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. 18h ago

    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

  2. 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)

  3. 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)

  4. 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)

  5. 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

  6. 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!

  7. Jun 22

    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 every practice. Angela explains how complicated systems with multiple steps can lead to missed tasks, especially for busy dental assistants who already manage countless responsibilities throughout the day. She shares why simple, consistent processes are more effective and highlights the benefits of silver ion technology, including product compatibility, stability, and a better patient experience without unpleasant taste or odor. The conversation also explores common mistakes practices make with waterline testing and shocking protocols, the importance of using validated products, and how a streamlined water safety protocol can improve efficiency while helping practices stay compliant and focused on what matters most, providing safe, high quality care for every patient.

    Episode 441: The Best Way to Keep Dental Waterlines Safe

  8. Jun 15

    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 orthodontic experience. Anthony discusses the importance of understanding orthodontic treatment protocols, educating patients before the doctor steps in, and helping patients feel confident throughout their treatment journey. He also shares practical chairside techniques that can make appointments more comfortable while improving efficiency for the clinical team. The conversation explores how proper isolation, visibility, and patient comfort contribute to successful bracket placement and overall treatment outcomes. Anthony also highlights innovations in orthodontic retraction systems and explains how modern tools can help clinicians work more effectively while creating a better experience for patients. Whether you are a new assistant or a seasoned orthodontic professional, this episode offers valuable insights into delivering exceptional patient care and elevating your role within the practice. Connect with Anthony ISORETRACT Website: https://isoretract.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 440: The Orthodontic Tool Assistants Wish They Had Sooner
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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
    447
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Dental Assistant Nation