Advertise on podcast: More than Chairside: A Podcast for Dental Assistant

We're back with Diana for Part 2, and this one is packed with things every dental assistant needs to know. There's so much on our plates, and too many people in dentistry still underestimate how much we actually know and do. So let's get the education and prove them wrong. Diana also shares a book she recommends: Treating People, Not Patients. It's worth the read, or the listen if audiobooks are more your style. I've linked it on Amazon below. This isn't sponsored; I just think you'll get a lot out of it. 📖 Check it out here: Treating People, Not Patients Have a topic you want us to cover, or want to be a guest? Email [email protected] or DM @thesocialasst on Instagram.

Introducing EZRA FRECH: "I Was Put on This Earth to Change the Way We See Disability" from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Ezra Frech shares the mindset, discipline, and determination that have shaped his career and led him to win two Paralympic gold medals. From turning heartbreak in Tokyo into motivation to using visualization and meditation to perform under pressure, Ezra reveals how he prepares for the biggest moments of his career. He also opens up about competing on Dancing With the Stars, breaking down misconceptions about disability, and founding Angel City Sports to make adaptive sports more accessible to the next generation. Instagram Teen Accounts: Built-in protections for teens. Learn More. At https://chase.com/sapphirereserve JAY'S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Introduction 01:20 "Pressure Doesn't Exist" 02:51 The Day Ezra Was Born 06:24 The 15-Hour Surgery At Age 3 11:15 The Kindergarten Letter 13:29 Learning To Handle The Stares 16:21 Overcoming Stigma And Bullying 23:18 Falling In Love With Sports 27:00 Changing Culture & Looking Ahead to LA 2028 31:09 Mentorship From Pau Gasol 33:56 A Message From Novak Djokovic 36:53 How Do You Define Confidence? 40:43 The Moment That Inspired His Paralympic Dream 44:35 Making Team USA At 14 48:41 How Running Blades Actually Work 52:09 Tokyo Heartbreak & "The Man In The Arena" 58:53 Visualizing Paris Gold Every Morning 01:04:50 Protecting His Good Leg 01:11:33 Winning Double Gold & The 20-Minute Rule 01:17:00 Meditation Under Pressure 01:20:34 A Lifelong Dream to Compete on Dancing With the Stars 01:24:14 Inside the Dancing With the Stars Family 01:27:19 Learning To Dance On A Blade 01:30:12 Pressure Is A Privilege 01:32:10 Making Adaptive Sports Mainstream 01:37:10 Ezra On Final 5 Episode Resources Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ezrafrech/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@ezrafrech Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/teamezra05/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Today's episode is wild. I got to talk to an assistant with about 7 years of experience. And during her first few years, she worked in a practice and had a lot of pain, went to the hospital, and it turned out she had blood clots in her lung.  Unfortunately, the dentist that she worked with was more worried about when she was returning than her health. It's sad and a little troubling that we hear stories like this often. It makes me so thankful for the dentists that I have worked for that would never have done this.  Listen and let me know what you think! @thesocialasst   Want to be on the Podcast? Email me at [email protected]

I hear it all the time. There is a shortage of dental assistants. But is there? Or is there a shortage of dental offices worth working at? In today's episode, I share what I think and see. I have worked with many dental offices and have seen the behind-the-scenes. When I hear "assistants just don't want to work," I don't always agree.  I share how we can make dental practices worth working in, how to help assistants want to stay in, and how we can step it up a bit.  It's not always one thing, here are many factors to finding good dental assistants. So what are dentists missing? Why can't they find dental assistants? Let's talk about it. @thesocialasst [email protected]

How many times have you introduced yourself as "just the assistant"? In this solo episode, I'm getting real about that one little word and what it's quietly costing us as dental assistants: our pay, our respect, our opportunities, and our confidence. I talk about where "just" comes from, why so many of us shrink ourselves to keep the peace, and all the invisible work we carry every single day. I share my own "just" moment from my years chairside, along with simple ways to start talking about your role with the confidence it deserves. And to the doctors and practice owners listening, there's something in here for you too. This isn't about blaming assistants. Our industry has work to do. But while we push for change, there's a part we control, and it starts with how we see ourselves. If this episode hit home, share it with a DA who needs to hear it. I want to hear from you! Send me your "just an assistant" story, your wins, or your questions. And if you're an assistant with a story to tell, someone who grew from assistant into something bigger, or a dentist who champions your team, I'd love to have you on the show. 📩 Email: [email protected] 📱 Instagram: @thesocialasst (my DMs are open!) You are more than chairside. 💙

I was scrolling Facebook and came across a few posts that really got to me. I can't believe that these things still happen in dentistry. When are we going to start supporting each other? As a trainer, I have heard many dentists say assistants don't want to work. I think I found a reason.  Unfortunately, sometimes it's the environment. And it sucks.  We need to change it. I would love to hear what you think. Am I way off base or am I spot on? Drop me a message at [email protected]  Or find me on Instagram at @TheSocialAsst

I have been a dental assistant for a little over 15 years. But why? I have seen many of the great things and crap things we all see as dental assistants. I've assisted with oral surgery and worked in pediatrics. In today's episode, I share why I got into dentistry, what I love, and some of my frustrations.  I talk about why I started this podcast and who it's for. It's for dental assistants. Did you know there are only a handful of podcasts for us? I wanted to change that. Send me a message or DM and lets hear your story. Email: [email protected] @thesocialasst on Instagram

Erin is a Holistic Life Coach who is bringing her skills and experiences as a coach and dental assistant to dental practices. She shares how she works with dental teams to help patients with all their anxieties in the dental chair.  She is also an RDA teacher, and she is guiding new dental assistants and students on how to see the signs and helping them be a step ahead of other new assistants. This is a great episode for your dentist to hear, especially if you treat military personnel.  Dental anxiety and fears are a real thing, and there is help and guidance.  Listen and check her out at @CoachFreeman86 We do talk about how she has been coaching for a while but is building. Her Instagram is new, and her website is coming. Follow her now for updates. NEXT WEEK!! Stay tuned to the end to hear about my next episode. Episode #20!! @thesocialasst

Today's episode is a little different. I am talking to Sara Downun. She is VP of sales and development at SmileBoxx.  Why SmileBoxx? I see and hear all the time that dental assistants are looking for side hustles, or even something outside of the office. This is that talk. She talks about a pretty cool opportunity for dental assistants and how you can make a little more money and still keep your DA job.  Let me know what you think! Sara's email is [email protected] My Smile Boxx I would love to interview you, a dental assistant, and share your story. Email - [email protected] Instagram - @thesocialasst

Joanna Ignatov is back!!! She was on episode #3; if you missed it, go back and listen! She is great!  Today I ask Joanne a specific question that, as a Dental Assistant, I run into often. Especially when I am in an office teaching. What is that question? "What can we do, as an assistant, to help our team take accountability?"  She gives me some actionable steps and advice.  I know many of you are struggling with this too.  Listen and let me know what you are working on this week. Comment or come find me on Instagram and comment.  @thesocialasst @dental_assistant_coach www.dentalassistingcollective.com

Today I am talking to Brittany. She is a dental assistant who is a "certified nerd". She was a lot of fun to talk to and hear her story. It is a lot like many other dental assistants. She has worked in multiple dental offices. She kept looking for her dental home. It took her 6 years to find it. She talks about working with veterans, she's done some volunteer work, and how working out keeps her body strong in and out of the dental office. Something I really need to add to my daily routine to help with the back pain that comes with assisting.  Let me know what you think by leaving a comment or review! If you leave a comment, shoot me an email at [email protected], let me know, and I will send you some stickers.  Dental Geek - Brittany on Instagram The Social Assistant on Instagram Digital Dental Assistant Academy on Instagram

In this episode, I'm hanging out with Ashley Dishman, an EFDA working in a general dental practice in Nashville, TN. Ashley loves what she does—especially placing fillings—and she shares what she enjoys most about being an EFDA and working chairside. We talk about her experiences in dentistry, the day-to-day life of working in a general practice, and, of course, some of the funny and unexpected stories that come with working in the dental world. Ashley brings a lot of personality to the conversation, and we have plenty of laughs along the way! If you're a dental assistant, EFDA, or just love hearing the real-life stories behind the people who make up our dental teams, you won't want to miss this episode. @ItsRealLifeAshley @TheSocialAsst

In this episode, I'm joined by Courtney, owner of MyRDA Academy, for a great conversation about what it takes to build a strong dental team. We talk about why teamwork matters, how to create a supportive culture in your practice, and the challenges that come with bringing new dental assistants into the profession. Courtney shares her experience training future dental assistants and offers practical advice on helping new team members build confidence, feel supported, and succeed from day one. Whether you're a dentist, dental assistant, office manager, or just starting your dental career, you'll walk away with plenty of helpful takeaways and a fresh perspective on building a team that works well together.   This episode is brought to you by Digita Dental Assistant Academy! Come train with me and be the Digital Dental Assistant in your practice! www.theddaa.com My RDA Academy Courntey on Instagram! My RDA Academy on Instagram! ME!! The Social Assistant!

What happens when a dentist truly champions the people at the chairside? In this episode, I got to talk with Dr. David Rice, a practicing dentist, best-selling author of From Student to CEO, Editor-in-Chief of DentistryIQ, and founder of igniteDDS, the nation's largest community for new dentists and dental students. Dr. Rice has built his career around a team-centered philosophy, and he doesn't hold back on why dental assistants are far more than support staff; they're essential to the success of every procedure, every patient interaction, and every thriving practice. We dig into how dentists and assistants can work better together, how doctors can actually utilize their assistants to their full potential, and what it takes to build a practice culture where the whole team can grow. Whether you're an assistant looking to be seen for your value or a dentist wanting to lead a stronger team, this conversation is packed with practical, real-world insight you can bring back to your operatory tomorrow. Follow Dr. David Rice on Instagram: @drdavidrice @thesocialasst

This podcast is for Dental Assistants. I sit down with Sinead from @digitalsinead to talk about her journey into the world of digital dentistry and 3D design. She shares how she got started, the experiences that shaped her career, and the path that led her to where she is today. We also dive into how she navigated dental interviews, building strong relationships within dental teams, and the importance of finding your place in an ever-evolving profession. Along the way, we have an honest conversation about why dental assistants often have to work harder to earn a seat at the table, and why their skills, knowledge, and contributions deserve greater recognition. Whether you're interested in digital dentistry, looking for career inspiration, or passionate about elevating the role of dental assistants, this episode is full of insights, practical advice, and an open conversation you won't want to miss. @thesocialasst [email protected] www.TheDDAA.com