Association. She explains why national certification and licensing could transform the profession by making it easier for dental assistants to work across state lines while strengthening career growth and professional recognition. The discussion also covers pay, career advancement, the importance of advocacy, and why every dental assistant needs a voice in shaping the future of the profession. Whether you are just starting your career or have years of experience, this episode offers valuable insights into where dental assisting is headed and how you can be part of its future. Connect with Erin! ADAA Website: https://adaausa.org/ ------------------- 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.

    Episode 443: ADAA President on the Future of Dental Assisting

  8. Jun 29

    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 Function certification for dental assistants. They explain the education, training, and certification process required to perform this advanced function, why patient safety remains the top priority, and how expanding responsibilities can improve workflow, reduce burnout, and create new career opportunities. The conversation also explores whether Oregon's model could inspire similar changes in other states and where dental assistants can find reliable information about their own state's requirements. Whether you are an experienced dental assistant, a student, or part of the dental team, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the profession's most important developments. DANB Website: https://www.danb.org/ Connect with Tony Garcia Email: vipservice@danb.org Connect with Tina Clarke Email: tina@teachertinardh.com Website: https://www.teachertinardh.com/ ------------------- 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.

    Episode 442: Dental Assistants in Oregon Can Now Give Local Anesthesia!
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4.7
out of 5
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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
    449
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Dental Assistant Nation

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