Episode 418: What a Dental Assistant Needs to Do to Get Paid More

Most dental assistants know they deserve more pay, but very few know how to get it without risking their job. If you feel underpaid, overlooked, or unsure how to talk about money at work, this episode shows you a smarter way forward. In this episode, Kevin Henry breaks down what every dental assistant needs to understand about career growth, pay increases, and job security in today’s dental industry. With staffing shortages continuing and practice costs rising, now is the best time for dental assistants to take control of their careers, but only if they do it the right way. You will learn why asking for a raise too soon can backfire, how to clearly show your value in the practice, and what steps to take in January and mid-year to set yourself up for better pay. Kevin walks you through simple, practical actions like tracking what you do every day, setting career goals with your dentist, and creating a plan that makes it easier for your employer to say yes when the money conversation comes up. This episode is not about demanding more. It is about earning more by proving your worth and positioning yourself as a dental assistant your practice cannot afford to lose. Listen now and start taking control of your dental assistant career. If you want help applying these steps in your own practice, email me at [e-mail] . Be sure to check out past episodes of Dental Assistant Nation for more practical advice to help you grow your skills, confidence, and career. -------------------- Don’t forget to follow us! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dentalassistantnation/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@dentalassistantnation -------------------- 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://rmdconline.com/ 👉 Chicago Midwinter Meeting: https://midwintermeeting.eventscribe.net/?_gl=1*15ae5ic*_ga*MTY3Nzc0OTM5OC4xNzU5OTcxOTAw*_ga_VZTQV2NKLH*czE3NTk5NzE5MDAkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTk5NzE5MDAkajYwJGwwJGgw