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…
The Race to the Finish Line with Ecosite Elements
By: Sable A Muntean, DMD, MHSAThis article originally appeared on DMG-Connect.com. Dr. Muntean granted permission for it to be shared with igniteDDS readers. It is a super busy day at the office and you have a patient walk in with two chipped front teeth that need to be addressed because he has a big business…
Transitioning from Dental School to Clinical Practice
By: Dr. Savanah Craig After spending 4 years of my life in an academic environment surrounded by the minute details of dentistry, the transition to clinical practice can be challenging. Difficulties Transitioning from Dental School to Clinical Practice These aspects of dentistry have been challenges faced by every new graduate from dental school. Technical Knowledge…
Occlusal Examination: Why and How
By: Bill Gregg DDSThis topic originally appeared on Pankey.org. Dr. Gregg gave permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. The occlusal examination during hygiene assessment is important to maintain a healthy patient dentition and to ensure that the temporomandibular joint is functioning properly. This will help prevent any upcoming symptoms like muscle pain, which…
Embracing the Journey: Lessons from Expanding Dental Practices
Dr. Naved Fatmi shares his experiences in expanding dental practices. Host: Dr. Tanya Sue MaestasGuest: Dr. Naved FatmiEdited By: Candy Velez CRDH Scaling a dental practice comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. In a revealing episode of the “Dental Fuel” podcast, Dr. Naved Fatmi shares his experiences in expanding his dental operations…
Correcting a Dental Assistant Who Chronically Cross-Contaminates in a Dental Office
Cross-contamination in a dental office poses serious risks to both patients and staff. By: Ronda Holman When a dental assistant frequently engages in behaviors that lead to cross-contamination, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly and constructively. Here’s how to effectively manage and correct this situation: Assess the Knowledge Gap Start by identifying whether the…
How Do You Know If You Achieved Centric Relation?
By: Dr. Leonard A. Hess, DDSClinical Director, The Dawson AcademyThis article originally appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.com, Dr. Hess allowed igniteDDS to share with our readers. When we talk about utilizing bimanual manipulation as a way to get centric relation, one of the biggest misunderstandings we see is the tendency for dentists to think CR is achieved…
Embracing Change & Innovation in Dentistry: Insights from Dr. Naved Fatmi
Host: Dr. Tanya Sue MaestasGuest: Dr. Naved FatmiEdited By: Candy Velez CRDH The Entrepreneurial Dentist: Thinking Beyond the Chair Traditionally seen through the clinical lens, dentistry has transformed significantly with the advent of business-oriented models. Dr. Naved Fatmi’s journey exemplifies this shift. Starting with the ambitious goal of owning multiple practices, he quickly realized that…
What If Saliva Were Red?
By: Dr. David Rice What If Saliva Were Red? Do you remember that video from school? Depending on when you graduated, it will likely hit you differently. I was a 90’s grad so the whole Hepatitis, HIV was top of mind and made it stick with me. I’m guessing if you graduated in the last…
Prioritizing Value for Ideal Shade Matching with Composites
By: Lee Ann Brady DMDThis topic originally appeared on Pankey.org: Dr. Brady allowed permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Determine Value Before Chroma and Hue Shade matching is one of the biggest challenges for dentists when it comes to composite restoration. It requires a great knowledge of color science and playing with enamel…
Leading with Empathy & Setting Standards: Insights from Irene Iancu RRDH
Host: Dr. Tanya Sue MaestasGuest: Irene Iancu RRDHEdited By: Candy Velez CRDH In a recent enlightening interview, Tanya Sue Maestas sits down with Irene Iancu to peel back the layers of her professional journey. In this episode, Irene shares invaluable leadership insights applicable across all professional landscapes. In our ever-changing world, Irene’s open-hearted conversation illuminates…