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Dental patients do not say yes to treatment because the plan was written well. They say yes because of how the conversation around it was handled, and most dental teams were never trained for that part. Dr. Sasha Rutnam has been practicing dentistry for 30 years in Sydney, and she wrote Dental Patient Communication because the skill that decides whether a patient accepts care is not something dental school covers. Speaking with Kevin Henry, she breaks down what actually happens in the room. It starts with connection, getting to know the person and the fears and pain points that brought them in, instead of treating them like a number. From there it is clarity about how the treatment benefits the patient rather than a list of procedures, followed by showing that the treatment can be done comfortably. She explains why a new patient needs nothing less than an hour, why the first visit should diagnose and explain rather than pick up a drill, and how a dental assistant staying present and reassuring during numbing can be the difference between a nervous patient and a patient for life. Her standard for the whole team is simple, every patient who walks through the door should leave feeling comfortable, safe and heard. Connect with Dr. Sasha Website: https://drsasharutnam.com/ Book: Dental Patient Communication Made Simple: A Practical Guide to Explaining Treatment, Handling Objections and Improving Case Acceptance - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GNMHCL7Z ------------------- Starting a career in dental assisting can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out what you actually need to know before stepping into your first practice. The right preparation can help you walk in with more confidence and a stronger foundation. Dental Ready is built for aspiring dental assistants who want to prepare for the profession before taking that first step. It focuses on building the knowledge and confidence needed to enter a dental practice, while also preparing you for the people and teamwork that are part of the job. If you're getting ready to start your dental assisting career, visit https://dentalready.ai/ and use code DANation-DR1 to get 10% off. ------------------- 🦷 Dental professionals, work when and where it works for you. Kwikly makes it easy to find and book flexible dental shifts right from your phone. See shift details and pay upfront, choose the opportunities that fit your schedule, and enjoy the security of W-2 employment, with payroll, taxes, and insurance handled for you. More flexibility. Less hassle. Work on your terms. 👉 Find dental shifts with Kwikly: www.joinkwikly.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 [email protected] and let’s make it happen for your team. ------------------- If you work chairside, you know that good isolation and retraction can make a big difference in how smoothly a procedure goes. Keeping the field dry, maintaining visibility, and giving the clinician the access they need can help everyone work more efficiently. ISORETRACT is designed to support that process by providing isolation and retraction during dental and orthodontic procedures. It can be especially useful in practices handling orthodontics, clear aligner cases, Invisalign treatment, and cosmetic procedures where maintaining a clear, controlled working field is important. Visit www.isoretract.com to learn more and see how ISORETRACT can help make isolation and retraction easier for your dental team.

What if higher pay and stronger confidence rise together for dental assistants? Kevin Henry talks with leaders from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) about the latest salary and satisfaction survey and the new finding that dental assistants who report higher confidence in skills and knowledge also report higher pay. The discussion centers on what that pay and confidence connection means for daily practice life, how growth and recognition help assistants feel valued, and what helps practices keep good team members longer in a competitive market. Connect with DANB https://danb.org/ ------------------- Starting a career in dental assisting can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out what you actually need to know before stepping into your first practice. The right preparation can help you walk in with more confidence and a stronger foundation. Dental Ready is built for aspiring dental assistants who want to prepare for the profession before taking that first step. It focuses on building the knowledge and confidence needed to enter a dental practice, while also preparing you for the people and teamwork that are part of the job. If you're getting ready to start your dental assisting career, visit https://dentalready.ai/ and use code DANation-DR1 to get 10% off. Dental Ready can help you build the knowledge and confidence you need to take your first step into the profession. ------------------- 🦷 Dental professionals, work when and where it works for you. Kwikly makes it easy to find and book flexible dental shifts right from your phone. See shift details and pay upfront, choose the opportunities that fit your schedule, and enjoy the security of W-2 employment, with payroll, taxes, and insurance handled for you. More flexibility. Less hassle. Work on your terms. 👉 Find dental shifts with Kwikly: https://www.joinkwikly.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 [email protected] and let’s make it happen for your team. ------------------- If you work chairside, you know that good isolation and retraction can make a big difference in how smoothly a procedure goes. Keeping the field dry, maintaining visibility, and giving the clinician the access they need can help everyone work more efficiently. ISORETRACT is designed to support that process by providing isolation and retraction during dental and orthodontic procedures. It can be especially useful in practices handling orthodontics, clear aligner cases, Invisalign treatment, and cosmetic procedures where maintaining a clear, controlled working field is important. The goal is to make isolation easier for the clinical team while also helping create a better experience for the patient. Want to see what ISORETRACT could look like in your practice? Visit https://isoretract.com/ to learn more and see how ISORETRACT can help make isolation and retraction easier for your dental team.

Dental assistant demand is at an all time high with offices competing to pay top dollar for skilled help. Temporary shifts offer a flexible path to higher pay, varied experience across different practices and a chance to find the right long term fit. Sarah McLaughlin from Kwikly shares that 69,000 dental assistant shifts were posted on the platform this year alone, showing how strongly practices are leaning on extra support. The conversation covers why temporary work often pays more in a competitive market, how trying different offices builds confidence and chairside skills, what dental teams value most in an assistant who takes initiative and asks how to improve productivity, and how a complete profile with certifications plus support from talent success managers helps unlock more opportunities while W-2 employment keeps taxes simple. 🦷 Dental professionals, work when and where it works for you. Kwikly makes it easy to find and book flexible dental shifts right from your phone. See shift details and pay upfront, choose the opportunities that fit your schedule, and enjoy the security of W-2 employment, with payroll, taxes, and insurance handled for you. More flexibility. Less hassle. Work on your terms. 👉 Find dental shifts with Kwikly: https://www.joinkwikly.co ------------------- Starting a career in dental assisting can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out what you actually need to know before stepping into your first practice. The right preparation can help you walk in with more confidence and a stronger foundation. Dental Ready is built for aspiring dental assistants who want to prepare for the profession before taking that first step. It focuses on building the knowledge and confidence needed to enter a dental practice, while also preparing you for the people and teamwork that are part of the job. If you're getting ready to start your dental assisting career, visit https://dentalready.ai/ and use code DANation-DR1 to get 10% off. Dental Ready can help you build the knowledge and confidence you need to take your first step into the profession. ------------------- 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 [email protected] and let’s make it happen for your team. ------------------- If you work chairside, you know that good isolation and retraction can make a big difference in how smoothly a procedure goes. Keeping the field dry, maintaining visibility, and giving the clinician the access they need can help everyone work more efficiently. ISORETRACT is designed to support that process by providing isolation and retraction during dental and orthodontic procedures. It can be especially useful in practices handling orthodontics, clear aligner cases, Invisalign treatment, and cosmetic procedures where maintaining a clear, controlled working field is important. The goal is to make isolation easier for the clinical team while also helping create a better experience for the patient. Want to see what ISORETRACT could look like in your practice? Visit https://isoretract.com/ to learn more and see how ISORETRACT can help make isolation and retraction easier for your dental team.

What if your dental practice felt less like a team under pressure and more like a community that truly cares? Kevin Henry talks with retired dentist Dr. Alan Stern about building a community of caring through open communication, honesty and mutual support. Dr. Stern shares why vulnerability builds trust, how dental assistants can start positive culture conversations with their dentists, and why that culture matters for reducing burnout and finding more joy at work. He also looks ahead to the expanding role of dental assistants and why continued learning will create new opportunities. Connect with Dr. Alan Stern Facebook Group: Better, Richer, Stronger https://www.facebook.com/groups/betterricherstronger/ Email: [email protected] Website: https://dralanstern.com/ ------------------- Starting a career in dental assisting can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out what you actually need to know before stepping into your first practice. The right preparation can help you walk in with more confidence and a stronger foundation. Dental Ready is built for aspiring dental assistants who want to prepare for the profession before taking that first step. It focuses on building the knowledge and confidence needed to enter a dental practice, while also preparing you for the people and teamwork that are part of the job. If you're getting ready to start your dental assisting career, visit https://dentalready.ai/ and use code DANation-DR1 to get 10% off. Dental Ready can help you build the knowledge and confidence you need to take your first step into the profession. ------------------- 🦷 Dental professionals, work when and where it works for you. Kwikly makes it easy to find and book flexible dental shifts right from your phone. See shift details and pay upfront, choose the opportunities that fit your schedule, and enjoy the security of W-2 employment, with payroll, taxes, and insurance handled for you. More flexibility. Less hassle. Work on your terms. 👉 Find dental shifts with Kwikly: https://www.joinkwikly.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 [email protected] and let’s make it happen for your team. ------------------- If you work chairside, you know that good isolation and retraction can make a big difference in how smoothly a procedure goes. Keeping the field dry, maintaining visibility, and giving the clinician the access they need can help everyone work more efficiently. ISORETRACT is designed to support that process by providing isolation and retraction during dental and orthodontic procedures. It can be especially useful in practices handling orthodontics, clear aligner cases, Invisalign treatment, and cosmetic procedures where maintaining a clear, controlled working field is important. The goal is to make isolation easier for the clinical team while also helping create a better experience for the patient. Want to see what ISORETRACT could look like in your practice? Visit https://isoretract.com/ to learn more and see how ISORETRACT can help make isolation and retraction easier for your dental team.

Most dental assistants learned infection control on the job, and much of what gets passed around chairside is wrong. What you don't know can put you, your team, and your patients at risk. Kevin Henry sits down with Atia Black of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), veteran assistant and educator Tija Hunter, and Andy Whitehead of the Association for Dental Safety (ADS) to answer a question every dental assistant eventually asks: is formal infection control certification actually worth it? The panel explains why on-the-job training often falls short, how one credential can change the way a practice sees your value, and how it can lead to a leadership role that many assistants don't realize is open to them. There's also a surprising way to cover the cost of certification that most assistants never think to use, plus a simple approach that can get your employer on board. If you've ever wondered whether certification could move your career forward, this conversation might change your mind. Take the Next Step in Infection Control Explore Courses & Study Materials https://www.dalefoundation.org/ View Exam Requirements & Apply https://danb.org/ ------------------- Starting a career in dental assisting can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out what you actually need to know before stepping into your first practice. The right preparation can help you walk in with more confidence and a stronger foundation. Dental Ready is built for aspiring dental assistants who want to prepare for the profession before taking that first step. It focuses on building the knowledge and confidence needed to enter a dental practice, while also preparing you for the people and teamwork that are part of the job. If you're getting ready to start your dental assisting career, visit https://dentalready.ai/ and use code DANation-DR1 to get 10% off. Dental Ready can help you build the knowledge and confidence you need to take your first step into the profession. ------------------- 🦷 Dental professionals, work when and where it works for you. Kwikly makes it easy to find and book flexible dental shifts right from your phone. See shift details and pay upfront, choose the opportunities that fit your schedule, and enjoy the security of W-2 employment, with payroll, taxes, and insurance handled for you. More flexibility. Less hassle. Work on your terms. 👉 Find dental shifts with Kwikly: https://www.joinkwikly.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 [email protected] and let’s make it happen for your team. ------------------- If you work chairside, you know that good isolation and retraction can make a big difference in how smoothly a procedure goes. Keeping the field dry, maintaining visibility, and giving the clinician the access they need can help everyone work more efficiently. ISORETRACT is designed to support that process by providing isolation and retraction during dental and orthodontic procedures. It can be especially useful in practices handling orthodontics, clear aligner cases, Invisalign treatment, and cosmetic procedures where maintaining a clear, controlled working field is important. The goal is to make isolation easier for the clinical team while also helping create a better experience for the patient. Want to see what ISORETRACT could look like in your practice? Visit https://isoretract.com/ to learn more.

Anxious patients cancel more, delay treatment, and drain team energy fast. Kevin Henry talks with Catherine Fettig about why dental fear is so common and how past negative experiences shape patient behavior. Fear slows down appointments, leads to no shows, and creates added pressure for dental assistants who carry the emotional load chairside. Simple steps make a difference, from pre appointment screening and asking how patients feel about the visit, to offering choices that give patients a sense of control. Building trust through clear introductions, calm communication, and added time for anxious patients helps improve cooperation and case acceptance. The conversation also covers team health, with practical ideas like short resets after each patient, open huddles, tapping out when needed, and leadership support that gives assistants space to recharge and stay focused. Connect with Catherine Fettig Email: [email protected] Phone number: 503-314-7297 ------------------- Starting a career in dental assisting can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out what you actually need to know before stepping into your first practice. The right preparation can help you walk in with more confidence and a stronger foundation. Dental Ready is built for aspiring dental assistants who want to prepare for the profession before taking that first step. It focuses on building the knowledge and confidence needed to enter a dental practice, while also preparing you for the people and teamwork that are part of the job. If you're getting ready to start your dental assisting career, visit https://dentalready.ai/ and use code DANation-DR1 to get 10% off. Dental Ready can help you build the knowledge and confidence you need to take your first step into the profession. ------------------- 🦷 Dental professionals, work when and where it works for you. Kwikly makes it easy to find and book flexible dental shifts right from your phone. See shift details and pay upfront, choose the opportunities that fit your schedule, and enjoy the security of W-2 employment, with payroll, taxes, and insurance handled for you. More flexibility. Less hassle. Work on your terms. 👉 Find dental shifts with Kwikly: https://www.joinkwikly.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 [email protected] and let’s make it happen for your team. ------------------- If you work chairside, you know that good isolation and retraction can make a big difference in how smoothly a procedure goes. Keeping the field dry, maintaining visibility, and giving the clinician the access they need can help everyone work more efficiently. ISORETRACT is designed to support that process by providing isolation and retraction during dental and orthodontic procedures. It can be especially useful in practices handling orthodontics, clear aligner cases, Invisalign treatment, and cosmetic procedures where maintaining a clear, controlled working field is important. The goal is to make isolation easier for the clinical team while also helping create a better experience for the patient. Want to see what ISORETRACT could look like in your practice? Visit https://isoretract.com/ to learn more and see how ISORETRACT can help make isolation and retraction easier for your dental team.

Seventy percent of dental equipment repairs trace back to one habit almost every practice repeats between patients. Kevin Henry sits down with Matt Baker of Right Wipe for a special edition of Dental Assistant Nation to look at what the wipes used between patients are actually doing to chairs, upholstery, sensors, lights, handles, tubings, plastics, and handpieces. Matt points to findings pulled from five organizations, including repair companies, manufacturers, and dealers, showing that over 70% of all repairs come from disinfectant misuse, and he notes that the CDC advises against disinfecting handpieces prior to sterilization. Handpiece manufacturers already know it is a problem, yet the routine stays in the workflow because it has been there so long nobody questions it. Right Wipe is built as the only cleaning wipe in the dental industry, designed to replace a wipe inside the disinfectant workflow rather than sit next to it. It is not a disinfectant and it is not caustic, and Matt describes it as fifty times safer than soap and water. For a single practice that means fewer repair invoices and equipment that survives longer. For a DSO, Matt says the savings are not six digits, they are seven. You also get the practical side, including how the pouch is labeled, what the blue dots on the wipe mean, and how to bring it up with the dental dealer you already buy from. Ask your dealer about Right Wipe or visit rightwipe.com to see it for yourself. Check Rite Wipe’s website here: https://ritewipe.com/

A dental practice can lose its best assistant and never figure out why. Dr. Sreenivas Koka says the answer is almost never the person. Dr. Sreenivas Koka is a prosthodontist, a former practice owner in San Diego, a former dental school dean, the former chair of dentistry at the Mayo Clinic, and one of 16 dentists in his family, and he explains why every role on a dental team carries the same weight in patient care and why the dentist, the assistant, and the front desk are all motivated by the same human needs. He breaks down the difference between management, which runs on systems and processes, and leadership, which runs on feelings, and he shares the environment test to run before blaming anyone on the team. When a flower does not bloom, you fix the environment it grows in, not the flower. He also explains why comparison steals the joy from a career, why staying in a practice that is the wrong fit serves nobody, and how DentalReady.ai trains dental assistants for less than $1,000 so a career can start without predatory program debt. Subscribe for more conversations like this one, and share in the comments what your practice does to make its team feel valued. Connect with Dr. Sreenivas Koka Phone Number: 619-456-3712 Email: [email protected] ------------------- Starting a career in dental assisting can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out what you actually need to know before stepping into your first practice. The right preparation can help you walk in with more confidence and a stronger foundation. Dental Ready is built for aspiring dental assistants who want to prepare for the profession before taking that first step. It focuses on building the knowledge and confidence needed to enter a dental practice, while also preparing you for the people and teamwork that are part of the job. If you're getting ready to start your dental assisting career, visit https://dentalready.ai/ and use code DANation-DR1 to get 10% off. Dental Ready can help you build the knowledge and confidence you need to take your first step into the profession. —---- 🦷 Dental professionals, work when and where it works for you. Kwikly makes it easy to find and book flexible dental shifts right from your phone. See shift details and pay upfront, choose the opportunities that fit your schedule, and enjoy the security of W-2 employment, with payroll, taxes, and insurance handled for you. More flexibility. Less hassle. Work on your terms. 👉 Find dental shifts with Kwikly: https://www.joinkwikly.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 [email protected] and let’s make it happen for your team. ------------------- If you work chairside, you know that good isolation and retraction can make a big difference in how smoothly a procedure goes. Keeping the field dry, maintaining visibility, and giving the clinician the access they need can help everyone work more efficiently. ISORETRACT is designed to support that process by providing isolation and retraction during dental and orthodontic procedures. It can be especially useful in practices handling orthodontics, clear aligner cases, Invisalign treatment, and cosmetic procedures where maintaining a clear, controlled working field is important. The goal is to make isolation easier for the clinical team while also helping create a better experience for the patient. Want to see what ISORETRACT could look like in your practice? Visit https://isoretract.com/ to learn more.

Courage is not the absence of fear. It is choosing to act while you still feel it. Dr. Elizabeth Carr joins host Kevin Henry to explain how dental professionals can balance bravery with humility to navigate difficult conversations with confidence and care. True courage starts with a foundation of knowledge and a patient focused intent, stays grounded in humility and respect for every team member, and requires intentional repair after speaking up to keep relationships strong. Preparation, perspective, and follow through turn hard talks into trust, better teamwork, and better care. Connect with Dr. Elizabeth [email protected] ------------------- Starting a career in dental assisting can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out what you actually need to know before stepping into your first practice. The right preparation can help you walk in with more confidence and a stronger foundation. Dental Ready is built for aspiring dental assistants who want to prepare for the profession before taking that first step. It focuses on building the knowledge and confidence needed to enter a dental practice, while also preparing you for the people and teamwork that are part of the job. If you're getting ready to start your dental assisting career, visit https://dentalready.ai/ and use code DANation-DR1 to get 10% off. Dental Ready can help you build the knowledge and confidence you need to take your first step into the profession. —---- 🦷 Dental professionals, work when and where it works for you. Kwikly makes it easy to find and book flexible dental shifts right from your phone. See shift details and pay upfront, choose the opportunities that fit your schedule, and enjoy the security of W-2 employment, with payroll, taxes, and insurance handled for you. More flexibility. Less hassle. Work on your terms. 👉 Find dental shifts with Kwikly: https://www.joinkwikly.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 [email protected] and let’s make it happen for your team. ------------------- If you work chairside, you know that good isolation and retraction can make a big difference in how smoothly a procedure goes. Keeping the field dry, maintaining visibility, and giving the clinician the access they need can help everyone work more efficiently. ISORETRACT is designed to support that process by providing isolation and retraction during dental and orthodontic procedures. It can be especially useful in practices handling orthodontics, clear aligner cases, Invisalign treatment, and cosmetic procedures where maintaining a clear, controlled working field is important. The goal is to make isolation easier for the clinical team while also helping create a better experience for the patient. Want to see what ISORETRACT could look like in your practice? Visit https://isoretract.com/ to learn more and see how ISORETRACT can help make isolation and retraction easier for your dental team.

Becoming a confident clinic ready dental assistant should not require an expensive program or months of stressful catch up on the job. When new team members start without strong fundamentals, the entire practice feels the pressure. DentalReady.ai was built to offer a more practical and affordable path forward. Host Kevin Henry talks with Dr. Sreenivas Koka and Dr. Elizabeth Carr about a gamified and modular platform designed to deliver standardized high quality training that aligns with DANB and CODA standards. The focus is on making new and on the job trained assistants truly prepared before day one while giving practices a clear system to support growth without placing the full training burden on veteran staff. The result is better preparation, more confidence and a stronger team from the start. Visit DrBicuspid.com for dental news, clinical insights, practice management updates, and industry developments created for dental professionals. Stay informed, discover useful perspectives, and keep up with what is happening across dentistry. ------------------- Starting a career in dental assisting can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out what you actually need to know before stepping into your first practice. The right preparation can help you walk in with more confidence and a stronger foundation. Dental Ready is built for aspiring dental assistants who want to prepare for the profession before taking that first step. It focuses on building the knowledge and confidence needed to enter a dental practice, while also preparing you for the people and teamwork that are part of the job. If you're getting ready to start your dental assisting career, visit https://dentalready.ai/ and use code DANation-DR1 to get 10% off. Dental Ready can help you build the knowledge and confidence you need to take your first step into the profession. ------------------- 🦷 Dental professionals, work when and where it works for you. Kwikly makes it easy to find and book flexible dental shifts right from your phone. See shift details and pay upfront, choose the opportunities that fit your schedule, and enjoy the security of W-2 employment, with payroll, taxes, and insurance handled for you. More flexibility. Less hassle. Work on your terms. 👉 Find dental shifts with Kwikly: https://www.joinkwikly.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 [email protected] and let’s make it happen for your team. ------------------- If you work chairside, you know that good isolation and retraction can make a big difference in how smoothly a procedure goes. Keeping the field dry, maintaining visibility, and giving the clinician the access they need can help everyone work more efficiently. ISORETRACT is designed to support that process by providing isolation and retraction during dental and orthodontic procedures. It can be especially useful in practices handling orthodontics, clear aligner cases, Invisalign treatment, and cosmetic procedures where maintaining a clear, controlled working field is important. The goal is to make isolation easier for the clinical team while also helping create a better experience for the patient. Want to see what ISORETRACT could look like in your practice? Visit https://isoretract.com/ to learn more and see how ISORETRACT can help make isolation and retraction easier for your dental team.

Most dental teams do not quit because of pay. They quit because they do not feel valued. In this conversation Dr. Paul White shows you how to change that starting today. In this episode Kevin Henry talks with Dr. Paul White, psychologist and co author of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, about what it really takes to make your team feel seen and supported. Dr. White explains the difference between recognition and personal appreciation and why nearly eighty percent of people leave jobs when they do not feel valued. He walks through the five languages of appreciation at work which are words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, tangible gifts and physical touch, and why the key is to show appreciation in the way the other person actually feels it, whether that is private encouragement or public praise. You will learn how anyone in the practice can build a more positive culture from any position, how authentic appreciation improves morale, productivity and patient care, and how to recognize and respond to toxicity before it hurts retention. Dr. White also shares simple next steps and resources to help you put these ideas into practice right away. Connect with Dr. Paul Website: https://appreciationatwork.com/ Assessment https://mbainventory.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AppreciationAtWork ------------------- 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 [email protected] and let’s make it happen for your team. ------------------- If you work chairside, you know that good isolation and retraction can make a big difference in how smoothly a procedure goes. Keeping the field dry, maintaining visibility, and giving the clinician the access they need can help everyone work more efficiently. ISORETRACT is designed to support that process by providing isolation and retraction during dental and orthodontic procedures. It can be especially useful in practices handling orthodontics, clear aligner cases, Invisalign treatment, and cosmetic procedures where maintaining a clear, controlled working field is important. The goal is to make isolation easier for the clinical team while also helping create a better experience for the patient. Want to see what ISORETRACT could look like in your practice? Visit https://isoretract.com/ to learn more and see how ISORETRACT can help make isolation and retraction easier for your dental team. ------------------- Starting a career in dental assisting can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out what you actually need to know before stepping into your first practice. The right preparation can help you walk in with more confidence and a stronger foundation. Dental Ready is built for aspiring dental assistants who want to prepare for the profession before taking that first step. It focuses on building the knowledge and confidence needed to enter a dental practice, while also preparing you for the people and teamwork that are part of the job. If you're getting ready to start your dental assisting career, visit https://dentalready.ai/ and use code DANation-DR1 to get 10% off. Dental Ready can help you build the knowledge and confidence you need to take your first step into the profession.

Latina dental assistants are already doing the work that keeps many practices moving, but too often their contributions go unrecognized. What happens when they stop working silently and start using their voice, culture, and bilingual skills as strengths? In this episode of Dental Assistant Nation, Kevin Henry talks with Edna Abreu about the growing influence of Latinas in dentistry and the challenges they face in advancing their careers. They discuss why Latina dental assistants are often seen as the backbone of the practice, the importance of recognizing their hard work, and how speaking Spanish can build trust and comfort with Latino and Hispanic patients. Edna also shares why dental assistants should not limit themselves to their current role and encourages them to pursue leadership, education, speaking, social media, and other opportunities. The conversation also highlights how dental practices can better recognize and support Latina team members while using their language and cultural connection to better serve their patients. Connect with Edna Abreu Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1825372378124805 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/latinas-in-dentistry/ Instagram: @latinasindental https://www.instagram.com/latinasindental/ @thedentalculturist https://www.instagram.com/thedentalculturist/ ------------------- 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 [email protected] and let’s make it happen for your team. ------------------- If you work chairside, you know that good isolation and retraction can make a big difference in how smoothly a procedure goes. Keeping the field dry, maintaining visibility, and giving the clinician the access they need can help everyone work more efficiently. ISORETRACT is designed to support that process by providing isolation and retraction during dental and orthodontic procedures. It can be especially useful in practices handling orthodontics, clear aligner cases, Invisalign treatment, and cosmetic procedures where maintaining a clear, controlled working field is important. The goal is to make isolation easier for the clinical team while also helping create a better experience for the patient. Want to see what ISORETRACT could look like in your practice? Visit https://isoretract.com/ to learn more and see how ISORETRACT can help make isolation and retraction easier for your dental team. ------------------- Starting a career in dental assisting can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out what you actually need to know before stepping into your first practice. The right preparation can help you walk in with more confidence and a stronger foundation. Dental Ready is built for aspiring dental assistants who want to prepare for the profession before taking that first step. It focuses on building the knowledge and confidence needed to enter a dental practice, while also preparing you for the people and teamwork that are part of the job. If you're getting ready to start your dental assisting career, visit https://dentalready.ai/ and use code DANation-DR1 to get 10% off. Dental Ready can help you build the knowledge and confidence you need to take your first step into the profession.

What if the secret to keeping great dental assistants has nothing to do with fancy perks and everything to do with respect? In this episode, Dr. Marc Goldman shares how investing in his team, trusting their expertise, and creating a culture of mutual appreciation helped build a loyal and high performing practice. Dr. Marc Goldman reflects on more than four decades in periodontics and explains why experienced dental assistants are one of the most valuable investments a practice can make. He discusses how paying fairly, offering flexibility, and treating team members with respect created a workplace where everyone was willing to go the extra mile when patients needed them most. Dr. Goldman also shares how empowering assistants to take ownership of responsibilities like inventory management and surgical preparation helped the practice run smoothly every day. For dental assistants looking for the right employer, he offers practical advice on what questions to ask during interviews, including benefits, flexibility, and workplace culture. The conversation wraps up with the importance of continuing education, staying current with advances in dentistry, and ensuring the entire dental team is equipped to provide the best possible patient care. Special Offer Looking to expand your dental knowledge? Dr. Goldman teaches continuing education courses through the Dental Studies Institute of New Jersey, with many classes available live on Zoom for dental professionals across the United States. Mention Dental Assistant Nation when you register to receive 10% off your course. Website: https://www.dsi-nj.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 [email protected] and let’s make it happen for your team.

What if the biggest factor holding a dental practice back is not technology or production goals, but the way dental assistants are valued? In this conversation, leadership coach Brandi Marzolino shares why it is time to recognize dental assistants as essential leaders, invest in their growth, and create workplaces where they can thrive instead of simply getting through the day. Brandi Marzolino joins Kevin Henry to discuss the evolving role of dental assistants and why they deserve greater recognition, development, and opportunity within dental practices. Drawing on two decades of experience in leadership and performance coaching, she explains how many assistants are expected to carry significant responsibilities without receiving the training, compensation, or professional support they deserve. The conversation explores why leaders need to invest in assistants just as they do other team members, encourage career growth, and create pathways for advancement. Brandi also highlights the importance of self awareness, healthy boundaries, and balancing professional demands with personal wellbeing. She shares insights into the unique challenges many women face in leadership, how people pleasing can limit growth, and why finding your voice is essential for long-term success. This episode is an empowering reminder that when dental assistants are supported, valued, and given opportunities to lead, the entire practice benefits. Connect with Brandi Instagram: Brandi Marzolino : https://www.instagram.com/brandi.marzolino/ Linkedin: Brandi Marzolino : https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandimarzolino/ Empowered Leadership Experience www.leadhershipexperience.com Podcast: The Real Talk of Dental: https://therealtalkofdental.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 [email protected] and let’s make it happen for your team.

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 [email protected] 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