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

Joanna Ignatov is back!!! She was on episode #3; if you missed it, go back and listen! She is great!

Today I ask Joanne a specific question that, as a Dental Assistant, I run into often. Especially when I am in an office teaching. What is that question? "What can we do, as an assistant, to help our team take accountability?"
She gives me some actionable steps and advice.

I know many of you are struggling with this too.

Listen and let me know what you are working on this week. Comment or come find me on Instagram and comment.

@thesocialasst

@dental_assistant_coach

www.dentalassistingcollective.com

Today I am talking to Brittany. She is a dental assistant who is a "certified nerd". She was a lot of fun to talk to and hear her story. It is a lot like many other dental assistants. She has worked in multiple dental offices. She kept looking for her dental home. It took her 6 years to find it.

She talks about working with veterans, she's done some volunteer work, and how working out keeps her body strong in and out of the dental office. Something I really need to add to my daily routine to help with the back pain that comes with assisting.

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment or review! If you leave a comment, shoot me an email at thesocialasst@gmail.com, let me know, and I will send you some stickers.

Dental Geek - Brittany on Instagram

The Social Assistant on Instagram

Digital Dental Assistant Academy on Instagram

In this episode, I'm hanging out with Ashley Dishman, an EFDA working in a general dental practice in Nashville, TN. Ashley loves what she does—especially placing fillings—and she shares what she enjoys most about being an EFDA and working chairside.

We talk about her experiences in dentistry, the day-to-day life of working in a general practice, and, of course, some of the funny and unexpected stories that come with working in the dental world. Ashley brings a lot of personality to the conversation, and we have plenty of laughs along the way!

If you're a dental assistant, EFDA, or just love hearing the real-life stories behind the people who make up our dental teams, you won't want to miss this episode.

@ItsRealLifeAshley

@TheSocialAsst

In this episode, I'm joined by Courtney, owner of MyRDA Academy, for a great conversation about what it takes to build a strong dental team. We talk about why teamwork matters, how to create a supportive culture in your practice, and the challenges that come with bringing new dental assistants into the profession.

Courtney shares her experience training future dental assistants and offers practical advice on helping new team members build confidence, feel supported, and succeed from day one. Whether you're a dentist, dental assistant, office manager, or just starting your dental career, you'll walk away with plenty of helpful takeaways and a fresh perspective on building a team that works well together.

This episode is brought to you by Digita Dental Assistant Academy! Come train with me and be the Digital Dental Assistant in your practice! www.theddaa.com

My RDA Academy

Courntey on Instagram!

My RDA Academy on Instagram!

ME!! The Social Assistant!

What happens when a dentist truly champions the people at the chairside? In this episode, I got to talk with Dr. David Rice, a practicing dentist, best-selling author of From Student to CEO, Editor-in-Chief of DentistryIQ, and founder of igniteDDS, the nation's largest community for new dentists and dental students.

Dr. Rice has built his career around a team-centered philosophy, and he doesn't hold back on why dental assistants are far more than support staff; they're essential to the success of every procedure, every patient interaction, and every thriving practice. We dig into how dentists and assistants can work better together, how doctors can actually utilize their assistants to their full potential, and what it takes to build a practice culture where the whole team can grow.

Whether you're an assistant looking to be seen for your value or a dentist wanting to lead a stronger team, this conversation is packed with practical, real-world insight you can bring back to your operatory tomorrow.

Follow Dr. David Rice on Instagram: @drdavidrice

@thesocialasst

This podcast is for Dental Assistants. I sit down with Sinead from @digitalsinead to talk about her journey into the world of digital dentistry and 3D design. She shares how she got started, the experiences that shaped her career, and the path that led her to where she is today.

We also dive into how she navigated dental interviews, building strong relationships within dental teams, and the importance of finding your place in an ever-evolving profession. Along the way, we have an honest conversation about why dental assistants often have to work harder to earn a seat at the table, and why their skills, knowledge, and contributions deserve greater recognition.

Whether you're interested in digital dentistry, looking for career inspiration, or passionate about elevating the role of dental assistants, this episode is full of insights, practical advice, and an open conversation you won't want to miss.

@thesocialasst

thesocialasst@gmail.com

www.TheDDAA.com

As dental assistants, we talk about these all the time. We push hard to be team players — and still feel unseen.

This week, I sit down with Brandi Marzolino from The Real Talk of Dental podcast. We dig into what boundaries actually look like for DAs, and how setting them is its own form of leadership.

Brandi shares a killer comparison — dental assistants and flower pots. You've got to be in the right-sized pot to grow. It's a good one. Tune in.

Brandi on Instagram

Brandi on LinkedIn

CourageandJoyatWork.com

Rochelle - The Social Assistant