Dental Assistant Nation

Dental Assistant Nation
  • 4.7 (29)
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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 436: Tips To Grow From Dental Assistant to Manager!

    5D AGO

    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 field and why leadership is not just about standing in front of a room or having a management title. They talk about how dental assistants can create opportunities for themselves by learning new skills, saying yes to uncomfortable challenges, and becoming valuable inside the practice. Sherrie shares her journey from single mom working at Pizza Hut to becoming a dental assistant training developer and speaker, along with the lessons she learned from failure, rejection, burnout, and personal growth. The conversation also explores the role of DSOs, mentorship, continuing education, and the importance of taking initiative in your career. Whether you want to become an office manager, mentor, educator, or simply feel more fulfilled in dentistry, this episode offers practical insight and motivation for dental assistants who want more from their career. Connect with Sherrie Busby Email: Sherrie.Busby@yahoo.com Podcasts Dental Assisting Uncharted: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrjkyvO6G1h0SDcqniI9yoMsIMQUqDAtC ZenOne Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ZenOne_Dental/featured ------------------- 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.

    25 min
  2. Episode 435: The BEST Way to Keep Dental Waterlines Safe!

    MAY 11

    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, and why fluctuations in treatment can allow contamination to return. The conversation highlights how silver ion technology works at a continuous level to disrupt bacteria by damaging cell walls, helping prevent buildup before it becomes a larger problem. They also explain the importance of starting with clean lines, using EPA registered products, and regularly testing water quality to verify safety. From simple shock treatments to year round maintenance strategies, this discussion focuses on practical ways dental teams can reduce risk, simplify routines, and maintain safe water for patients without adding complexity to their workflow.

    12 min
  3. Episode 434: NEW Dental Assistant Scholarship Just Launched

    MAY 4

    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 share why they felt it was time to give back and address a major gap in training and recognition. With over 80 percent of dental assistants responsible for infection control in their practices, the need for proper education has never been more urgent. This scholarship aims to provide access to certification programs that can improve patient safety, strengthen professional skills, and elevate the role of dental assistants across the industry. They also discuss the mission behind the initiative, the impact of past scholarship programs, and how this effort can shape the future of dental care. If you are a dental assistant looking to grow your career and make a greater impact, this is an opportunity worth exploring. Learn more about the scholarship here! MyADS: https://www.myads.org/ DTAFoundation: https://dtafoundation.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.

    14 min
  4. Episode 433: Is Your Dental Practice Waterline Safe?

    APR 27

    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 practices need to do when waterline tests fail. They also discuss how simple, clear SOPs help teams stay consistent and avoid mistakes that can impact patient safety.

    9 min
  5. Episode 432: What Feeling Valued at Work Really Looks Like as a Dental Assistant

    APR 20

    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 being recognized for clinical skills, patient relationships, teamwork, and the unseen preparation that keeps a practice running smoothly. Through stories shared at the roundtable, this episode unpacks what real appreciation looks like in dental practices and why feeling valued has such a direct impact on fulfillment, confidence, and team culture. Kevin reflects on moments when doctors, coworkers, and even patients made dental assistants feel seen, respected, and essential. He also addresses the harder reality that many assistants feel overlooked or taken for granted, offering perspective on how to recognize your own value even when others fail to express it. This conversation is a reminder that being valued is not always about grand recognition. Sometimes it is found in trust, gratitude, collaboration, and the quiet moments when you realize the difference you make every day. Whether you feel deeply appreciated in your role or are struggling to find that sense of worth right now, this episode offers encouragement, reflection, and practical insight into the value dental assistants bring to patients, practices, and the profession. ------------------- 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.

    18 min
  6. Episode 431: The Life Saving Skills Every Dental Assistant Should Learn

    APR 13

    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 extraoral screenings and how these quick checks can be done in just a few minutes during routine appointments. The conversation highlights how assistants are uniquely positioned to notice abnormalities, educate patients, and support early diagnosis even in individuals with no obvious risk factors. They also discuss how assistants can confidently communicate their desire to grow within the practice, take on more responsibility, and elevate their impact on patient outcomes. This episode is a powerful reminder that with the right training and mindset, dental assistants are not just support staff but essential contributors to saving lives through early detection and patient care. Connect with Inspired Hygiene Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredhygiene/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspiredHygiene Connect with Kathryn Email: Kathryn@inspiredhygiene.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathryngilliam Facebook: https://facebook.com/kathrynkamishgilliam LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/kathrynkamishgilliam --------------------------- 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.

    16 min
  7. Episode 430: Novel Opioids Warning! What They Don't Teach in Dental School

    APR 6

    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 treatment. Building trust, asking clear health history questions, and documenting patient responses carefully helps protect the dentist’s license, the dental team, and the patient’s wellbeing. Awareness of emerging drug trends allows dental professionals to make safer clinical decisions and prevent complications before treatment even begins. Connect with Tom Viola LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasviolarph/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PharmacologyDeclassified Website: https://www.tomviola.com/ Watch our previous podcast! Dental Assistant Nation Episode 428: Why Smoking Marijuana Makes Dental Work Dangerous https://youtu.be/LI1Iv-28oVk --------------------------- 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.

    16 min
  8. Episode 429: Do This To Be A TOP Tier Dental Assistant

    MAR 30

    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. Understanding job responsibilities, advocating for professional development, and embracing digital dentistry and emerging technology can transform an assistant from support staff into a driving force within the practice. Strong culture, mature leadership, and ongoing education create opportunities for assistants to expand their influence, strengthen job security, and build a career that grows alongside modern dentistry. Connect with Victoria Peterson Email: Info@productivedentist.com Check our podcast on Dr.Bicuspid.com … “Building an investment-grade dental practice” https://www.drbicuspid.com/podcasts/podcast/15819045/how-to-build-an-investmentgrade-dental-practice --------------------------- 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
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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
    436
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Dental Assistant Nation

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