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Dental Assistant Nation

Dental Assistant Nation

By: Dental Assistant Nation
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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.All rights reserved Economics
Episodes
  • Episode 440: The Orthodontic Tool Assistants Wish They Had Sooner

    Episode 440: The Orthodontic Tool Assistants Wish They Had Sooner
    Jun 15 2026
    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.
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    16 mins
  • Episode 439: The Biggest Infection Control Risk in Every Dental Office (Dental Unit Waterlines)

    Episode 439: The Biggest Infection Control Risk in Every Dental Office (Dental Unit Waterlines)
    Jun 8 2026
    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.
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    15 mins
  • Episode 438: Can Probiotics Replace Brushing and Flossing?

    Episode 438: Can Probiotics Replace Brushing and Flossing?
    Jun 1 2026
    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.
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    14 mins
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