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Podcast Episode

How to Train the Assistant Every Other Dentist Wants w/ Kevin Henry

Dental Practice Heroes··20 August 2026·39 min

About this episode

Every dentist wants an assistant who anticipates their needs without being asked. Almost nobody does what it takes to get there.Kevin Henry, dental journalist and founder of Dental Assistant Nation, has spent 21 years advocating for dental assistants. In this episode, he shares what makes them disengage, what a good day actually looks like for them, and how to train them the right way.Topics discussed:(00:00) Introduction(03:52) Why your dental assistants aren't engaged(06:13) The skills to instill in every assistant(10:44) Dental assistant schools post-COVID(11:51) The push to turn assistants into hygienists(13:35) Staffing shortage or a retention problem(16:00) The training mistake that backfires(17:26) Setting goals for a role with no numbers(19:07) 3 things assistants actually care about(23:25) How to give your assistant a good day(25:14) The commandments of treating your assistant well(27:40) What's next for AI and staffing(30:24) Conversations to have before someone asks for a raiseCheck out the Dental Assistant Nation podcast:https://dentalassistantnation.com/Learn more about what dental assistants can legally do in your state:https://www.danb.org/This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING WEBINAR CLICK HERE REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING WEBINAR CLICK HERE REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING WEBINAR CLICK HERETake Control of Your Practice and Your LifeWe help dentists take more time off while making more money through systematization, team empowerment, and creating leadership teams. Ready to build a practice that works for you? Visit www.DentalPracticeHeroes.com to learn more.