Stress doesn’t just live in your mind it shows up in your gut. If you’ve ever felt bloated, gassy, or uncomfortable during busy seasons of life, there’s a real physiological reason your digestive system reacts the way it does.

When stress hormones surge for long periods, they disrupt digestion, slow metabolism, and increase inflammation making bloating, constipation, cravings, and low energy far more likely. Chronic stress throws off gut–brain communication, leaving you feeling foggy, tired, and hungrier than usual, especially for high-sugar comfort foods. Supporting your body with high-fiber snacks, healthy fats, protein, and magnesium-rich foods can help stabilize blood sugar and calm your nervous system. Simple daily habits like mindful eating, journaling, and nourishing your body with gut-supportive nutrients make a significant difference in how you digest, recover, and handle life’s pressures. This episode breaks down the real reason stress impacts your digestion and what you can do today to relieve bloating and feel better from the inside out.

Connect with Sahar Berjis

Website: https://innerhealthwellness.com/

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This podcast is sponsored by Dental Supply Guy.

Tired of scrambling for supplies or realizing you’re out right when you need something? Dental Supply Guy takes all that stress off your plate by automating your ordering, tracking, and inventory so you never have to think about it again. No more guessing, no more last-minute runs, just a smoother, easier workflow for your whole team. Ready to ditch the supply chaos? Book a quick demo at: https://dentalsupplyguy.com/

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BIG NEWS! The annual dental podcast contest is officially underway, and we’d love your support. If you enjoy this podcast, now’s your chance to help us shine! Just head over to https://dentalpodcast.org/vote/ and hit the big “Vote” button on the bottom banner. Voting runs from November 1 through December 31, 2025, so jump in and make your vote count. Thanks for being an amazing part of this community!

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Big things are coming in 2026 for dental assistants!

Join me at the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention in Denver, January 22–23, for Real Talk About the State of Dental Assistants happening 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM MST.

We’re getting real about what’s working, what needs improvement, and how we can strengthen the future of our profession together.

Then meet me at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, February 20–21, for two powerful sessions:

✨ Harnessing the Power of Personalities in the Dental Practice February 20, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM learn how understanding personalities can transform teamwork and communication in your dental practice.

🔥 Battling and Beating the Demons of Dental Assisting February 21, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM an honest, empowering session just for dental assistants about overcoming the real challenges in our profession.

Let’s connect, learn, and grow together. In 2026 it’s going to be a year of real conversations and real change for dental assistants everywhere.

👉 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention: https://rmdconline.com/

👉 Chicago Midwinter Meeting: https://midwintermeeting.eventscribe.net/?_gl=1*15ae5ic*_ga*MTY3Nzc0OTM5OC4xNzU5OTcxOTAw*_ga_VZTQV2NKLH*czE3NTk5NzE5MDAkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTk5NzE5MDAkajYwJGwwJGgw

The shocking discovery of blood-stained surgical tools at a Colorado hospital is a wake-up call for every dental practice. When sterilization falls behind, even briefly, safety can break down fast and dentistry faces the same risks, especially with short staffing, rushed schedules, and inconsistent infection control habits.

In this episode, Kevin Henry and infection control expert Mary Govoni, CDA, RDH, discuss how incidents like this happen and why dental teams must stay alert. They talk through common failures in instrument processing, gaps in PPE use, and how post-pandemic complacency has led to rising safety concerns in many practices.

Mary explains the importance of proper onboarding, reliable training, and strong infection control routines especially as respiratory illnesses surge and demands on clinical teams increase. She also addresses often-missed issues such as waterline testing and how dental assistants can identify red flags and advocate for safer practices.

Links:

Association for Dental Safety: https://www.myads.org/

Dental Infection Prevention and Control: https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/index.html

State inspectors found trays of blood-caked surgical tools at University of Colorado Hospital: https://www.denverpost.com/2025/10/17/uchealth-university-colorado-hospital-inspections-sterilization/

Connect with Mary Govoni

Website: https://www.marygovoni.com/

Email: [email protected]

BIG NEWS! The annual dental podcast contest is officially underway, and we’d love your support. If you enjoy this podcast, now’s your chance to help us shine! Just head over to https://dentalpodcast.org/vote/ and hit the big “Vote” button on the bottom banner. Voting runs from November 1 through December 31, 2025, so jump in and make your vote count. Thanks for being an amazing part of this community!

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Big things are coming in 2026 for dental assistants!

Join me at the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention in Denver, January 22–23, for Real Talk About the State of Dental Assistants happening 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM MST. We’re getting real about what’s working, what needs improvement, and how we can strengthen the future of our profession together.

Then meet me at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, February 20–21, for two powerful sessions:

✨ Harnessing the Power of Personalities in the Dental Practice February 20, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM learn how understanding personalities can transform teamwork and communication in your dental practice.

🔥 Battling and Beating the Demons of Dental Assisting February 21, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM an honest, empowering session just for dental assistants about overcoming the real challenges in our profession.

Let’s connect, learn, and grow together. In 2026 it’s going to be a year of real conversations and real change for dental assistants everywhere.

👉 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention: https://rmdconline.com/

👉 Chicago Midwinter Meeting: https://midwintermeeting.eventscribe.net/?_gl=1*15ae5ic*_ga*MTY3Nzc0OTM5OC4xNzU5OTcxOTAw*_ga_VZTQV2NKLH*czE3NTk5NzE5MDAkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTk5NzE5MDAkajYwJGwwJGgw

Dental assistants play a bigger role in a practice’s success than most people realize. The difference between staying stuck and standing out often comes down to small, everyday actions that boost efficiency, protect equipment, and support the office’s bottom line. From managing supplies to improving documentation and communication, the best dental assistants know how to make themselves indispensable.

Discover what sets top earners apart, the habits that make them valuable, and how small changes in your routine can open the door to recognition, respect, and higher pay.

Connect with Sherrie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentalassistantconnection/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherrie.busby.5

Email: [email protected]

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Don’t miss Episode 387: The Reason Dental Practices Get Shut Down — where Sherrie Busby and Kevin Henry uncover the overlooked mistakes that can close a practice faster than you think. It’s a wake-up call every dental professional should hear.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/zf0WowNpEiI

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Big things are coming in 2026 for dental assistants!

Join me at the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention in Denver, January 22–23, for Real Talk About the State of Dental Assistants happening 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM MST.

We’re getting real about what’s working, what needs improvement, and how we can strengthen the future of our profession together.

Then meet me at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, February 20–21, for two powerful sessions:

✨ Harnessing the Power of Personalities in the Dental Practice February 20, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM learn how understanding personalities can transform teamwork and communication in your dental practice.

🔥 Battling and Beating the Demons of Dental Assisting February 21, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM an honest, empowering session just for dental assistants about overcoming the real challenges in our profession.

Let’s connect, learn, and grow together. In 2026 it’s going to be a year of real conversations and real change for dental assistants everywhere.

👉 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention: https://rmdconline.com/

👉 Chicago Midwinter Meeting: https://midwintermeeting.eventscribe.net/?_gl=1*15ae5ic*_ga*MTY3Nzc0OTM5OC4xNzU5OTcxOTAw*_ga_VZTQV2NKLH*czE3NTk5NzE5MDAkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTk5NzE5MDAkajYwJGwwJGgw

Behind every confident smile sits a team that makes it possible … but what happens when the stress behind the dental chair becomes too much? In this episode, we dive into the unspoken side of dental assisting, including the office politics, burnout, and emotional strain that can quietly erode morale in a practice. This episode takes a candid look at what it’s really like to be on the dental assistant side of dentistry. From the moment you walk into a new office, you can sense the energy and when that energy turns toxic, it doesn’t just affect the team, it affects patient care too.

We explore how toxic workplace dynamics, bullying, and lack of communication can make even the most passionate assistants question their worth. You’ll hear first-hand insight about recognizing when an office environment isn’t right for you, overcoming the fear of leaving, and rediscovering your value in a field that too often overlooks the emotional toll of the job.

Most importantly, we talk about how dental assistants can help build morale fostering compassion, understanding, and teamwork so that every member of the dental team, from front desk to doctor, works together for the greater good.

Because dentistry isn’t just about teeth it’s about people. And when the people behind the chair are cared for, the care they give shines even brighter.

Connect with Karen Kendall

Email: [email protected]

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Big things are coming in 2026 for dental assistants!

Join me at the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention in Denver, January 22–23, for Real Talk About the State of Dental Assistants happening 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM MST.

We’re getting real about what’s working, what needs improvement, and how we can strengthen the future of our profession together.

Then meet me at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, February 20–21, for two powerful sessions:

✨ Harnessing the Power of Personalities in the Dental Practice February 20, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM learn how understanding personalities can transform teamwork and communication in your dental practice.

🔥 Battling and Beating the Demons of Dental Assisting February 21, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM an honest, empowering session just for dental assistants about overcoming the real challenges in our profession.

Let’s connect, learn, and grow together. In 2026 it’s going to be a year of real conversations and real change for dental assistants everywhere.

👉 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention:

https://midwintermeeting.eventscribe.net/?_gl=1*15ae5ic*_ga*MTY3Nzc0OTM5OC4xNzU5OTcxOTAw*_ga_VZTQV2NKLH*czE3NTk5NzE5MDAkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTk5NzE5MDAkajYwJGwwJGgw

👉 Chicago Midwinter Meeting: https://rmdconline.com/

What if I told you the secret to a truly seamless dental team isn’t about skill, it’s about connection?

When the front and back office move together as one, everything changes. Genuine communication and trust turn daily routines into a smooth, consistent flow that patients can feel the moment they walk in. Every handoff, every small exchange, shapes how comfortable and confident a patient feels in your care. It’s not about titles or tasks, it's about teamwork. When barriers fade and connection takes over, the entire practice runs with ease, creating an experience that feels effortless for both the team and the patient.

Connect with Lorie Streeter

Website: https://maxassist.com/book-a-demo-lorie/

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Big things are coming in 2026 for dental assistants! Join me at the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention in Denver, January 22–23, for Real Talk About the State of Dental Assistants happening 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM MST.

We’re getting real about what’s working, what needs improvement, and how we can strengthen the future of our profession together. Then meet me at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, February 20–21, for two powerful sessions:

✨ Harnessing the Power of Personalities in the Dental Practice February 20, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM learn how understanding personalities can transform teamwork and communication in your dental practice.

🔥 Battling and Beating the Demons of Dental Assisting February 21, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM an honest, empowering session just for dental assistants about overcoming the real challenges in our profession.

Let’s connect, learn, and grow together. In 2026 it’s going to be a year of real conversations and real change for dental assistants everywhere.

👉 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention:

https://midwintermeeting.eventscribe.net/?_gl=1*15ae5ic*_ga*MTY3Nzc0OTM5OC4xNzU5OTcxOTAw*_ga_VZTQV2NKLH*czE3NTk5NzE5MDAkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTk5NzE5MDAkajYwJGwwJGgw

👉 Chicago Midwinter Meeting: https://rmdconline.com/

From the operatory to the tech world.How one dental assistant turned her skills into success.

In this episode, Kevin Henry sits down with Treneice Negron, a former dental assistant who transformed her clinical experience into a thriving career in dental technology. Treneice shares how her adaptability, organization, and deep understanding of patient care helped her transition from chairside work to a key role at SOTA Cloud, a modern imaging software company. She opens up about making a bold career move during the pandemic, the importance of staying curious about technology, and how dental assistants can leverage their hands-on expertise to grow beyond the operatory. Her story is an inspiring reminder that the skills learned in dentistry can open doors to new and fulfilling opportunities.

Connect with Treneice

Website: https://www.sotacloud.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/treneicenegron/

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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/

Dental assistants bring incredible value to every practice, but too often they feel stuck with limited pay and few growth opportunities. In this episode of Dental Assistant Nation, a wonderful guest and respected voice in dentistry, Teresa Duncan, shares her story of moving beyond the operatory and building a career filled with new opportunities, higher income, and long-term stability.

The conversation dives into how dental assistants can break through salary ceilings, discover career paths they may have never considered, and turn their existing skills into powerful tools for advancement. From roles in sales, compliance, and DSOs to opportunities in speaking, writing, podcasting, and treatment plan presentation, you’ll hear exactly how assistants can transform their careers while still making a lasting impact in dentistry.

This episode is full of inspiration and practical advice for any dental assistant who’s ready to earn more, grow professionally, and discover what’s possible beyond the chair.

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Have you ever wondered what career opportunities in dentistry exist beyond clinical care? Whether you’re a dentist, hygienist, assistant, or manager, this full-day, in-person workshop is your chance to explore new paths in speaking, coaching, consulting, and more.

Join Teresa and Angela on March 6th 2026 in Northern Virginia. Limited to just 20 attendees.

Registration is open. Secure your spot today:

🔗 https://www.odysseymgmt.com/bto

Connect with Teresa

Website: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/

Email: [email protected]

Podcasts:

Chew On This Podcast:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJF_kSfpA7sJHVgO0lojChMhGRiYlIb3Z

Nobody Told Me That Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJF_kSfpA7sJ-rfD-363OfhlFgH9bKWGN

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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/

Nicotine use is rapidly evolving beyond traditional cigarettes, with new products like pouches, vapes, and heat-not-burn devices changing the way patients consume and the way oral health professionals need to respond. In this episode, Kevin Henry speaks with Sherri Warshaw, RDH, CTTS and founder of Smokefree Steps, LLC, about the critical role dental assistants play in identifying nicotine use, educating patients, and supporting cessation efforts. Gain insights into the latest nicotine delivery systems, their oral health risks, and practical strategies for having non-judgmental, effective conversations with patients.

Whether you’re a dental assistant, hygienist, or part of the clinical team, this discussion will prepare you to recognize modern nicotine challenges and better guide patients toward healthier outcomes.

Connect with Sherri

Email: [email protected]

Phone number: 513 509 9998

Check our previous podcast

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

https://soundcloud.com/user-649058115/episode-303-how-dental-assistants-and-practices-can-help-their-patients-overcome-nicotine

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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/

If you’ve ever felt the weight of stress in the dental office, this episode is one you don’t want to miss. Kevin Henry sits down with Dr. Eric Johnson to talk about the pressures dentists face and more importantly, what every dental assistant should know to make the day run smoother and less overwhelming. Dr. Johnson shares a powerful story from his own practice and introduces a simple but game-changing approach that can help assistants feel more in control, more confident, and less drained by the daily chaos. It’s about shifting from being just a passenger in the operatory to becoming a true co-pilot and that small change can transform not only your workday but your entire career in dentistry.

Connect with Dr. Eric

Website: https://www.leadersindentistry.com/

Email: [email protected]

Check our podcast on DrBicuspid.com: https://www.drbicuspid.com/podcasts/article/15753730/lets-talk-about-the-dentist-stress-and-burnout

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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/

The Dark Side of Ozempic

From the Archives: Episode 313 Time-travel with us to a past episode where we dive into the rise of Ozempic for weight loss and what it means for both patients and dental professionals. Originally designed to manage type 2 diabetes, Ozempic’s surge in popularity as a weight loss aid has sparked shortages and concerns for those who truly need it. We also explore side effects like digestive issues and halitosis that can show up in the dental chair. Rediscover this eye-opening episode and get the honest scoop on the promises and pitfalls of today’s most talked-about weight loss drug.

Connect with Tom Viola

Website https://www.tomviola.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PharmacologyDeclassified

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/pharmacologydeclassified/

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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/