Episodios

  • Episode 390: The Real Reason Dental Offices Feel So Stressful — And How to Fix It
    Jun 30 2025
    When dentists and dental assistants support each other, everything gets better In this episode, Dr. Alan Stern opens up about the hidden tension that lives inside many dental practices—not between patients and staff, but between dentists and dental assistants themselves. He shares why miscommunication, lack of feedback, and unspoken expectations are doing more damage than any full schedule ever could. Dr. Stern challenges the old top-down model of dental leadership and makes the case for a more human approach—where assistants feel empowered, dentists feel supported, and mutual respect drives the entire practice forward. From hiring the right fit to giving feedback with empathy, this conversation is a blueprint for reducing stress and creating a workplace people actually want to be part of. If your office feels tense, this episode might explain exactly why—and how to finally fix it. Connect with Alan: Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betterricherstronger/ Email: Alan@betterricherstronger.com —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured on Feedspot’s Top 100 Dental Podcasts and their Top Dental Assistant Podcasts list. Huge thanks to you for listening, subscribing, and supporting the show. Couldn’t have done it without you. Go check it out—we’re listed alongside some amazing shows! 100 Best Dental Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_podcasts/ 4 Best Dental Assistant Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_assistant_podcasts/ —-------------------------------------------- 🎤 I’m Speaking at Accelerate: The Dental Revenue Workshop! Accelerate is where the brightest minds in dental revenue come together — and I’m heading to Nashville to share insights that will challenge, inspire, and help practices grow. 🗓 Date: July 31 - August 1 2025 📍 Location: Nashville, TN 🎟 Grab $150 off your ticket with my code: KevinH If you’re ready to level up your systems, strategy, and revenue, this is the event you don’t want to miss. I’d love to see you there! Let’s make this the most impactful dental event of the year. See you in Music City! 🎶 —-------------------------------------------- Attention Dental Leaders! I'm thrilled to speak at the 2025 AADOM Conference in Round Rock, TX – AADOM's 20th anniversary celebration! Join me for my sessions: ㅤ ➡️ Wednesday, Sept 3 "DPLN Leadership Meeting" - Learn how to maximize publicity for your DPLN ➡️ Saturday, Sept 6 "Simple Steps to Help You Become an Author " - We'll dive into how you can formulate a plan for your best article and how to find your voice as an industry leader. Early bird pricing ends 3/31! Don't wait—secure your spot now and be part of the biggest dental management event of the year! Plus, lock in your stay on-site at the Kalahari Resort before rooms fill up! 📅 September 4-6, 2025 📍 Kalahari Resort, Round Rock, TX Register now at aadomconference.com 🔗
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    17 m
  • Episode 389: Making Waterline Protocols Easy And Efficient For Dental Assistants
    Jun 22 2025
    Is dental waterline safety a headache in your practice? Discover how simple and easy it can truly be. Ensuring your dental unit water lines are safe for patients is incredibly important. But let's be honest, it often feels like a complicated and time-consuming task, especially with everything else dental assistants juggle. If a process isn't straightforward, it's easy for it to get pushed aside. Good news: it doesn't have to be difficult. We explore how products that work together as a cohesive system are designed to make maintaining your water lines lean, fast, and remarkably easy. When water line protocols are simple and efficient, they actually get done. This is vital for busy practices, especially those that are shorthanded. We look at how having clear protocols helps ensure consistent safety, avoiding the pitfalls of neglected tasks or relying on just one person's knowledge. This episode empowers dental assistants to take on their crucial role in infection control with confidence. By using reliable tools and following clear protocols, you can ensure your practice remains safe and compliant, without adding unnecessary stress. Do you believe easy-to-use systems help your office stay compliant? Let us know in the comments! —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured on Feedspot’s Top 100 Dental Podcasts and their Top Dental Assistant Podcasts list. Huge thanks to you for listening, subscribing, and supporting the show. Couldn’t have done it without you. Go check it out—we’re listed alongside some amazing shows! 100 Best Dental Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_podcasts/ 4 Best Dental Assistant Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_assistant_podcasts/ —-------------------------------------------- 🎤 I’m Speaking at Accelerate: The Dental Revenue Workshop! Accelerate is where the brightest minds in dental revenue come together — and I’m heading to Nashville to share insights that will challenge, inspire, and help practices grow. 🗓 Date: July 31 - August 1 2025 📍 Location: Nashville, TN 🎟 Grab $150 off your ticket with my code: KevinH If you’re ready to level up your systems, strategy, and revenue, this is the event you don’t want to miss. I’d love to see you there! Let’s make this the most impactful dental event of the year. See you in Music City! 🎶 —-------------------------------------------- Attention Dental Leaders! I'm thrilled to speak at the 2025 AADOM Conference in Round Rock, TX – AADOM's 20th anniversary celebration! Join me for my sessions: ㅤ ➡️ Wednesday, Sept 3 "DPLN Leadership Meeting" - Learn how to maximize publicity for your DPLN ➡️ Saturday, Sept 6 "Simple Steps to Help You Become an Author " - We'll dive into how you can formulate a plan for your best article and how to find your voice as an industry leader. Early bird pricing ends 3/31! Don't wait—secure your spot now and be part of the biggest dental management event of the year! Plus, lock in your stay on-site at the Kalahari Resort before rooms fill up! 📅 September 4-6, 2025 📍 Kalahari Resort, Round Rock, TX Register now at aadomconference.com 🔗
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    15 m
  • Episode 388: How Dental Assistants Can Simplify Supply Ordering (and Shine Doing It)
    Jun 16 2025
    Ever feel like dental ordering is a confusing task that only one dental assistant knows how to handle? If you’re a dental assistant who’s ever felt overwhelmed by online ordering or unsure if you’re getting the best deal on dental supplies, this episode is for you. Kevin Henry sits down with Elise Hill to explore how dental assistants can take charge of dental ordering, simplify the process, and truly shine in the eyes of their dentist. Elise shares her journey from dental assistant to hygienist to her current role at Torch Dental, where she now helps dental assistants across the country feel confident and capable with online ordering. She explains how the right dental ordering platform can take the guesswork out of managing dental supplies, saving time and money while keeping the practice running smoothly. Whether you're a new dental assistant or someone who’s been handed the responsibility with no instructions, Elise offers relatable advice and insights that will resonate. This episode highlights the essential role dental assistants play—not just in patient care, but in helping dentists manage overhead and keep things efficient behind the scenes. Discover how smarter online ordering can elevate your role in the dental practice and strengthen the connection between the dentist and the dental assistant. Connect with Torch Dental: Website: https://torchdental.com/ —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured on Feedspot’s Top 100 Dental Podcasts and their Top Dental Assistant Podcasts list. Huge thanks to you for listening, subscribing, and supporting the show. Couldn’t have done it without you. Go check it out—we’re listed alongside some amazing shows! 100 Best Dental Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_podcasts/ 4 Best Dental Assistant Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_assistant_podcasts/ —-------------------------------------------- 🎤 I’m Speaking at Accelerate: The Dental Revenue Workshop! Accelerate is where the brightest minds in dental revenue come together — and I’m heading to Nashville to share insights that will challenge, inspire, and help practices grow. 🗓 Date: July 31 - August 1 2025 📍 Location: Nashville, TN 🎟 Grab $150 off your ticket with my code: KevinH If you’re ready to level up your systems, strategy, and revenue, this is the event you don’t want to miss. I’d love to see you there! Let’s make this the most impactful dental event of the year. See you in Music City! 🎶 —-------------------------------------------- Attention Dental Leaders! I'm thrilled to speak at the 2025 AADOM Conference in Round Rock, TX – AADOM's 20th anniversary celebration! Join me for my sessions: ㅤ ➡️ Wednesday, Sept 3 "DPLN Leadership Meeting" - Learn how to maximize publicity for your DPLN ➡️ Saturday, Sept 6 "Simple Steps to Help You Become an Author " - We'll dive into how you can formulate a plan for your best article and how to find your voice as an industry leader. Early bird pricing ends 3/31! Don't wait—secure your spot now and be part of the biggest dental management event of the year! Plus, lock in your stay on-site at the Kalahari Resort before rooms fill up! 📅 September 4-6, 2025 📍 Kalahari Resort, Round Rock, TX Register now at aadomconference.com 🔗
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    15 m
  • Episode 387: The Reason Dental Practices Get Shut Down
    Jun 9 2025
    Dental practices are being shut down — not for what they did, but for what they didn’t know. And no one’s talking about it… until now. Sherrie Busby joins Kevin Henry to have the kind of conversation most practices don’t realize they need until it’s too late. This episode dives into the real reason some offices are blindsided during inspections—not because they don’t care, but because they assume someone else is handling it, or that what they’re doing is “good enough.” It’s not. From waterline protocols to documentation that actually stands up to scrutiny, this talk cuts through the noise and hits on what matters most: taking ownership, staying educated, and not waiting for a wake-up call to get serious about safety. If you've ever thought, “That won’t happen to us,” watch this episode. This is the one you don’t want to skip. —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured on Feedspot’s Top 100 Dental Podcasts and their Top Dental Assistant Podcasts list. Huge thanks to you for listening, subscribing, and supporting the show. Couldn’t have done it without you. Go check it out—we’re listed alongside some amazing shows! 100 Best Dental Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_podcasts/ 4 Best Dental Assistant Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_assistant_podcasts/ —-------------------------------------------- 🎤 I’m Speaking at Accelerate: The Dental Revenue Workshop! Accelerate is where the brightest minds in dental revenue come together — and I’m heading to Nashville to share insights that will challenge, inspire, and help practices grow. 🗓 Date: July 31 - August 1 2025 📍 Location: Nashville, TN 🎟 Grab $150 off your ticket with my code: KevinH If you’re ready to level up your systems, strategy, and revenue, this is the event you don’t want to miss. I’d love to see you there! Let’s make this the most impactful dental event of the year. See you in Music City! 🎶 —-------------------------------------------- Attention Dental Leaders! I'm thrilled to speak at the 2025 AADOM Conference in Round Rock, TX – AADOM's 20th anniversary celebration! Join me for my sessions: ㅤ ➡️ Wednesday, Sept 3 "DPLN Leadership Meeting" - Learn how to maximize publicity for your DPLN ➡️ Saturday, Sept 6 "Simple Steps to Help You Become an Author " - We'll dive into how you can formulate a plan for your best article and how to find your voice as an industry leader. Early bird pricing ends 3/31! Don't wait—secure your spot now and be part of the biggest dental management event of the year! Plus, lock in your stay on-site at the Kalahari Resort before rooms fill up! 📅 September 4-6, 2025 📍 Kalahari Resort, Round Rock, TX Register now at aadomconference.com 🔗
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    12 m
  • Episode 386: What Dental Assistants Need to Know About Handpiece Maintenance
    Jun 2 2025
    Seriously, dental assistants, are your handpieces living their BEST life? 🤔 You NEED to hear this! This episode, featuring Mike Etheridge, Senior Manager for Marketing and Channel with KaVo North America, delves into the critical role dental assistants play in ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of dental handpieces. The discussion stresses that proper care goes beyond basic cleaning; it's fundamental to extending the lifespan of these valuable instruments and minimizing costly interruptions to practice workflow. We explore the common challenges dental assistants face, including the importance of understanding the high speeds at which handpieces operate (200,000 to 400,000 RPM, compared to a jet engine's 16,000 RPM) and the detrimental effects of accumulated dirt and debris. The conversation strongly advocates for adopting standardized maintenance protocols and highlights the benefits of automated systems, such as QUATTROcare PLUS and KaVo Care, in achieving consistent and reliable handpiece operation, especially compared to less effective manual hand-spraying techniques. Factors for Optimal Handpiece Operation: 👉🏻 The role of dental assistants is critical in ensuring consistent performance. 👉🏻 Automated systems (like QUATTROcare PLUS) contribute to reliable operation. 👉🏻 KaVo's integrated approach (handpieces and KaVo Care) supports optimal function. 👉🏻 Eliminating dirt and debris is essential for maintaining precision. 👉🏻 Proper lubrication is a key factor in smooth and efficient operation. Connect with Mike: QUATTROcare: https://www.kavo.com/en/products/instruments/maintenance-hygiene/quattrocare-plus KaVo Care Portal: https://www.kavo.com/en-us/services/new-kavo-care-portal —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured on Feedspot’s Top 100 Dental Podcasts and their Top Dental Assistant Podcasts list. Huge thanks to you for listening, subscribing, and supporting the show. Couldn’t have done it without you. Go check it out—we’re listed alongside some amazing shows! 100 Best Dental Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_podcasts/ 4 Best Dental Assistant Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_assistant_podcasts/ —-------------------------------------------- 🎤 I’m Speaking at Accelerate: The Dental Revenue Workshop! Accelerate is where the brightest minds in dental revenue come together — and I’m heading to Nashville to share insights that will challenge, inspire, and help practices grow. 🗓 Date: July 31 - August 1 2025 📍 Location: Nashville, TN 🎟 Grab $150 off your ticket with my code: KevinH If you’re ready to level up your systems, strategy, and revenue, this is the event you don’t want to miss. I’d love to see you there! Let’s make this the most impactful dental event of the year. See you in Music City! 🎶 —-------------------------------------------- Attention Dental Leaders! I'm thrilled to speak at the 2025 AADOM Conference in Round Rock, TX – AADOM's 20th anniversary celebration! Join me for my sessions: ㅤ ➡️ Wednesday, Sept 3 "DPLN Leadership Meeting" - Learn how to maximize publicity for your DPLN ➡️ Saturday, Sept 6 "Simple Steps to Help You Become an Author " - We'll dive into how you can formulate a plan for your best article and how to find your voice as an industry leader. Early bird pricing ends 3/31! Don't wait—secure your spot now and be part of the biggest dental management event of the year! Plus, lock in your stay on-site at the Kalahari Resort before rooms fill up! 📅 September 4-6, 2025 📍 Kalahari Resort, Round Rock, TX Register now at aadomconference.com 🔗
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    16 m
  • Episode 385: Sterisil's Game-Changing Waterline Protocol That Helps Customers Pass More Tests!
    May 25 2025
    Still failing waterline tests? This protocol shows why—and how to fix it for good. Only around 30% of dental practices are testing their waterlines regularly—and that’s a problem. Regulations are changing fast. Some states now require quarterly testing, immediate remediation after failure, and documentation. This game-changing protocol breaks it down into three critical steps: 👉 Test 👉 Shock 👉 Maintain Waterline safety isn’t optional. It’s tied to patient health, staff safety, and practice compliance. Failing a test isn’t the issue—not fixing it is. This protocol helps you pass consistently, save time, and avoid production downtime. —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured on Feedspot’s Top 100 Dental Podcasts and their Top Dental Assistant Podcasts list. Huge thanks to you for listening, subscribing, and supporting the show. Couldn’t have done it without you. Go check it out—we’re listed alongside some amazing shows! 100 Best Dental Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_podcasts/ 4 Best Dental Assistant Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_assistant_podcasts/ —-------------------------------------------- 🎤 I’m Speaking at Accelerate: The Dental Revenue Workshop! Accelerate is where the brightest minds in dental revenue come together — and I’m heading to Nashville to share insights that will challenge, inspire, and help practices grow. 🗓 Date: July 31 - August 1 2025 📍 Location: Nashville, TN 🎟 Grab $150 off your ticket with my code: KevinH If you’re ready to level up your systems, strategy, and revenue, this is the event you don’t want to miss. I’d love to see you there! Let’s make this the most impactful dental event of the year. See you in Music City! 🎶 —-------------------------------------------- Attention Dental Leaders! I'm thrilled to speak at the 2025 AADOM Conference in Round Rock, TX – AADOM's 20th anniversary celebration! Join me for my sessions: ㅤ ➡️ Wednesday, Sept 3 "DPLN Leadership Meeting" - Learn how to maximize publicity for your DPLN ➡️ Saturday, Sept 6 "Simple Steps to Help You Become an Author " - We'll dive into how you can formulate a plan for your best article and how to find your voice as an industry leader. Early bird pricing ends 3/31! Don't wait—secure your spot now and be part of the biggest dental management event of the year! Plus, lock in your stay on-site at the Kalahari Resort before rooms fill up! 📅 September 4-6, 2025 📍 Kalahari Resort, Round Rock, TX Register now at aadomconference.com 🔗
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    17 m
  • Episode 384: 5 Genius Ways for Dental assistants to work with Micromanaging Bosses
    May 18 2025
    Micromanaged as a dental assistant? Try these 5 genius ways to handle it. Is your dentist boss constantly hovering, double-checking your every move, or refusing to let go of control? You’re not alone—and you’re not powerless either. In this episode, we’re diving into 5 brilliant strategies dental assistants can use when dealing with a micromanaging employer. From setting boundaries and shifting your mindset to leveraging team dynamics and proactive communication, these techniques are tailor-made for the dental office. Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned assistant, you’ll walk away with tools to feel more confident, autonomous, and respected in your role. These are the confidence-building methods that help you survive and thrive—even under a microscope. Connect with me: Email: Kevin@KevinSpeaksDental.com Website: https://www.kevinspeaksdental.com/ —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured on Feedspot’s Top 100 Dental Podcasts and their Top Dental Assistant Podcasts list. Huge thanks to you for listening, subscribing, and supporting the show. Couldn’t have done it without you. Go check it out—we’re listed alongside some amazing shows! 100 Best Dental Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_podcasts/ 4 Best Dental Assistant Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_assistant_podcasts/ —-------------------------------------------- 🎤 I’m Speaking at Accelerate: The Dental Revenue Workshop! Accelerate is where the brightest minds in dental revenue come together — and I’m heading to Nashville to share insights that will challenge, inspire, and help practices grow. 🗓 Date: July 31 - August 1 2025 📍 Location: Nashville, TN 🎟 Grab $150 off your ticket with my code: KevinH If you’re ready to level up your systems, strategy, and revenue, this is the event you don’t want to miss. I’d love to see you there! Let’s make this the most impactful dental event of the year. See you in Music City! 🎶 —-------------------------------------------- Attention Dental Leaders! I'm thrilled to speak at the 2025 AADOM Conference in Round Rock, TX – AADOM's 20th anniversary celebration! Join me for my sessions: ㅤ ➡️ Wednesday, Sept 3 "DPLN Leadership Meeting" - Learn how to maximize publicity for your DPLN ➡️ Saturday, Sept 6 "Simple Steps to Help You Become an Author " - We'll dive into how you can formulate a plan for your best article and how to find your voice as an industry leader. Early bird pricing ends 3/31! Don't wait—secure your spot now and be part of the biggest dental management event of the year! Plus, lock in your stay on-site at the Kalahari Resort before rooms fill up! 📅 September 4-6, 2025 📍 Kalahari Resort, Round Rock, TX Register now at aadomconference.com 🔗
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    21 m
  • Episode 383: What you really need to know about your dental practice's waterlines
    May 11 2025
    Do you think your dental waterlines are clean? Discover the hidden risks and how to ensure patient safety. In this episode, Kevin Henry and Michelle Strange, RDH, delve into the critical topic of dental waterline safety. They explore the formation of biofilm in dental unit waterlines and its potential health risks. The discussion covers essential practices for maintaining clean waterlines, including regular testing, shocking, and adherence to manufacturers' Instructions for Use (IFUs). They also emphasize the importance of establishing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent waterline maintenance and compliance with infection control standards. Key Discussion Points: Understanding biofilm formation in dental unit waterlines. Health implications of contaminated waterlines. Best practices for waterline testing and maintenance. Importance of following IFUs and establishing SOPs. —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured on Feedspot’s Top 100 Dental Podcasts and their Top Dental Assistant Podcasts list. Huge thanks to you for listening, subscribing, and supporting the show. Couldn’t have done it without you. Go check it out—we’re listed alongside some amazing shows! 100 Best Dental Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_podcasts/ 4 Best Dental Assistant Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_assistant_podcasts/ —-------------------------------------------- 🎤 I’m Speaking at Accelerate: The Dental Revenue Workshop! Accelerate is where the brightest minds in dental revenue come together — and I’m heading to Nashville to share insights that will challenge, inspire, and help practices grow. 🗓 Date: July 31 - August 1 2025 📍 Location: Nashville, TN 🎟 Grab $150 off your ticket with my code: KevinH If you’re ready to level up your systems, strategy, and revenue, this is the event you don’t want to miss. I’d love to see you there! Let’s make this the most impactful dental event of the year. See you in Music City! 🎶 —-------------------------------------------- Attention Dental Leaders! I'm thrilled to speak at the 2025 AADOM Conference in Round Rock, TX – AADOM's 20th anniversary celebration! Join me for my sessions: ㅤ ➡️ Wednesday, Sept 3 "DPLN Leadership Meeting" - Learn how to maximize publicity for your DPLN ➡️ Saturday, Sept 6 "Simple Steps to Help You Become an Author " - We'll dive into how you can formulate a plan for your best article and how to find your voice as an industry leader. Early bird pricing ends 3/31! Don't wait—secure your spot now and be part of the biggest dental management event of the year! Plus, lock in your stay on-site at the Kalahari Resort before rooms fill up! 📅 September 4-6, 2025 📍 Kalahari Resort, Round Rock, TX Register now at aadomconference.com 🔗
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    13 m