Dental Assistant Nation

In this episode, Angela Dailey Smith joins the show to discuss the importance of dental assistants reinventing themselves and not getting stuck in a rut. Throughout her career as an educator and clinical assistant, Angela has seen how change is important, and she shares some ideas and thoughts on the subject with our audience.

In this episode, Dental Assistant Nation host Kevin Henry dives into the importance of keeping things real rather than always trying to make things look perfect. Is every day a perfect day? Absolutely not. Here's how we can deal with the reality of a situation and make it the best that we can.

In this episode, dental consultant and hiring manager Kathy Asted joins the show to discuss what she is seeing in the job market and what dental assistants should know about the hiring process.

In this episode, Dental Assistant Nation host Kevin Henry discusses a lesson heard at his daughter's graduation and the power (and choices) that come with the seeds we choose to sow every day. Negative or positive, good or bad, how do the seeds we leave behind impact ourselves and others?

In this episode, Michelle Lee, CPC, the executive director of the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP), joins the show to talk about "If Saliva Were Red" and how the newest version is a must-watch, free resource for every dental assistant and dental practice. We talk infection control and prevention, and much more in this episode. Learn more at www.OSAP.org.

In this episode, host Kevin Henry tells a story about how a recent random act of gratitude reminded him of how important saying "thank you" is to each of us, every day. Is the attitude of gratitude flowing through your practice? If so, awesome. If not, let's get that started with some ideas here.

In this episode, Laura Skarnulis, the CEO of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and the Dental Advancement through Learning and Education Foundation (the DALE Foundation), joins the show to discuss how her organizations are tackling the shortage of dental assistants and how she sees their role in dentistry changing. A timely listen for assistants and those looking to find and hire them. Learn more about the DALE Foundation here ... https://www.dalefoundation.org Learn more about DANB here ...https://www.danb.org

In this very important episode, Dr. Parul Dua Makkar joins the show to discuss the dental assistant's role in oral cancer screenings and why she is so passionate about the topic. Dr. Makkar's younger brother, a dentist, lost his battle with oral cancer, and she discusses the impact that has made on her and why screenings are so important. You can learn more about her and the book that is a tribute to her brother here ... https://parulduamakkar.com

In this episode, dental consultant Michelle Affanato joins the show to discuss some surveying she has done of dentists to ask them what they are looking for in their dental assistants. With today's hiring puzzle still in place, the information she gathered is interesting and may surprise you. She can be reached at michelle@affinitymanagementcons.com.

Debra Engelhardt-Nash joins the show to discuss how she has seen dental assistants serve in such a key role every day in the dental practice when it comes to the patient accepting or rejecting treatment. In this fast-moving conversation, she gives some tips to assistants on how to become even more valuable and successful in this process. For more information on her, visit https://debraengelhardtnash.com.

In this episode, dental consultant Shawn Peers stops by to discuss why he believes every dental assistant can be a leader in the practice. Let's talk about unearthing those hidden leadership traits and how they can help assistants have a more fulfilling career.

As Dental Assistants Recognition Week begins, perhaps it's time to make it Dental Assistants Rejuvenation Week as well. Let's talk about rediscovering your professional passion and what it means to have passion and happiness working together in your career. We're live from Scottsdale, Ariz., for this must-listen episode.

In this episode, Jenn St. Pierre, RDA, of MyRemoteDentalAssistant.com stops by the show to talk about what it means to be a remote dental assistant and how it is helping dental assistants and dental practices work together in a streamlined effort that can benefit both sides. We're talking technology and dentistry in this episode, so come join us!

In this episode, consultant Lynne Leggett joins the show to discuss what she is seeing with dental assistants and burnout in today's dental environment and offers some ideas for those who are either already burned out or feeling like they are dangerously close to that. A must- listen for every dental assistant.

In this episode, Dental Assistant Nation host Kevin Henry breaks down some of the things that dental assistants love about their careers in dentistry, as well as how they can find more fulfillment in the dental practice.

Just how important are job descriptions in today's dental practice? Why should a dental assistant make sure his or hers is accurate and up to date? We asked dental consultant Dayna Johnson what she has seen when she works with dental practices and how dental team members can make sure they are being protected and given every option possible to work smarter, not harder.

In a special crossover episode, Kirk Behrendt from The Best Practices Show joins in with Dental Assistant Nation's Kevin Henry to tackle some of the questions asked by dentist and dental assistant attendees at the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention about each other and their relationship in the practice. Some real talk with real answers in a very unique episode.

In this episode, Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas once again joins the show to talk on a myriad of topics, including what she has seen from her vantage point in terms of hiring and the key traits dental assistants must have before fitting into a practice's culture. A must-listen for every dental assistant and dentist as well.

In this episode, IgniteDA co-founder Kevin Henry discusses a memorable meal in Italy and the lesson he learned from a man who didn't speak English, but served up a delicious plate of spinach and pork. What does this lesson have to do with your dental practice? Plenty, as Kevin discusses in this episode.

In this episode, long-time dental assistant Mila McNeely joins the show to discuss how she believes dental assistants can be an asset when it comes to the oral health of African-Americans. An important way to start off 2023!