Sherri Warshaw, RDH, CTTS, returns to the show with an important message about how dental professionals can help their patients work toward nicotine cessation. Dental assistants are so often the bridge between the patient and the practice, giving these key team members the opportunity to help their patients with nicotine habits. Warshaw gives advice and tips on how to get started on this quest in the dental practice.

Episode 303: How dental assistants (and practices) can help their patients overcome nicotine

In this episode, Kevin Henry is joined by dental's pharmacology expert, Tom Viola, RPh, to discuss the drug Ozempic and its connection to weight loss, diabetes and dental health. They explore the side effects of Ozempic, including gastroparesis and halitosis, and the importance of including this medication on the health history form. They also highlight the challenges of taking Ozempic and the potential risks of mixing medications. The conversation emphasizes the role of dental assistants in gathering comprehensive medical information from patients and the need for open communication to ensure patient safety.

Episode 313: What to know about this popular medication and its dental connection

In this episode, Shannon Pace Brinker, CDA, CDD, ACE, joins the show to discuss dental assistants and digital scanning. Among our topics is the explosion of this technology in dentistry and how dental assistants can become better at their scanning skills. Learn more about Shannon at https://chairsideassisting.com.

Episode 316: Digital scanning tips and tricks for dental assistants with Shannon Pace Brinker

Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry has a strong message for every dental assistant as Dental Assistants Recognition Week (DARW) 2024 kicks off. Simply put, sometimes the recognition has to come from within. An emotional episode filled with hope and love for all dental assistants out there.

Episode 323: My hope for Dental Assistants Recognition Week 2024

In this episode, dental assistant Mila McNeely returns to the show to discuss a connection in the oral-systemic link she believes every dental assistant should be willing to discuss with his or her patients ... the link between periodontal disease and erectile dysfunction.

You can see the study detailing the link referenced here ... https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5672720/

Episode 330: Oral-systemic link: The link between oral health and erectile dysfunction

Episode 334: Narrowing the focus for dental assistants in the practice

In this episode recorded live at the Speaking Consulting Network meeting in Austin, Texas, Tija Hunter, EFDA, explains what dental practices are doing wrong when it comes to their HIPAA and OSHA training. From common mistakes to what OSHA inspectors may be looking to find in the practice, we cover a wide range of topics. Connect with Tija at tijaefda@gmail.com.

Episode 336: What dental assistants need to know about OSHA and HIPAA training

In this episode, Kevin Henry interviews dental hygienist Cris Duval about the lifeguard approach to patient care. Duval emphasizes the importance of dental assistants in improving patient outcomes and increasing practice profitability. She encourages dental assistants to decide who they want to be for their patients and to ask quality questions that uncover patient values and motivations. Duval also emphasizes the need for dental assistants to speak up if they see something concerning in a patient's mouth. She shares her upcoming book, 'The Lifeguard Approach: Why Compassion Necessitates Life-Saving Screenings,' and provides her contact information for further resources.

Podcast takeaways
Dental assistants play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and increasing practice profitability.
Dental assistants should decide who they want to be for their patients and ask quality questions that uncover patient values and motivations.
It is important for dental assistants to stay educated about the oral systemic link and communicate this information to patients.
Dental assistants should speak up if they see something concerning in a patient's mouth.

Learn more at https://www.thelifeguardapproach.com/meet-cris-duval

Episode 337: The importance of advocacy in dental assisting

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, host Kevin Henry interviews Linda Harvey, a dental assistant advocate and patient safety champion. They discuss the important role of dental assistants in patient safety and the various hats they wear in the dental practice. They also delve into four types of medical errors in dentistry: communication, documentation, infection control, and medication safety. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication, thorough documentation, adherence to infection control protocols, and proper medication handling. The episode concludes with a discussion about the upcoming launch of DA Connect, a professional emphasis group for dental assistants by the Dental Compliance Institute.

Reach Linda and learn more at riskteam@lindaharvey.net

Podcast takeaways
Dental assistants play a crucial role in patient safety and wear many hats in the dental practice.

Clear communication and thorough documentation are essential for effective patient care.

Adherence to infection control protocols and proper medication handling are critical for patient safety.

Episode 338: The dental assistant's role in patient safety

After an unexpected week off to deal with his dad's medical emergency, Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry discusses finding work-life balance and how dental assistants can work with their dentists to plan ahead for contingencies. As always, communication is key, as is knowing what you want in teams of the ideal work-life balance.

Episode 339: Let's talk work-life balance and the dental practice

Today's episode is a pivot for Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry after a comment from a recent meeting drew his attention. Dental assistants, what are your goals for the rest of 2024? What's keeping you from achieving them? We all have to be ready to take that next step, but it's up to us to set the path. In this episode, let's embrace what is to come. Here's why and how.

Episode 340: Your goals and what is holding you back

In this episode, Kevin Henry, founder of Dental Assistant Nation, interviews Sarrah Rose, the CEO and founder of Elixr, about Gen Z and their needs and desires in the dental practice. They discuss the loneliness that Gen Z often feels, the importance of connection and relationships, and how older generations can better connect with Gen Z. Sarah also explains how Elixr uses AI coaching to help people achieve their goals and improve their relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of curiosity, open-mindedness, and finding common ground in building relationships.

For more information ...

website: https://elixr.love/ 
Instagram: sarrahrosenyc or elixr.love

Episode 341: Understanding Gen Z's needs in the dental practice

In this conversation, Kevin Henry and Linda Harvey discuss the importance of patient safety training for dental assistants. They explore different ways for dental assistants to receive training, including mentorship, consulting, and additional courses. They emphasize the need for dental assistants to be aware of their state's requirements and to seek out training in areas relevant to their practice. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing training new dental assistants with the workload of experienced dental assistants. They discuss the importance of creating a safe space for dental assistants to share their ideas and bring up concerns. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the top three areas that dental practices should focus on for improvement: personal safety, sterilization protocols, and water line maintenance.

Episode 342: Creating a safe space in the dental practice

In this episode, Kevin Henry interviews Lisa Heaton from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health about the importance of health screenings in dental practices. They discuss the disconnect between patients' willingness to undergo screenings and the low percentage of patients actually receiving them. They also highlight the role of dental assistants in facilitating these screenings and reducing patient anxiety. The conversation emphasizes the link between oral health and overall health, and the potential impact of screenings on preventing medical emergencies in the dental practice.

Learn more about CareQuest Institute for Oral Health at https://www.carequest.org

Learn more about the study referenced by visiting https://www.carequest.org/resource-library/experiences-and-outcomes-oral-health-care

Episode 343: Shocking statistics and the dental patient connection

In this episode, Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA, joins the show to talk about how dental assistants can finish 2024 strong, and that includes making sure they are educated through both clinical and practice management CE courses. She also discusses why documentation is so important and how dental assistants can make sure it is done properly.

You can reach Tija at tijaefda@gmail.com

Episode 344: The importance of CE and documentation for the dental assistant

The conversation between Kevin Henry and Mary Govoni, CDA, RDH, discusses the balance between social media engagement and infection control in dental practices. It emphasizes the importance of professionalism and the potential negative impact of inappropriate social media posts on the image of the practice. The hosts also highlight the need for proper PPE in social media content and the potential consequences of disregarding infection control protocols. Govoni urges dental professionals to think before posting and consider the perception of patients, colleagues, and prospective patients. The conversation concludes with contact information for the guest (mary@marygovoni.com), who is an expert in infection control.

Also check out https://www.thecompliancedivas.com.

Episode 345: Dental assistants and social media: When can it go too far?

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry interviews two dental assistants, Amy Mitchell and Catie Lis, about their experiences in the field. They discuss the importance of core values, creating a positive work environment, and celebrating wins. Hanna Aronovich from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and DALE Foundation also joins the conversation to talk about the Great Practices for Dental Assistants to Work Award and other initiatives the foundation is working on.

Learn more at www.danb.org

Episode 346: What makes a dental practice a great place to work?

Recorded during the South African Dental Association meeting in Pretoria, Kevin Henry welcomes back Jeanné Oosthuysen, the dental assistant champion of South Africa, to discuss what she sees from assistants in her native land and how there are so many similarities between how they feel on the job and the feelings of American dental assistants. This is a must-listen as a reminder that dental assistants are never alone in their struggles and joys.

Episode 347: From South Africa, the similarities in dental assistants around the world

In this episode, two thought leaders join the show to help dental assistants know how to finish the year strong professionally (with thoughts from Tija Hunter, EFDA) and personally (with thoughts from Caitlin Parson, RDH). As 2024 starts to wind down, how can dental assistants make sure they are in a good place inside and outside the dental practice? That's what we're diving into today.

Learn more about Caitlin at https://thealignedhygienist.com
Learn more about Tija at https://rockstardentalassistant.com
Subscribe to DrBicuspid at https://www.drbicuspid.com/

Episode 348: Tips on finishing 2024 strong personally and professionally

In this episode, I sit down with Productive Dentist Academy CEO and co-founder Victoria Peterson to discuss why dental assistants and productivity are such a focus for PDA. What does it mean to really be a "productive" dental assistant? Is it the dentist or assistant (or both) who creates a "productive" assistant? We talk about this and much more. Learn more about PDA at https://productivedentist.com

Episode 349: Diving into the definition of a productive dental assistant

In this episode, Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry reflects upon a recent social media post made by Steve from Blue's Clues and the profound impact it seemed to have on an entire generation. Did it prove we need to know we're not alone in our struggles and someone is listening to us when we need it? Kevin thinks so ... so what does that mean for dental assistants. Let's dive in and talk openly and honestly about a subject that is in the shadows far too much.

Episode 350: Blue's Clues, listening and knowing you're not alone

In this episode, Dental Assistant Nation host Kevin Henry speaks with author Julio Vincent Gambuto about his book 'Please Unsubscribe, Thanks.' They discuss the inspiration behind the book, practical steps to unsubscribe from life's distractions, the impact of social media on happiness, and the challenges faced by the younger generation in a digital world. Julio emphasizes the importance of reevaluating our time and attention in a society filled with distractions and the concept of 'ultimate gaslighting' that encourages us to return to old habits that may not serve us well.

Check out the book here ... https://www.amazon.com/Please-Unsubscribe-Thanks-Attention-Designed/dp/1668009544

Learn more about the author here ... https://www.juliovincent.com

Episode 351: The power of unsubscribing and re-evaluating our time

In this conversation, Kevin Henry interviews Leslie Canham, a key opinion leader in infection control. They discuss the importance of testing and treating dental unit water lines, citing outbreaks and cases where contaminated water led to illness in patients. They also highlight the need for proper training and adherence to CDC guidelines and manufacturer's directions. The conversation emphasizes the role of an infection control coordinator and the importance of empowering team members to ensure compliance and patient safety.

Episode 352: The importance of a dental infection control coordinator and knowing the facts

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry and Nancy Coy discuss the importance of financial literacy for dental assistants. They explore how understanding credit basics can empower assistants to have meaningful conversations about financing options with patients. The conversation emphasizes the significance of communication skills alongside clinical skills, the role of teamwork in patient care, and strategies for new dental assistants to navigate financial discussions. Nancy shares insights on increasing case acceptance without the negative connotation of 'selling' in dentistry, focusing instead on solving patient needs.

Learn more about Nancy and get the link to her book at https://www.finrxstudio.com/about

Episode 353: How dental assistants can help solve rather than sell

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry interviews Kricket Doker, a certified dental assistant and registered dental technician, who shares her journey in the field of dentistry, particularly focusing on chairside restorations. Kricket discusses her passion for digital dentistry, the importance of strong relationships with dental professionals, and her role as an educator in the field. She emphasizes the significance of confidence, persistence, and community support for dental assistants, while also providing practical advice on shade selection for restorations. The conversation highlights the value of dental assistants in the practice and encourages them to pursue their passions and seek opportunities for growth.

Learn about her upcoming webinar at us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/…hEJ#/registration

Follow her on Instagram — @kricketdoker

Episode 354: How this dental assistant became a teacher and thought leader

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry speaks with Dr. Cindy Roark and Misty Mattingly, RDH, from Sage Dental about the vital role of dental assistants in the DSO environment. They discuss the importance of creating career growth opportunities, fostering a positive work environment, and the significance of ongoing training and professional development. The conversation also highlights the hiring practices that prioritize personality and attitude over resumes, emphasizing the value of empathy and a positive outlook in the dental field.

Learn more about Sage Dental at https://mysagedental.com

Episode 355: How this DSO engages and inspires its dental assistants

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, Kevin Henry speaks with Allison Lacoursiere about the evolving role of dental assistants, particularly in the context of clear aligners and digital dentistry. Allison shares her journey from dental assistant to professional speaker and coach, emphasizing the importance of self-empowerment and continuous learning. The conversation highlights the growing presence of women in dentistry and the need for dental assistants to embrace technology and leadership roles in their practices. Allison encourages dental assistants to invest in their education and take ownership of their careers, as the future holds great potential for those willing to adapt and grow.

Learn more at https://www.yourclearalignercoach.com/

Episode 356: Dental assistant empowerment, tech talk with Allison Lacoursiere

In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast, host Kevin Henry speaks with Rose Olague, PhD, about the vital role of dental assistants in healthcare and the initiatives by PDS Health to support their education and career advancement. They discuss the scholarship programs available, the importance of continuous education, and the various career paths within the dental field. The conversation highlights the significance of technology in modern dentistry and the future of dental assisting, emphasizing the need for dental assistants to create their own definitions of success in their careers.

Learn more about Pacific Dental Services at https://www.pdsfoundation.org/

Episode 357: How this DSO is shaping the future for dental assistants

In Episode 1 of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast series, Kevin Henry discusses some of the most important things dental assistants need to know about their paycheck and how to get the most out of it. Also, when is it time for a raise?

Dental Assistant Nation

Episode 1

In Episode 2 of the Dental Assistant Nation podcast series, Kevin Henry discusses the legacy that all dental assistants should be striving for every day in their practice.

Episode 2

In this episode of Dental Assistant Nation powered by IgniteDA, host Kevin Henry chats with three prominent dental consultants about the dental assistant's role in everything from insurance to documentation to patient communication. Start 2018 off right with these great tips!

Episode 4

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.

Dental Assistant Nation

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