Dental Assistant Nation
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.
Episodes
May 4, 2025 • 20 mins
Most people have no idea what dental assistants actually do — and it’s costing the profession trust, talent, and respect.
In this episode, Dr. Mark Thoreson pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to become a successful dental assistant — from the truth about patient trust to the soft skills no one’s teaching. You'll hear how his weekend training program in rural Wyoming is filling clinics with confident, skilled assistants...
Mark as Played
April 27, 2025 • 15 mins
Onboarding in a dental office isn't just about policies and protocols—it's about how clearly you communicate when the pressure is on. Miss the mark, and even the most experienced hires can falter.
Training new team members starts with avoiding assumptions. Just because someone has experience doesn’t mean they understand how things are done in a new environment. Without clear instructions, even skilled workers can struggle. A stron...
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April 20, 2025 • 14 mins
Wait! your dental implant failed... because of an antidepressant?
This is what nobody tells you about SSRIs, and honestly, it’s terrifying.
Antidepressants like Lexapro, Prozac, and Zoloft are more common than ever—but they come with side effects your patients and your team might not be ready for. In this episode, we dig into the surprising ways these meds impact the mouth, including:
Why clenching and facial pain could be linked ...
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April 13, 2025 • 17 mins
Is AI going to replace dental assistants? Or is it here to help?
AI is one of the biggest trends in dentistry today — but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we talk about how AI is changing the dental workflow, what that means for dental assistants, and why this technology isn’t something to fear. From improving patient communication to making the day-to-day tasks easier, AI is helping dental teams work smar...
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April 6, 2025 • 17 mins
Many patients struggle with gagging during dental procedures — and it’s stressful for both the dentist and the patient. In this episode, we meet someone who decided to fix that problem with a simple but powerful solution.
Recorded live from IDS in Cologne, Germany, this episode features Rodney Schutt, founder of No Gag, a company tackling one of dentistry’s most annoying problems: the gag reflex.
Rodney explains how the gag refle...
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March 29, 2025 • 17 mins
Dental assistant pay is one of the most talked-about issues in the industry right now, and for good reason. A surprising 47% of dental assistants feel they aren’t being compensated fairly, yet many don’t know what fair pay actually looks like in their area. That’s where today’s guest, Garrett Wilson, CEO of Pay Insights, comes in. His company is working to bring real data on dental assistant salary to the industry so that professio...
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March 23, 2025 • 18 mins
Burnout is hitting hard. If you're a dental assistant feeling exhausted, underappreciated, or just ready to walk away—this episode is for you. Burnout in dentistry is more common than we think, and the worst part? Too many assistants are keeping it all inside.
In this episode, Kevin Henry talks with Lynne Leggett from Victory Dental Management about the real struggles facing dental assistants. From feeling invisible to handling un...
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March 16, 2025 • 13 mins
We always hear how social media ruins our mental health—but what if it’s also the tool we’ve been overlooking to actually heal?
Social media isn’t just noise—it can be a lifeline. When used with purpose, social media helps create spaces that are uplifting, safe, and community-driven. It plays a critical role in supporting mental health, especially when users intentionally seek content that nurtures well-being. To fully experience ...
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March 9, 2025 • 18 mins
Want to excel as a dental assistant? Discover how top assistants level up and advance their careers!
Are you a dental assistant looking to take your career to the next level? In this episode, we dive deep into the strategies that successful dental assistants use to stand out, grow, and thrive in their field.
💡 Learn how to level up by mastering new skills, taking on leadership roles, and making a bigger impact in your practice.
...
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March 1, 2025 • 19 mins
Dental assistants, gear up! This recognition week, we're unleashing 5 powerful tips to elevate your dental game and capture the recognition you deserve.
In this episode, we break down 5 straightforward tips for dental assistants. These dental tips provide a surface-level insight into improving your workflow. Embrace this recognition week with actionable strategies and a fresh perspective, ensuring dental assistants shine. With our...
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February 23, 2025 • 16 mins
Are dental assistants just support staff, or are they key leaders in a thriving practice? This episode dives into the power of secondary leadership and why assistants should step up.
Discover how assistants can take on leadership roles and drive real change. Learn about primary vs. secondary leadership and why being the “second dancer” can create momentum. Explore how finding the right practice can unlock potential and why leaders...
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Want to land a dental assistant job faster? AI is changing how recruiters screen resumes, and if you’re not adapting, you could be missing out on job opportunities without even realizing it!
In this episode, Kevin Henry sits down with talent acquisition specialist Lisa Newburger to break down the secrets of getting hired in today’s job market. From using ChatGPT to craft a professional resume to understanding how applicant trackin...
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February 9, 2025 • 15 mins
In the past year, Kansas City saw one of the largest tuberculosis outbreaks in the U.S., and it’s raising concerns in dental practices.
With multiple cases being reported, dental professionals in Kansas City are on high alert. The Kansas City tuberculosis outbreak has affected both public health and local clinics. In this episode, we dive into how the Kansas City TB outbreak could directly impact your practice. Is your dental team...
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February 2, 2025 • 14 mins
Want to discover the game-changing chairside skills that could transform your career?
In this episode, Christie Baker, shares her two decades of experience in dentistry. From starting in the lab to becoming a trusted dental assistant mentor, Christie reveals the skills that make assistants stand out, how to build confidence, and tips for growing in your career.
✅ Building confidence in your role is key to success.
✅ Learn how to ...
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January 24, 2025 • 15 mins
Nearly half of billing professionals are considering a job change next year—what’s driving this trend?
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Don’t miss CE on the Beach™, June 26–28, 2025, at the stunning Westin Grand Cayman Resort & Spa! Dentists, teams, coaches, and speakers are all welcome at this premier destination event.
👉 Save $150 using promo code KHENRY.
👉 R...
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January 19, 2025 • 16 mins
Struggling with confidence in your dental assistant role? Jennifer Schultz shares her proven tips on how to build confidence and master key skills that make you invaluable to your team.
In this episode, I chat with Jennifer Schultz, a dental assistant with over 20 years of experience, who’s now helping others level up their careers. Jennifer talks about how she built confidence in her role and developed a skill set that has earned...
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January 12, 2025 • 17 mins
Are you ready to take your dental assistant career to the next level in 2025? Discover the 3 must-dos that will set you up for success this year!
In this episode, let’s dive into the essential steps every dental assistant should take to start 2025 on the right foot. From creating actionable plans to setting realistic milestones and having honest conversations with your dentist, this episode is packed with insights to help you own ...
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January 5, 2025 • 16 mins
Do you ever feel like your busy schedule leaves no room for self-care? Today, we tackle burnout and the importance of taking breaks—even in the middle of a hectic workday.
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Laura Schwindt and Dr. Karen Tindall, life coaches and former dental professionals. They share valuable insights on recognizing burnout, why breaks are essential for peak performance, and how open communication with your team...
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December 29, 2024 • 10 mins
As we close out 2024, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who tuned into the Dental Assistant Nation Podcast this year. It's been an incredible journey sharing insights, tips, and encouragement with our amazing dental assistant community.
Take a moment to celebrate your growth, achievements, and the profound impact you've had on your patients and practices. You are the heartbeat of this profession, and your dedic...
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December 22, 2024 • 13 mins
Have you ever wondered how better front-to-back communication could transform your dental practice? Don’t let poor handoffs and missed details hold you back!
In this episode, Michelle Lasky, founder of Consistent Dental Solutions, shares her insights on streamlining communication between the front and back office. From effective handoffs to overcoming barriers in patient scheduling, Michelle provides actionable tips to improve tea...
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