In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry and Nancy Coy discuss the importance of financial literacy for dental assistants. They explore how understanding credit basics can empower assistants to have meaningful conversations about financing options with patients. The conversation emphasizes the significance of communication skills alongside clinical skills, the role of teamwork in patient care, and strategies for new dental assistants to navigate financial...

In this conversation, Kevin Henry interviews Leslie Canham, a key opinion leader in infection control. They discuss the importance of testing and treating dental unit water lines, citing outbreaks and cases where contaminated water led to illness in patients. They also highlight the need for proper training and adherence to CDC guidelines and manufacturer's directions. The conversation emphasizes the role of an infection control coordinator and the importance of empowering team members to...

In this episode, Dental Assistant Nation host Kevin Henry speaks with author Julio Vincent Gambuto about his book 'Please Unsubscribe, Thanks.' They discuss the inspiration behind the book, practical steps to unsubscribe from life's distractions, the impact of social media on happiness, and the challenges faced by the younger generation in a digital world. Julio emphasizes the importance of reevaluating our time and attention in a society filled with distractions and the concept of 'ultimate...

In this episode, Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry reflects upon a recent social media post made by Steve from Blue's Clues and the profound impact it seemed to have on an entire generation. Did it prove we need to know we're not alone in our struggles and someone is listening to us when we need it? Kevin thinks so ... so what does that mean for dental assistants. Let's dive in and talk openly and honestly about a subject that is in the shadows far too much.

In this episode, I sit down with Productive Dentist Academy CEO and co-founder Victoria Peterson to discuss why dental assistants and productivity are such a focus for PDA. What does it mean to really be a "productive" dental assistant? Is it the dentist or assistant (or both) who creates a "productive" assistant? We talk about this and much more. Learn more about PDA at https://productivedentist.com

In this episode, two thought leaders join the show to help dental assistants know how to finish the year strong professionally (with thoughts from Tija Hunter, EFDA) and personally (with thoughts from Caitlin Parson, RDH). As 2024 starts to wind down, how can dental assistants make sure they are in a good place inside and outside the dental practice? That's what we're diving into today. Learn more about Caitlin at https://thealignedhygienist.com Learn more about Tija at...

Recorded during the South African Dental Association meeting in Pretoria, Kevin Henry welcomes back Jeanné Oosthuysen, the dental assistant champion of South Africa, to discuss what she sees from assistants in her native land and how there are so many similarities between how they feel on the job and the feelings of American dental assistants. This is a must-listen as a reminder that dental assistants are never alone in their struggles and joys.

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry interviews two dental assistants, Amy Mitchell and Catie Lis, about their experiences in the field. They discuss the importance of core values, creating a positive work environment, and celebrating wins. Hanna Aronovich from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and DALE Foundation also joins the conversation to talk about the Great Practices for Dental Assistants to Work Award and other initiatives the foundation is...

The conversation between Kevin Henry and Mary Govoni, CDA, RDH, discusses the balance between social media engagement and infection control in dental practices. It emphasizes the importance of professionalism and the potential negative impact of inappropriate social media posts on the image of the practice. The hosts also highlight the need for proper PPE in social media content and the potential consequences of disregarding infection control protocols. Govoni urges dental professionals to...

In this episode, Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA, joins the show to talk about how dental assistants can finish 2024 strong, and that includes making sure they are educated through both clinical and practice management CE courses. She also discusses why documentation is so important and how dental assistants can make sure it is done properly. You can reach Tija at [email protected]

In this episode, Kevin Henry interviews Lisa Heaton from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health about the importance of health screenings in dental practices. They discuss the disconnect between patients' willingness to undergo screenings and the low percentage of patients actually receiving them. They also highlight the role of dental assistants in facilitating these screenings and reducing patient anxiety. The conversation emphasizes the link between oral health and overall health, and the...

In this conversation, Kevin Henry and Linda Harvey discuss the importance of patient safety training for dental assistants. They explore different ways for dental assistants to receive training, including mentorship, consulting, and additional courses. They emphasize the need for dental assistants to be aware of their state's requirements and to seek out training in areas relevant to their practice. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing training new dental assistants...

In this episode, Kevin Henry, founder of Dental Assistant Nation, interviews Sarrah Rose, the CEO and founder of Elixr, about Gen Z and their needs and desires in the dental practice. They discuss the loneliness that Gen Z often feels, the importance of connection and relationships, and how older generations can better connect with Gen Z. Sarah also explains how Elixr uses AI coaching to help people achieve their goals and improve their relationships. The conversation emphasizes the...

Today's episode is a pivot for Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry after a comment from a recent meeting drew his attention. Dental assistants, what are your goals for the rest of 2024? What's keeping you from achieving them? We all have to be ready to take that next step, but it's up to us to set the path. In this episode, let's embrace what is to come. Here's why and how.

After an unexpected week off to deal with his dad's medical emergency, Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry discusses finding work-life balance and how dental assistants can work with their dentists to plan ahead for contingencies. As always, communication is key, as is knowing what you want in teams of the ideal work-life balance.

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, host Kevin Henry interviews Linda Harvey, a dental assistant advocate and patient safety champion. They discuss the important role of dental assistants in patient safety and the various hats they wear in the dental practice. They also delve into four types of medical errors in dentistry: communication, documentation, infection control, and medication safety. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication, thorough...

In this episode, Kevin Henry interviews dental hygienist Cris Duval about the lifeguard approach to patient care. Duval emphasizes the importance of dental assistants in improving patient outcomes and increasing practice profitability. She encourages dental assistants to decide who they want to be for their patients and to ask quality questions that uncover patient values and motivations. Duval also emphasizes the need for dental assistants to speak up if they see something concerning in a...

In this episode recorded live at the Speaking Consulting Network meeting in Austin, Texas, Tija Hunter, EFDA, explains what dental practices are doing wrong when it comes to their HIPAA and OSHA training. From common mistakes to what OSHA inspectors may be looking to find in the practice, we cover a wide range of topics. Connect with Tija at [email protected].

Suzanne Cano, founder of LunaLite Dental, shares her journey from dental assistant to entrepreneur and the development of LunaLite, an x-ray positioning device. She discusses the impact of faith, innovation, and disruption in the dental industry, offering advice for dental assistants with innovative ideas. The conversation highlights the importance of patient experience and the future of LunaLite with the development of a mouthpiece as the next step in the company's journey. Learn more at...

Episode 334: Narrowing the focus for dental assistants in the practice by Dental Assistant Nation

In this episode recorded live at the California Dental Association (CDA) meeting in Anaheim, Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry sits down with CDA's Teresa Pichay, CHPC, and Ashley Reich to discuss the dental assistant's scope of practice and why it's important for every dental assistant and dentist to know what their state law allows dental assistants to do. This is an important episode as we make sure to keep assistants and dental practices on the right side of the law. Learn more...

Fresh off his day of speaking at the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference (PNDC), Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry shares two questions that were asked of him in Seattle by dental assistants and how he responded. Are these problems plaguing you and your dental practice?

In this episode, Kevin Henry, founder of the Dental Assistant Nation, explains the importance of stay interviews, what they are, and why dental assistants should be having one with the dentist before the first half of 2024 is over. What do you need to make this happen? How can these be successful for the dental assistant, dentist, and practice? Kevin shares his best tips here.

In this episode, dental assistant Mila McNeely returns to the show to discuss a connection in the oral-systemic link she believes every dental assistant should be willing to discuss with his or her patients ... the link between periodontal disease and erectile dysfunction. You can see the study detailing the link referenced here ... https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5672720/