Dental Assistant Nation

Hosted by Dental Assistant Nation

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439

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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.

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June 15, 202615 min

Episode 440: The Orthodontic Tool Assistants Wish They Had Sooner

What separates great orthodontic assistants from the rest? In this conversation, Anthony Herrera shares how patient trust, communication, and comfort can directly impact treatment success. Drawing from 14 years of chairside orthodontic experience, he explains why treating every patient as if they are the only one that matters leads to better compliance, stronger relationships, and a more positive orthodontic experience. Anthony discusses the importance of understanding orthodontic treatment protocols, educating patients before the doctor steps in, and helping patients feel confident throughout their treatment journey. He also shares practical chairside techniques that can make appointments more comfortable while improving efficiency for the clinical team. The conversation explores how proper isolation, visibility, and patient comfort contribute to successful bracket placement and overall treatment outcomes. Anthony also highlights innovations in orthodontic retraction systems and explains how modern tools can help clinicians work more effectively while creating a better experience for patients. Whether you are a new assistant or a seasoned orthodontic professional, this episode offers valuable insights into delivering exceptional patient care and elevating your role within the practice. Connect with Anthony ISORETRACT Website: https://isoretract.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 kevin@kevinspeaksdental.com and let’s make it happen for your team.

June 8, 202614 min

Episode 439: The Biggest Infection Control Risk in Every Dental Office (Dental Unit Waterlines)

Most dental teams were never taught about waterline safety in school, yet it has become one of the most important infection control topics in modern dentistry. In this episode, Angela Simmons shares why dental unit waterlines remain a misunderstood area of compliance and what practices need to do to better protect patients. Angela and Kevin Henry discuss the challenges of getting waterline protocols, infection control procedures, and risk management strategies implemented consistently across dental practices and DSOs. They also explore how overloaded dental assistants are often expected to manage critical compliance tasks without enough training, support, or understanding of why those tasks matter. The conversation highlights the value of standardized processes, better communication, and investing in team education to improve compliance, patient safety, and long term practice success.

June 1, 202614 min

Episode 438: Can Probiotics Replace Brushing and Flossing?

Do you think probiotics can replace brushing and flossing? A viral TikTok trend is making that claim, but dental professionals are sounding the alarm. In this episode, Kevin Henry and pharmacology expert Tom Viola break down the truth behind probiotics and oral health so dental assistants can confidently answer questions patients are already bringing into the office. Tom explains how probiotics may support gum health, freshen breath, and improve the balance of healthy bacteria in the mouth, but they cannot remove plaque or replace the mechanical cleaning that brushing and flossing provide. The conversation also explores how social media trends quickly influence patient beliefs and why dental assistants play such an important role in patient education and communication within the practice. Kevin and Tom discuss how teams can stay ahead of misinformation, prepare for common patient questions, and reinforce healthy oral hygiene habits without dismissing patient curiosity. This episode is packed with practical insight for dental assistants who want to stay informed, support their patients with confidence, and better understand the growing conversations around probiotics and oral health. Connect with Tom Viola LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasviolarph/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PharmacologyDeclassified Website: https://www.tomviola.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 kevin@kevinspeaksdental.com and let’s make it happen for your team.

May 25, 20269 min

Episode 437: The Dental Office System That Keeps Everyone Aligned

Running a successful dental practice is not just about clinical skill. It is about consistency, training, communication, and making sure every team member understands exactly how things should be done. In this conversation, Kevin Henry and Sherrie Busby break down why clear systems and written protocols are more important than ever for modern dental practices. From staff turnover and training challenges to patient safety and compliance, this episode explores the real problems dental offices face when systems are unclear or constantly changing. Sherrie explains how strong processes help teams stay aligned, reduce mistakes, improve onboarding, and create a smoother experience for both staff and patients. The discussion also covers how dental practices can build better habits, improve accountability, and create systems that are easy for teams to follow and maintain over time. Whether you are managing a growing dental office, training new team members, or trying to improve consistency across your practice, this episode delivers practical insights that can help your team operate more efficiently and confidently every day.

May 18, 202625 min

Episode 436: Tips To Grow From Dental Assistant to Manager!

What separates dental assistants who stay stuck from the ones who grow into leadership and management roles? In this episode, Sherrie Busby shares the mindset shifts, career decisions, and uncomfortable moments that helped her build a 42 year career in dentistry and become a respected educator, mentor, and industry leader. Kevin Henry and Sherrie dive into the reality of growth in the dental field and why leadership is not just about standing in front of a room or having a management title. They talk about how dental assistants can create opportunities for themselves by learning new skills, saying yes to uncomfortable challenges, and becoming valuable inside the practice. Sherrie shares her journey from single mom working at Pizza Hut to becoming a dental assistant training developer and speaker, along with the lessons she learned from failure, rejection, burnout, and personal growth. The conversation also explores the role of DSOs, mentorship, continuing education, and the importance of taking initiative in your career. Whether you want to become an office manager, mentor, educator, or simply feel more fulfilled in dentistry, this episode offers practical insight and motivation for dental assistants who want more from their career. Connect with Sherrie Busby Email: Sherrie.Busby@yahoo.com Podcasts Dental Assisting Uncharted: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrjkyvO6G1h0SDcqniI9yoMsIMQUqDAtC ZenOne Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ZenOne_Dental/featured ------------------- 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 kevin@kevinspeaksdental.com and let’s make it happen for your team.

May 11, 202611 min

Episode 435: The BEST Way to Keep Dental Waterlines Safe!

What if the water flowing through your dental unit is quietly building a hidden community of bacteria that standard routines are not fully controlling? In this episode, Kevin Henry talks with Chanda Chatham about what really happens inside dental waterlines and why consistency matters more than most practices realize. They break down how biofilm forms, how bacteria attach to particles in water, and why fluctuations in treatment can allow contamination to return. The conversation highlights how silver ion technology works at a continuous level to disrupt bacteria by damaging cell walls, helping prevent buildup before it becomes a larger problem. They also explain the importance of starting with clean lines, using EPA registered products, and regularly testing water quality to verify safety. From simple shock treatments to year round maintenance strategies, this discussion focuses on practical ways dental teams can reduce risk, simplify routines, and maintain safe water for patients without adding complexity to their workflow.

May 4, 202613 min

Episode 434: NEW Dental Assistant Scholarship Just Launched

Dental assistants are finally getting the recognition and support they deserve and this new opportunity could open doors that were never available before. In this episode, industry leaders Gary Steinberg and Andrew Whitehead join Kevin Henry to announce a new scholarship program focused on infection control education for dental assistants. After decades in the dental industry, both Gary and Andy share why they felt it was time to give back and address a major gap in training and recognition. With over 80 percent of dental assistants responsible for infection control in their practices, the need for proper education has never been more urgent. This scholarship aims to provide access to certification programs that can improve patient safety, strengthen professional skills, and elevate the role of dental assistants across the industry. They also discuss the mission behind the initiative, the impact of past scholarship programs, and how this effort can shape the future of dental care. If you are a dental assistant looking to grow your career and make a greater impact, this is an opportunity worth exploring. Learn more about the scholarship here! MyADS: https://www.myads.org/ DTAFoundation: https://dtafoundation.org/ ------------------- 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 kevin@kevinspeaksdental.com and let’s make it happen for your team.

April 27, 20269 min

Episode 433: Is Your Dental Practice Waterline Safe?

What if the water in your dental unit lines is putting patients at risk without you knowing it? This episode breaks down why testing, shocking, and proper protocols matter more than many practices realize. Michelle Strange, RDH, joins Kevin Henry for a practical conversation on dental waterline safety, including why testing should be routine, how shocking fits into a safe protocol, and what practices need to do when waterline tests fail. They also discuss how simple, clear SOPs help teams stay consistent and avoid mistakes that can impact patient safety.

April 20, 202618 min

Episode 432: What Feeling Valued at Work Really Looks Like as a Dental Assistant

What if the reason you feel drained at work is not the workload, but the lack of feeling valued? In this episode, Kevin Henry explores a question that sparked powerful conversations among dental assistants across multiple states. When was the last time you truly felt valued in your practice? The answers reveal how appreciation often shows up in small but meaningful ways, from a simple thank you to being recognized for clinical skills, patient relationships, teamwork, and the unseen preparation that keeps a practice running smoothly. Through stories shared at the roundtable, this episode unpacks what real appreciation looks like in dental practices and why feeling valued has such a direct impact on fulfillment, confidence, and team culture. Kevin reflects on moments when doctors, coworkers, and even patients made dental assistants feel seen, respected, and essential. He also addresses the harder reality that many assistants feel overlooked or taken for granted, offering perspective on how to recognize your own value even when others fail to express it. This conversation is a reminder that being valued is not always about grand recognition. Sometimes it is found in trust, gratitude, collaboration, and the quiet moments when you realize the difference you make every day. Whether you feel deeply appreciated in your role or are struggling to find that sense of worth right now, this episode offers encouragement, reflection, and practical insight into the value dental assistants bring to patients, practices, and 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 kevin@kevinspeaksdental.com and let’s make it happen for your team.

April 13, 202615 min

Episode 431: The Life Saving Skills Every Dental Assistant Should Learn

Most dental assistants don’t realize they could be the reason a patient’s cancer gets caught early enough to save their life. In this episode, Kathryn Gilliam and Kevin Henry dive into the often overlooked role dental assistants play in patient care, especially when it comes to oral and head and neck cancer detection. Kathryn shares why assistants should be trained to perform both intraoral and extraoral screenings and how these quick checks can be done in just a few minutes during routine appointments. The conversation highlights how assistants are uniquely positioned to notice abnormalities, educate patients, and support early diagnosis even in individuals with no obvious risk factors. They also discuss how assistants can confidently communicate their desire to grow within the practice, take on more responsibility, and elevate their impact on patient outcomes. This episode is a powerful reminder that with the right training and mindset, dental assistants are not just support staff but essential contributors to saving lives through early detection and patient care. Connect with Inspired Hygiene Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredhygiene/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspiredHygiene Connect with Kathryn Email: Kathryn@inspiredhygiene.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathryngilliam Facebook: https://facebook.com/kathrynkamishgilliam LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/kathrynkamishgilliam --------------------------- 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 kevin@kevinspeaksdental.com and let’s make it happen for your team.