We're back with Diana for Part 2, and this one is packed with things every dental assistant needs to know. There's so much on our plates, and too many people in dentistry still underestimate how much we actually know and do. So let's get the education and prove them wrong.

Diana also shares a book she recommends: Treating People, Not Patients. It's worth the read, or the listen if audiobooks are more your style. I've linked it on Amazon below. This isn't sponsored; I just think you'll get a lot out of it.

📖 Check it out here: Treating People, Not Patients

Have a topic you want us to cover, or want to be a guest? Email thesocialasst@gmail.com or DM @thesocialasst on Instagram.

Today's episode is wild. I got to talk to an assistant with about 7 years of experience. And during her first few years, she worked in a practice and had a lot of pain, went to the hospital, and it turned out she had blood clots in her lung.

Unfortunately, the dentist that she worked with was more worried about when she was returning than her health. It's sad and a little troubling that we hear stories like this often. It makes me so thankful for the dentists that I have worked for that would never have done this.

Listen and let me know what you think!

@thesocialasst

Want to be on the Podcast? Email me at thesocialasst@gmail.com

I hear it all the time. There is a shortage of dental assistants. But is there? Or is there a shortage of dental offices worth working at?

In today's episode, I share what I think and see. I have worked with many dental offices and have seen the behind-the-scenes. When I hear "assistants just don't want to work," I don't always agree.

I share how we can make dental practices worth working in, how to help assistants want to stay in, and how we can step it up a bit.

It's not always one thing, here are many factors to finding good dental assistants. So what are dentists missing? Why can't they find dental assistants?

Let's talk about it.

@thesocialasst

thesocialasst@gmail.com

How many times have you introduced yourself as "just the assistant"? In this solo episode, I'm getting real about that one little word and what it's quietly costing us as dental assistants: our pay, our respect, our opportunities, and our confidence.

I talk about where "just" comes from, why so many of us shrink ourselves to keep the peace, and all the invisible work we carry every single day. I share my own "just" moment from my years chairside, along with simple ways to start talking about your role with the confidence it deserves. And to the doctors and practice owners listening, there's something in here for you too.

This isn't about blaming assistants. Our industry has work to do. But while we push for change, there's a part we control, and it starts with how we see ourselves.

If this episode hit home, share it with a DA who needs to hear it.

I want to hear from you! Send me your "just an assistant" story, your wins, or your questions. And if you're an assistant with a story to tell, someone who grew from assistant into something bigger, or a dentist who champions your team, I'd love to have you on the show.

📩 Email: thesocialasst@gmail.com
📱 Instagram: @thesocialasst (my DMs are open!)

You are more than chairside. 💙

I was scrolling Facebook and came across a few posts that really got to me. I can't believe that these things still happen in dentistry. When are we going to start supporting each other?

As a trainer, I have heard many dentists say assistants don't want to work. I think I found a reason.

Unfortunately, sometimes it's the environment. And it sucks.

We need to change it.

I would love to hear what you think. Am I way off base or am I spot on? Drop me a message at thesociaasst@gmail.com

Or find me on Instagram at @TheSocialAsst

I have been a dental assistant for a little over 15 years. But why?

I have seen many of the great things and crap things we all see as dental assistants. I've assisted with oral surgery and worked in pediatrics. In today's episode, I share why I got into dentistry, what I love, and some of my frustrations.

I talk about why I started this podcast and who it's for. It's for dental assistants. Did you know there are only a handful of podcasts for us? I wanted to change that.

Send me a message or DM and lets hear your story.

Email: thesocialasst@gmail.com

@thesocialasst on Instagram

Erin is a Holistic Life Coach who is bringing her skills and experiences as a coach and dental assistant to dental practices. She shares how she works with dental teams to help patients with all their anxieties in the dental chair.

She is also an RDA teacher, and she is guiding new dental assistants and students on how to see the signs and helping them be a step ahead of other new assistants.

This is a great episode for your dentist to hear, especially if you treat military personnel.
Dental anxiety and fears are a real thing, and there is help and guidance.

Listen and check her out at @CoachFreeman86

We do talk about how she has been coaching for a while but is building. Her Instagram is new, and her website is coming. Follow her now for updates.

NEXT WEEK!! Stay tuned to the end to hear about my next episode. Episode #20!!

@thesocialasst

Today's episode is a little different. I am talking to Sara Downun. She is VP of sales and development at SmileBoxx.

Why SmileBoxx? I see and hear all the time that dental assistants are looking for side hustles, or even something outside of the office. This is that talk. She talks about a pretty cool opportunity for dental assistants and how you can make a little more money and still keep your DA job.

Let me know what you think!

Sara's email is sdownum@friendsco.com

My Smile Boxx

I would love to interview you, a dental assistant, and share your story. Email - thesocialasst@gmail.com

Instagram - @thesocialasst