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/

In this conversation, Kevin Henry interviews Lynda Ricketson, the president and CEO of the Dental Lifeline Network, to discuss the organization's mission and impact. The Dental Lifeline Network is celebrating its 50th anniversary and has served over 170,000 patients, providing over $550 million worth of donated dental treatment. They connect patients who are elderly, living with disabilities, medically compromised, or veterans with volunteer dentists and dental teams who provide comprehensive care. The organization has seen a decrease in volunteers due to retirement and dentists joining dental service organizations, but they are building partnerships with DSOs to encourage more dental practices to volunteer.

Dental Lifeline Network makes it easy for dental practices to volunteer by handling the triaging and coordination of appointments. They ask dental practices to take on one or two patients per year. The organization also emphasizes the importance of involving the entire dental team in volunteerism, as it boosts employee morale and helps with talent recruitment and retention. They have seen a high level of volunteerism and compassion from dentists and dental professionals. The Dental Lifeline Network aims to serve as many patients as possible and measure success by the number of patients served and the value of donated dental treatment.

Learn more at WhyIDental.org

Neo of Neo Positivity, a mindset specialist, shares his journey of discovering the power of manifesting and the law of attraction. He emphasizes the phrase "thoughts become things" and the importance of staying focused on positive thoughts. Neo discusses the impact of limiting beliefs and how they can hold us back from achieving our goals. He encourages individuals to fear negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. Neo highlights the significance of mental health and the need to prioritize our mental well-being. He provides practical tips for maintaining a positive mindset, including daily mental exercises and appreciation practices.

Learn more at https://www.neopositivity.com/home

Episode 327: The front vs. back battle and the importance of documentation by Dental Assistant Nation

In this episode, Kevin Henry interviews Lynda Sherman, a certified dental assistant and founder of Get Mouthy, a sustainable dental subscription box. Lynda shares her journey in dentistry and how she discovered her passion for the environment. She discusses the importance of sustainability in dentistry and her mission to protect the oceans. Lynda also talks about her nonprofit organization, the DOC Project, which aims to prevent childhood tooth decay. Throughout the conversation, Lynda emphasizes the need for dental professionals to step out of the operatory and make a difference in the world.

Learn more at https://getmouthybox.com.

Takeaways

Passion and purpose can lead to a fulfilling career in dentistry.

Sustainability in dentistry is crucial for protecting the environment.

Dental professionals can make a difference by promoting eco-friendly practices.

Stepping out of the operatory allows dental assistants to pursue their passions and create positive change.

In this episode, Kevin Henry interviews Tom Viola, RPh, a renowned dental pharmacology expert. They discuss various topics related to dental pharmacology, including controversies surrounding antibiotic prophylaxis and self-medication. Viola emphasizes the importance of accurate medical history and the role of dental assistants in obtaining this information. He also highlights the influence of "Dr. Google" and the need for effective communication within the dental practice.

In this episode, Kevin Henry and Mary Govoni discuss the COVID isolation guidelines and what dental assistants need to know. They emphasize the importance of following the guidelines for healthcare workers and taking necessary precautions. They also highlight the need for dental practices to continue practicing infection control and screening patients for respiratory symptoms. Mary provides resources for further information and encourages listeners to seek credible sources for guidance. Learn more at www.marygovoni.com.

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.

In this episode, Dental Assistant Nation founder Kevin Henry is joined by Matthew Nelson, a practice analyst with the California Dental Association, to discuss how dental assistants can help new dentists get comfortable in the practice. They cover topics such as the role of the dental assistant as a leader, the importance of trust and communication, establishing leadership and handling differences, working at the right speed for efficiency and patient comfort, adapting to generational differences, the value of face-to-face communication, understanding the worries and pain points of new grad dentists, the expectation of new technology, and the importance of appreciating and developing dental assistants.

Takeaways

Dental assistants can play a crucial role in helping new dentists get comfortable in the practice by providing guidance and support.

Trust and communication are key factors in building a strong relationship between dental assistants and new dentists.

Adapting to generational differences and understanding the unique challenges and preferences of new dentists can contribute to a more harmonious work environment.

Face-to-face communication is essential for effective collaboration and avoiding misunderstandings.

Dental assistants should be aware of the worries and pain points of new grad dentists and offer support and understanding.

New dentists often expect new technology and innovative approaches in the practice, and dental assistants should be prepared to adapt and learn.

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction and Background

01:22 — The Role of the Dental Assistant as a Leader

02:26 — The Importance of Trust and Communication

04:23 — Establishing Leadership and Handling Differences

05:25 — Working at the Right Speed for Efficiency and Patient Comfort

06:48 — Adapting to Generational Differences

10:14 — The Value of Face-to-Face Communication

11:38 — Understanding the Worries and Pain Points of New Grad Dentists

13:42 — The Expectation of New Technology

14:29 — The Importance of Appreciating and Developing Dental Assistants

15:38 — Closing and Contact Information

In this episode, Kevin Henry, Dental Assistant Nation's founder, interviews Stephanie Botts, RDH, an ergonomic specialist, about the importance of ergonomics in dentistry. Stephanie shares her background and how she became interested in ergonomics. She emphasizes the need to prioritize ergonomics and not wait until pain or injury occurs. Stephanie discusses common mistakes in dental assisting, such as twisting from the low back, and recommends standing and alternating between sitting and standing to improve posture. She also explains the concept of micro breaks and how they can help reduce muscle fatigue and pain. Stephanie encourages dental professionals to invest in their own health and provides resources and contact information for further assistance.

Takeaways

Prioritize ergonomics and don't wait until pain or injury occurs.

Common mistakes in dental assisting include twisting from the low back.

Standing and alternating between sitting and standing can improve posture.

Micro breaks can help reduce muscle fatigue and pain.

Invest in your own health by learning about ergonomics and practicing good posture.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:01 The Importance of Ergonomics

04:23 Common Mistakes in Dental Assisting

06:01 Micro Breaks and Stretching

07:17 Incorporating Stretching into Daily Routine

08:46 Team Collaboration and Accountability

10:41 The Foundation of Posture

11:32 New Year's Resolution: Learning Neutral Posture

12:23 Resources and Contact Information

13:24 Investing in Ergonomics

14:09 Importance of Headlamps and Loops

14:43 Conclusion

Learn more about Stephanie at https://www.polishedposture.net.