Episode 427: How Dental Assistants Protect Themselves in an Unethical Dental Practice

Working in a dental practice should be built on trust, but what happens when something in the office does not feel right? In this episode of the Dental Assistant Nation Podcast, Kevin Henry sits down with dental consultant and author Susan Gunn to have an honest conversation about ethics inside dental practices. Many dental assistants have quietly struggled with situations where decisions in the office do not align with their values, whether it involves questionable communication with patients, dishonest reporting, or workplace behaviors that cross ethical boundaries. Susan shares insights from years of working with dental teams and discusses survey results that reveal how common ethical concerns can be in the workplace. The conversation explores how small compromises in honesty can slowly affect the culture of a dental office and why both leadership and team members must take responsibility for maintaining integrity. Susan and Kevin also talk about the difficult position dental assistants may find themselves in when they notice something unethical happening around them. They explain why documenting situations, asking the right questions, and having honest conversations with leadership can help protect both your career and your peace of mind. Most importantly, they emphasize that every professional has a line they should not cross and that protecting your integrity will always matter more than protecting a paycheck. Connect with Susan Gun Email: [e-mail] Survey link: https://forms.gle/tUYQB9cEm7v4vqB18 --------------------------- Dental assistants play a powerful role in whether patients move forward with treatment. You are a key part of the patient journey, and having the right financial options can make all the difference. CareCredit is a health and wellness credit card that offers flexible financing options, so patients can pay over time for the care they want or need, subject to credit approval. When money isn’t the obstacle, patients say yes. Want to make CareCredit part of your practice’s offerings and strengthen case acceptance? Email me at [e-mail] and let’s make it happen for your team.