Dental Assisting

Wake up, doctor! Dentist versus dental assistant struggles

July 10, 2024

Dentistry isn’t all roses—the struggle between dentists and dental assistants is real. Dr. David Rice and Julie Varney of @dentalassistantsrock on Instagram take their gloves off and talk about the elephant in the room.

David R. Rice, DDS, Chief editor

Julie Varney, CDA, RDA, CDIPC, COA

How do we make the relationship between dental assistants and their doctors better? Lack of respect and communication are not insurmountable issues.

Join us in this episode of Gloves Off as Dr. David Rice and Julie Varney, CDA, RDA, of @dentalassistantsrock on Instagram work through to the heart of the problem and offer ways to make things better for the success of the patient and the procedure. Ponder these points, and we’ll see you on the podcast:

Know your dentist and what motivates them.
Don’t just bring more problems—bring solutions.
Have the guts to have a conversation.

Background image credit: Photo 201430262 © Anton Skavronskiy | Dreamstime.com

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Editor’s note: This video first appeared in Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe.

About the Author

David R. Rice, DDS | Chief editor

Founder of the nation’s largest student and new-dentist community, igniteDDS, David R. Rice, DDS, travels the world speaking, writing, and connecting today’s top young dentists with tomorrow’s most successful dental practices. He is the editorial director of DentistryIQ and leads a team-centered restorative and implant practice in East Amherst, New York. With 27 years of practice in the books, Dr. Rice is trained at the Pankey Institute, the Dawson Academy, Spear Education, and most prolifically at the school of hard knocks. Contact him at [email protected].

About the Author

Julie Varney, CDA, RDA, CDIPC, COA

Julie Varney, CDA, RDA, CDIPC, COA, is a dedicated registered dental assistant and passionate high-school dental assisting educator with a mission to elevate the profession. With more than 30 years of experience chairside and teaching, her career has encompassed many facets in the dental office—from chairside assistant to practice manager. Her goal is to encourage dental assistants to have a career that they’re passionate about while embracing their worth. Julie is currently serving a five-year term on the New York State Dental Board. Contact her @dentalassistantsrock on Instagram.