Dental Assisting

That’s not my job! The dental assistant versus front office war

July 31, 2024

Without proper communication and organized systems, the silent battle between the front office and the dental assistant rages on. In Gloves Off, Dr. David Rice and Julie Varney talk about how to take back control of the practice and restore order.

David R. Rice, DDS, Chief editor

Julie Varney, CDA, RDA, CDIPC, COA

In many practices there seems to be a silent battle between the front office and the clinical team—dental assistants, in this case. Whether it’s timing issues, scheduling issues, or a lack of communication, tempers flare and things start to break down.

Join us in this episode of Gloves Off as Dr. David Rice and Julie Varney, CDA, RDA, of @dentalassistantsrock on Instagram share a three-step process you can use to restore order in your practice and make things go more smoothly for the team and the patient.

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

Other podcasts in this miniseries:

The Dental Economics Network brings you the best content from Dental Economics, RDH, DentistryIQ, and Perio-Implant Advisory.

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.