Dental Assistant Nation

Proven Dental Marketing Tips That Bring New Patients Bringing in new patients today requires more than polished ads. It’s about authenticity, visibility, and connection. A Dental Assistant plays a crucial role in dental marketing, not only inside the practice but also in shaping how the team is seen online. From genuine patient testimonials to engaging posts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, reels, and YouTube Shorts, the way a practice shows its personality is often what builds trust. Even something as simple as consistent content or thoughtful dental SEO contributes to growing a dental practice by making sure the right people see the right message. Marketing isn’t just about promotion—it’s about creating a human presence that patients can believe in. Connect with Denny Mladenov Email: denny@orthogrow.co.uk Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denny-mladenov-0b47761b4/?originalSubdomain=uk —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured

Did you know hand-foot-and-mouth disease can knock an adult out for a week? Kevin Henry welcomes infectious disease and compliance expert Joyce Weeks of Dental Ed for a timely conversation on keeping dental teams safe as school is back in session and community bugs resurface. Joyce shares her journey from HIV vaccine research to teaching dental professionals about OSHA and infection control, and why understanding the “why” behind safety protocols makes all the difference. She explains how easily illnesses like hand-foot-and-mouth or measles can spread through carriers who don’t even show symptoms, and why dental teams must remain vigilant long after the COVID era. From simple handwashing habits at home to choosing the right level of mask in the operatory, Joyce makes clear how small actions can protect not only dental assistants but also their families, patients, and communities. The discussion dives into the reality of what happens when a visibly sick patient shows up for treatment and how regulations dif

Did you know being prepared can make or break a dental assistant’s chance of getting hired by a dentist? Landing a dental assisting position isn’t just about having the right skills. It’s about making the hiring decision effortless for the dentist. That means showing up prepared, polished, and ready to fit into their dental office culture. From a spotless, typo-free resume to researching the practice’s specialty, small details can make a big difference. Print the job ad, have thoughtful questions ready, and bring hard copies of your resume, license, and certifications in a neat portfolio. Preparation goes beyond paperwork, dress professionally (even for virtual or phone interviews), map out the route to the dental practice ahead of time, and take care of small things like filling your gas tank the night before. These steps not only boost your confidence but also show the dentist that you’re reliable and ready to assist without being prompted. By combining solid preparation with authentic communication, a d

Why are dental assistants still being held back in 2025? The dental industry continues to face frustrating inconsistencies that limit the growth and mobility of dental assistants. This episode reveals a bold new professional model created to fix the fractured system of dental assisting across the U.S. With each state enforcing its own confusing rules, dental careers often stall or reset entirely when professionals move. But now, a unified approach is gaining traction aimed at standardizing training, improving career advancement, and addressing staffing shortages. If you've ever wondered why the dental assistant role isn’t treated like a true profession, this conversation delivers the answers and a plan to finally change that. Connect with DANB Website https://www.danb.org/ Certified Press Newsletter: https://www.danb.org/news-blog/newsletters Contact: 800-367-3262 Email: gr@danb.org —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured on

Discover the science-backed strategies behind setting goals that truly lead to success. Many people set goals with good intentions, but few apply proven methods that actually move them forward. In this episode, we explore motivation not as a feeling, but as a system that can be built and sustained with the right approach. Backed by psychology and real research, these goal-setting techniques aren’t about hustle; they're about structure, clarity, and consistency. You’ll hear how small shifts in the way you set and pursue goals can change your long-term results. We also touch on how motivation connects to mindset, and how aligning those with a solid framework can create lasting progress. If you’re serious about reaching the next level, this is the strategy episode you’ve been waiting for. —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured on Feedspot’s Top 100 Dental Podcasts and their Top Dental Assistant Podcasts list. Huge thanks to you for

She went from dental assisting to redefining what it means to be a hygienist. Some stories don’t age, they just get more relevant. Episode 298 is one of those, which is why we’re pulling it from the archives and back into the spotlight. Sherri Warshaw’s path through dentistry isn’t the one you’ve heard before. She didn’t just climb the career ladder, she took a hard left, pushed through the tough stuff, and built something entirely her own. From the quiet grit it takes to survive hygiene school to the deeper reasons people chase those RDH initials, Sherri unpacks the kind of truths that rarely make it into open conversation. This episode isn’t about status or salary it’s about staying power, perspective, and redefining what a meaningful career in dentistry really looks like. Connect with Sherri sherriwarshaw@gmail.com www.smokefreestepsllc.com —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured on Feedspot’s Top 100 Dental Podcasts and their

Did you know being a great coworker can actually make your job easier and more enjoyable? When the team works well together, everything gets easier. In this episode of Dental Assistant Nation, Kevin Henry talks with Monica Satake about how being a great coworker can improve your day-to-day experience as a dental assistant. Monica shares real, simple ways to build better relationships at work. It starts with showing up with a good attitude, supporting others, and handling tough situations with patience and respect. When dental assistants focus on being dependable and kind, it helps the whole team work better and creates a more productive environment. And the best part is, it makes your own job feel smoother and more enjoyable. Connect with Monika Website: www.truenorthtrainingandconsulting.com Email: Monica.tntc@gmail.com Watch our previous podcast! (DA Nation Episode 381: THIS is the BEST Onboarding Guide for Dental Assistants!) https://youtu.be/cnWgzK2dWf0 Access the full blog here at Dr. Bicuspid

Did you know the California Dental Assistants Association is no longer part of the ADAA? The split is real, and it could be a sign of bigger shifts ahead. What does this mean for the profession, for state associations, and for dental assistants? We’re diving into the “why” behind the separation and what happens next. Shari Becker shares what led to the decision, how members have responded, and what changes are already underway in California. Could this mark a turning point for organized dentistry, or is it an isolated move? The conversation raises key questions about leadership, support, and the evolving needs of dental assistants in 2025 and beyond. Connect with CDAA Website: https://cdaaweb.org/ Email: DiabloDAS@cdaaweb.org —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured on Feedspot’s Top 100 Dental Podcasts and their Top Dental Assistant Podcasts list. Huge thanks to you for listening, subscribing, and supporting the show. Couldn’t

The ADA introduced a new role. Is the Oral Preventive Assistant a problem for Dental Assistants? Everyone in dentistry is talking about something big. For dental assistants, this change feels like a direct challenge to their daily work. The American Dental Association's proposed Oral Preventive Assistant role could redefine work, value, and entire career paths. Are assistants about to take on more without fair compensation, pushing them further into burnout? We explore key questions about increased workload, the "slippery slope" concerns, and growing tensions among dental professionals. This episode reveals how the Oral Preventive Assistant could impact the dental profession. Get the truth behind the headlines! To truly grasp the full scope of this critical issue, make sure to watch the entire podcast; every moment holds crucial insights into dentistry's evolving future. Connect with Stephanie Website: https://www.polishedposture.net/ Podcast (Straight Up With Steph): https://straightupwithsteph.buzzspro

When dentists and dental assistants support each other, everything gets better In this episode, Dr. Alan Stern opens up about the hidden tension that lives inside many dental practices—not between patients and staff, but between dentists and dental assistants themselves. He shares why miscommunication, lack of feedback, and unspoken expectations are doing more damage than any full schedule ever could. Dr. Stern challenges the old top-down model of dental leadership and makes the case for a more human approach—where assistants feel empowered, dentists feel supported, and mutual respect drives the entire practice forward. From hiring the right fit to giving feedback with empathy, this conversation is a blueprint for reducing stress and creating a workplace people actually want to be part of. If your office feels tense, this episode might explain exactly why—and how to finally fix it. Connect with Alan: Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betterricherstronger/ Email: Alan@betterricherstronger

Is dental waterline safety a headache in your practice? Discover how simple and easy it can truly be. Ensuring your dental unit water lines are safe for patients is incredibly important. But let's be honest, it often feels like a complicated and time-consuming task, especially with everything else dental assistants juggle. If a process isn't straightforward, it's easy for it to get pushed aside. Good news: it doesn't have to be difficult. We explore how products that work together as a cohesive system are designed to make maintaining your water lines lean, fast, and remarkably easy. When water line protocols are simple and efficient, they actually get done. This is vital for busy practices, especially those that are shorthanded. We look at how having clear protocols helps ensure consistent safety, avoiding the pitfalls of neglected tasks or relying on just one person's knowledge. This episode empowers dental assistants to take on their crucial role in infection control with confidence. By using reliable to

Ever feel like dental ordering is a confusing task that only one dental assistant knows how to handle? If you’re a dental assistant who’s ever felt overwhelmed by online ordering or unsure if you’re getting the best deal on dental supplies, this episode is for you. Kevin Henry sits down with Elise Hill to explore how dental assistants can take charge of dental ordering, simplify the process, and truly shine in the eyes of their dentist. Elise shares her journey from dental assistant to hygienist to her current role at Torch Dental, where she now helps dental assistants across the country feel confident and capable with online ordering. She explains how the right dental ordering platform can take the guesswork out of managing dental supplies, saving time and money while keeping the practice running smoothly. Whether you're a new dental assistant or someone who’s been handed the responsibility with no instructions, Elise offers relatable advice and insights that will resonate. This episode highlights the essen

Dental practices are being shut down — not for what they did, but for what they didn’t know. And no one’s talking about it… until now. Sherrie Busby joins Kevin Henry to have the kind of conversation most practices don’t realize they need until it’s too late. This episode dives into the real reason some offices are blindsided during inspections—not because they don’t care, but because they assume someone else is handling it, or that what they’re doing is “good enough.” It’s not. From waterline protocols to documentation that actually stands up to scrutiny, this talk cuts through the noise and hits on what matters most: taking ownership, staying educated, and not waiting for a wake-up call to get serious about safety. If you've ever thought, “That won’t happen to us,” watch this episode. This is the one you don’t want to skip. —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured on Feedspot’s Top 100 Dental Podcasts and their Top Dental Assista

Seriously, dental assistants, are your handpieces living their BEST life?

Still failing waterline tests? This protocol shows why—and how to fix it for good. Only around 30% of dental practices are testing their waterlines regularly—and that’s a problem. Regulations are changing fast. Some states now require quarterly testing, immediate remediation after failure, and documentation. This game-changing protocol breaks it down into three critical steps:

Micromanaged as a dental assistant? Try these 5 genius ways to handle it. Is your dentist boss constantly hovering, double-checking your every move, or refusing to let go of control? You’re not alone—and you’re not powerless either. In this episode, we’re diving into 5 brilliant strategies dental assistants can use when dealing with a micromanaging employer. From setting boundaries and shifting your mindset to leveraging team dynamics and proactive communication, these techniques are tailor-made for the dental office. Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned assistant, you’ll walk away with tools to feel more confident, autonomous, and respected in your role. These are the confidence-building methods that help you survive and thrive—even under a microscope. Connect with me: Email: Kevin@KevinSpeaksDental.com Website: https://www.kevinspeaksdental.com/ —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured on Feedspot’s Top 100 Denta

Do you think your dental waterlines are clean? Discover the hidden risks and how to ensure patient safety. In this episode, Kevin Henry and Michelle Strange, RDH, delve into the critical topic of dental waterline safety. They explore the formation of biofilm in dental unit waterlines and its potential health risks. The discussion covers essential practices for maintaining clean waterlines, including regular testing, shocking, and adherence to manufacturers' Instructions for Use (IFUs). They also emphasize the importance of establishing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent waterline maintenance and compliance with infection control standards. Key Discussion Points: Understanding biofilm formation in dental unit waterlines. Health implications of contaminated waterlines. Best practices for waterline testing and maintenance. Importance of following IFUs and establishing SOPs. —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featur

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, all while fighting myths that dental assisting is just suction and charting. We get real about hiring challenges, hands-on education, and how new technology like AI and 3D printing is creating massive opportunities for assistants who are ready to grow. If you're entering the field or leading a team, this conversation gives you a grounded, inspiring look at what modern dental assisting is all about. Connect with Dr. Mark Website: https://www.inflatrix.com/ Wyoming Professional Training, LLC: https://www.wyprofessionaltraining.com/ —-------------------------------------------- Hey

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 strong system is built on small steps, clear language, and open communication. The process works best when everyone is involved. Dentists, assistants, office managers—each person plays a part in helping new hires settle in. Simple tools like checklists, written guides, and regular check-ins can make a big difference. Encouraging questions, offering support, and being patient helps new team members feel more confident and capable. Feedback matters too. It should be clear, respectful, and focused on growth. Mistakes are part of learning, and when handled well, they lead to better perform

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 to SSRIs The real reason some patients bleed more during procedures A hidden connection between antidepressants and implant failure A smarter way to talk to patients about what they’re really taking Why dental assistants often hear things no one else does—and what to do about it If you’re doing extractions, implants, or any kind of surgery, this info is a must. Plus, there’s a reminder for any dental assistant who might be struggling themselves: you’re not alone, and help is out there. Connect with Tom: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PharmacologyDeclassified Instagram https:/