Episode 450: Why Latinas Are the Backbone of Dentistry and No One Is Talking About It
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 kevin@kevinspeaksdental.com 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.
