Candy Velez is an active professional member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) and serves as the Highlands County Representative for the Atlantic Coast Dental Hygienists' Association (ACDHA).
In addition, she maintains membership with The American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH).
In addition to practicing clinically, Candy currently serves on the Florida Board of Dentistry's Council on Dental Hygiene, and she was the recipient of the Swann D. Knowles Award in 2020.
The Swan D. Knowles Award honors one hygienist from the state of Florida for their grassroots efforts in service and dedication to the dental hygiene profession.
Everyone Is a Human Being: Choosing to Create Better Workplace Culture
We All Have the Superpower of CHOICE By: Candy Velez, CRDH, BSDH, IGNITEDDS Dental Hygiene Coach When…
Silence Fuels Negativity, Leadership Requires Communication
Learning to Communicate Is Learning to Lead By: Candy Velez, CRDH, BSDH, IGNITEDDS Dental Hygiene Coach In…
Stop Choosing Sides: The Secret Ingredient for Next-Gen Dentistry Is Fusion
By: Candy Velez, CRDH, BSDH, IGNITEDDS Dental Hygiene Coach For a long time, dentistry has lived in…
Want Better Results? Make It Easier
Remove Friction – Unlock Consistency By: Candy Velez, CRDH, BSDH, IGNITEDDS Dental Hygiene Coach The Question That…
Are You Unknowingly Rewarding the Wrong Thing?
The Hidden Messages Behind Our Praise (a Reflection for Dental Leaders) By: Candy Velez, CRDH, BSDH, IGNITEDDS…
The Freedom Framework Week Three: The Power of Flow
Creating Freedom Through Structure, Alignment, and Leadership By: Candy Velez, CRDHIGNITEDDS Dental Hygiene Coach Missed Week One…
The Freedom Framework Week Two: Releasing Money Blocks & Embracing Stewardship
By: Candy Velez, CRDH IGNITEDDS Dental Hygiene Coach Let’s talk about a topic that can make even…
The Freedom Framework Week One: Breaking the Invisible Handcuffs
Awareness: Seeing What Restricts Your Growth and Steals Your Energy By: Candy Velez – CRDH, BSDH Welcome…
Your License, Your Reputation, Your Responsibility: Lessons from Dr. A.R.
Closing the Series & Applying These Insights to Your Practice By: Candy Velez – CRDH, BSDH When…
Ghosted by Your Dentist: When Poor Communication Becomes Patient Abandonment
Understanding Patient Abandonment – Lessons from Dr. A.R. By: Candy Velez – CRDH, BSDH Imagine calling your…
Stop the Chaos: How Accountability Transforms Your Dental Practice from Stressful to Profitable
By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Practice Coach + Director of Operations IGNITEDDS As a dentist and business owner, you’re not just responsible for patient care—you’re responsible for building a successful practice. A well-run dental office doesn’t happen by chance. It’s built on systems, structure, and accountability. Without clear expectations for each team member, inefficiencies, miscommunication, and…
Together We Rise
By: Dr. Savanah Craig “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I have always believed Dentistry is a Team Sport. As dentists, practice owners, partners, etc., we are only as strong as the members of our team, and we cannot do it all on our own….
The Link Between Glycemic Index and Oral Health: Understanding How You Eat Affects Your Health
By: Michael Eid Since childhood, we’ve been taught one simple rule: candy causes cavities (also known as caries). It seems logical—something sugary and sticky clings to your teeth and “eats away” at the tooth structure. However, the process behind this is more complex than it appears. The connection between diet and dental caries lies in…
Maximizing Profitability with Dental Insurance Waivers & Upgraded Fee Agreements
By: Angela Holland In the competitive world of dentistry, practices are constantly looking for ways to increase profitability while maintaining high standards of patient care. One strategy that is gaining traction is the use of dental insurance waivers and upgraded fee agreements. These tools not only help boost revenue but also improve patient satisfaction by…
Help! My Dental Assistant Always Questions Me in Front of My Patients
By: Ronda Holman As a dentist, maintaining confidence and authority in front of your patients is essential. But what happens when your dental assistant questions you during an appointment sometimes in a way that undermines your expertise? While it’s great to have a team that thinks critically, in-chair debates can create discomfort for both you…
Restoring Undersized & Peg Laterals: No Tooth Prep Needed
By: Lee Ann Brady DMDTopic originally appeared on PankeyGram.Org, Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. A small lateral incisor is not always called a peg lateral. When I say peg lateral, I visualize it as a size like the fixture with implant abutment. Meanwhile, most of the time we have…
Be Aware of the Total Cost of Ownership
By: A-dec The amount you pay for dental equipment goes beyond the initial acquisition cost—making it critical to invest in well-designed, high-quality, reliable options from a trustworthy manufacturer like A-dec. Download the PDF version now How Much Does Your Equipment Really Cost? Saving money up front might seem like a good deal, but if the…
Fast-Track Your Dental Practice Success: Insights from Dr. David Rice
Host: Dr. Tanya Sue MaestasGuest: Dr. David RiceEdited By: Candy Velez CRDH Early dental practice ownership comes with its share of challenges. From managing finances to building a cohesive team, the responsibilities can feel overwhelming. However, with the right guidance, navigating this phase becomes not just manageable but empowering. In a recent Dental Fuel Podcast…
Comprehensive Treatment Planning: Key Strategies for Success
By: Pankey GramThe topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Pankey gave up their permission to share with our igniteDDS readers. Treatment planning is a tricky and exhilarating stage in patient care, serving as the bridge between diagnosis and treatment. It’s where you outline the path to restoring your patient’s oral health and where patient trust is…
Navigating Dental Insurance: A Guide for Dentists
By: Angela Holland Dental insurance is a vital aspect of modern dental care, but for many dental practices, dealing with insurance claims can be complex and time-consuming. Understanding how dental insurance works and how to efficiently manage insurance billing can help streamline operations, improve cash flow, and enhance patient satisfaction. Here’s a quick guide on…