In this episode, Ash welcomes Kevin Henry from Kevin Speaks Dental, a seasoned advocate for dental assistants with over twenty years of experience in the field. Kevin shares his insights about the evolving roles of dental assistants and the challenges they face, including compensation concerns, feelings of undervaluation, and workplace culture. They discuss the importance of communication, team accountability, and culture in retaining and supporting dental assistants, explaining how these factors often outweigh pay in promoting job satisfaction.

The conversation covers practical ways practice owners can support their assistants, from regular check-ins about career goals to fostering a sense of empowerment and belonging within the team. Kevin also discusses how technology and generational shifts are impacting dental practices, stressing that open dialogue and targeted training help ease the adoption of new tools and responsibilities. They also talk about why it's so important for practice owners to stay updated on state regulations and to invest in knowing their numbers, ensuring both patient care and a profitable, harmonious workplace.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Common challenges for dental assistants: pay, respect, and team culture
• Ways to add value for assistants beyond compensation
• Importance of regular check-ins and career goal discussions
• Team accountability and the role of leadership throughout the practice
• Improving the hiring process and assessing team fit
• The impact of technology on dental practice workflow
• Managing generational differences and communication styles
• Ensuring compliance with state regulations for assistant duties
• Balancing business profitability with patient care and staff satisfaction

To learn more about or connect with Kevin, you can find him at: https://www.kevinspeaksdental.com/