Join host Kevin Henry as he welcomes Hanna Aronovich and Atia Black from DANB, along with dental assistant Nicole Mora from Dr. Bari Posner’s office, for a powerful recap of the AI in Dentistry Summit. In this episode, they break down how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of dental assisting, the emerging skills DAs will need to thrive, and how DANB is preparing the profession for this rapidly evolving landscape.
Meet Our Guests
Hanna Aronovich serves as Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and the DALE Foundation. With over 15 years of experience in nonprofit and association leadership, she drives strategic marketing, communications, and partnerships that elevate certification, infection prevention standards, and professional development. Hanna has led national initiatives highlighting DANB credentials such as the CDA and CDIPC and oversaw the launch of the Dental Assisting Professional Model, a framework supporting career growth, workforce retention, and excellence across the dental industry.
Atia Black is the Director of Business Development for DANB and the DALE Foundation. Her background spans chairside assisting, office management, sterilization, and leadership roles in administration and business development. With academic training in biology, pre-dental hygiene, and business administration—as well as a Women in Leadership certificate—Atia brings a deep understanding of dental operations and career pathways for assistants.
Nicole Mora is a dentist from Ecuador and a graduate of Universidad de las Américas (UDLA). After completing her dental social service in rural communities, she gained over three years of experience as a dental assistant, developing strong clinical and digital skills. Nicole is passionate about AI-driven dentistry and how new technologies enhance diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient-centered care.
Resources and Links
• AI in Dentistry Summit Recap: https://www.danb.org/news-blog/detail/news/summit-attendees-envision-the-future-of-ai-and-dental-assisting
DANB Website: https://www.danb.org
DALE Foundation Learning Resources: https://www.dalefoundation.org
Dental Assisting Professional Model: https://www.danb.org/professional-model
Stay Connected: https://www.danb.org/contact-us
Dental Associates of Hoboken: https://www.dentalassociatesofhoboken.com/meet-bari-posner/
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/
BIG NEWS! The annual dental podcast contest is officially open, and your support means the world to us. If you enjoy the show, head to DentalPodcast.org/vote and hit the big “Vote” button. Voting runs November 1–December 31, 2025. Thanks for being part of this community!
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 from 1:30 PM–4:30 PM MST. Then meet me at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, February 20–21, for two energizing sessions:
✨ Harnessing the Power of Personalities in the Dental Practice – February 20, 8:00–9:30 AM
🔥 Battling and Beating the Demons of Dental Assisting – February 21, 8:00–9:30 AM
Let’s connect, learn, and grow together. Here's to real conversations and real change in 2026 for dental assistants everywhere.
👉 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention: https://rmdconline.com/
👉 Chicago Midwinter Meeting: https://midwintermeeting.eventscribe.net/
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Join host Kevin Henry as he welcomes Hanna Aronovich and Atia Black from DANB, along with dental assistant Nicole Mora from Dr. Bari Posner’s office, for a powerful recap of the AI in Dentistry Summit. In this episode, they break down how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of dental assisting, the emerging skills DAs will need to thrive, and how DANB is preparing the profession for this rapidly evolving landscape.
Meet Our Guests
Hanna Aronovich serves as Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and the DALE Foundation. With over 15 years of experience in nonprofit and association leadership, she drives strategic marketing, communications, and partnerships that elevate certification, infection prevention standards, and professional development. Hanna has led national initiatives highlighting DANB credentials such as the CDA and CDIPC and oversaw the launch of the Dental Assisting Professional Model, a framework supporting career growth, workforce retention, and excellence across the dental industry.
Atia Black is the Director of Business Development for DANB and the DALE Foundation. Her background spans chairside assisting, office management, sterilization, and leadership roles in administration and business development. With academic training in biology, pre-dental hygiene, and business administration—as well as a Women in Leadership certificate—Atia brings a deep understanding of dental operations and career pathways for assistants.
Nicole Mora is a dentist from Ecuador and a graduate of Universidad de las Américas (UDLA). After completing her dental social service in rural communities, she gained over three years of experience as a dental assistant, developing strong clinical and digital skills. Nicole is passionate about AI-driven dentistry and how new technologies enhance diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient-centered care.
Resources and Links
• AI in Dentistry Summit Recap: https://www.danb.org/news-blog/detail/news/summit-attendees-envision-the-future-of-ai-and-dental-assisting
DANB Website: https://www.danb.org
DALE Foundation Learning Resources: https://www.dalefoundation.org
Dental Assisting Professional Model: https://www.danb.org/professional-model
Stay Connected: https://www.danb.org/contact-us
Dental Associates of Hoboken: https://www.dentalassociatesofhoboken.com/meet-bari-posner/
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/
BIG NEWS! The annual dental podcast contest is officially open, and your support means the world to us. If you enjoy the show, head to DentalPodcast.org/vote and hit the big “Vote” button. Voting runs November 1–December 31, 2025. Thanks for being part of this community!
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 from 1:30 PM–4:30 PM MST. Then meet me at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, February 20–21, for two energizing sessions:
✨ Harnessing the Power of Personalities in the Dental Practice – February 20, 8:00–9:30 AM
🔥 Battling and Beating the Demons of Dental Assisting – February 21, 8:00–9:30 AM
Let’s connect, learn, and grow together. Here's to real conversations and real change in 2026 for dental assistants everywhere.
👉 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention: https://rmdconline.com/
👉 Chicago Midwinter Meeting: https://midwintermeeting.eventscribe.net/
Episode 407: The Dental Assistant Side of Dentistry
Dental Assistant Nation
16 minutes 18 seconds
1 month ago
Episode 407: The Dental Assistant Side of Dentistry
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: karenken42@gmail.com
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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/
Dental Assistant Nation
Join host Kevin Henry as he welcomes Hanna Aronovich and Atia Black from DANB, along with dental assistant Nicole Mora from Dr. Bari Posner’s office, for a powerful recap of the AI in Dentistry Summit. In this episode, they break down how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of dental assisting, the emerging skills DAs will need to thrive, and how DANB is preparing the profession for this rapidly evolving landscape.
Meet Our Guests
Hanna Aronovich serves as Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and the DALE Foundation. With over 15 years of experience in nonprofit and association leadership, she drives strategic marketing, communications, and partnerships that elevate certification, infection prevention standards, and professional development. Hanna has led national initiatives highlighting DANB credentials such as the CDA and CDIPC and oversaw the launch of the Dental Assisting Professional Model, a framework supporting career growth, workforce retention, and excellence across the dental industry.
Atia Black is the Director of Business Development for DANB and the DALE Foundation. Her background spans chairside assisting, office management, sterilization, and leadership roles in administration and business development. With academic training in biology, pre-dental hygiene, and business administration—as well as a Women in Leadership certificate—Atia brings a deep understanding of dental operations and career pathways for assistants.
Nicole Mora is a dentist from Ecuador and a graduate of Universidad de las Américas (UDLA). After completing her dental social service in rural communities, she gained over three years of experience as a dental assistant, developing strong clinical and digital skills. Nicole is passionate about AI-driven dentistry and how new technologies enhance diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient-centered care.
Resources and Links
• AI in Dentistry Summit Recap: https://www.danb.org/news-blog/detail/news/summit-attendees-envision-the-future-of-ai-and-dental-assisting
DANB Website: https://www.danb.org
DALE Foundation Learning Resources: https://www.dalefoundation.org
Dental Assisting Professional Model: https://www.danb.org/professional-model
Stay Connected: https://www.danb.org/contact-us
Dental Associates of Hoboken: https://www.dentalassociatesofhoboken.com/meet-bari-posner/
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/
BIG NEWS! The annual dental podcast contest is officially open, and your support means the world to us. If you enjoy the show, head to DentalPodcast.org/vote and hit the big “Vote” button. Voting runs November 1–December 31, 2025. Thanks for being part of this community!
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 from 1:30 PM–4:30 PM MST. Then meet me at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, February 20–21, for two energizing sessions:
✨ Harnessing the Power of Personalities in the Dental Practice – February 20, 8:00–9:30 AM
🔥 Battling and Beating the Demons of Dental Assisting – February 21, 8:00–9:30 AM
Let’s connect, learn, and grow together. Here's to real conversations and real change in 2026 for dental assistants everywhere.
👉 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention: https://rmdconline.com/
👉 Chicago Midwinter Meeting: https://midwintermeeting.eventscribe.net/
