Dr. Katie Dumbell attained a Doctorate in Dental Surgery at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry in May of 2019. Prior to dental school, Dr. Dumbell attained a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences and B.S. in Psychology from Southeast Missouri State University in 2013 and an M.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville in 2015. As a graduate researcher, Dr. Dumbell studied biomarkers for the early detection and diagnosis of submandibular salivary gland cancers at SIU School of Dental Medicine, completing a Master's Thesis on Dentin Matrix Protein-1. Dr. Dumbell is currently a Staff Dentist at a Federally Qualified Health Center in Kansas City, MO pursuing a lifelong passion for public health, treating patients of all ages. In addition to working full-time as a clinician for the underserved, Dr. Dumbell is currently a student at A.T. Still University College of Graduate Health Studies in pursuit of a Masters in Public Health – Dental Emphasis.
What Makes a Good Dentist? Top Skills To Be the Best Dentist
skills to being the best dentist aren’t things you learn in a classroom, writes Dr. Katie Dumbell.
Stop the Revolving Door: Rethink Your Onboarding Strategy
By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Practice Coach + Director of Operations IGNITEDDS In a busy dental practice, it’s easy to assume a new hire will “figure things out” after a few shadowing shifts. But that’s a fast track to burnout—for the new team member and for the team trying to train them on the fly. Onboarding…
Relationship-Based Dental Practices: Avoiding Judgmental Stories About Patients
By: Michael Rogers, DDSThis Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Rogers granted ignitedds permission to share with our readers. Near my dental office, there’s a small strip center that includes a realty group and a small church that creates a significant daily line of cars that go through a drive-through window. Cars line up waiting…
Understanding Dental Insurance Third-Party Administrators: How They Benefit and Hinder Your Practice
By: Angela Holland Dental insurance third-party administrators (TPAs) play a significant role in managing insurance claims and processing reimbursements between dental practices and insurance companies. TPAs are third-party entities hired by insurance companies, employers, or health plans to manage dental insurance plans and the claims process. Their goal is to streamline the administrative side of…
Class I Preparation and Restoration: High-Yield Guide for D1 Students
By: Michael Eid As a D1 student, learning the fundamentals of cavity preparations in sim lab is your first step toward clinical success. This guide will help you bridge the gap between lab exercises and real patient care by teaching you how to think clinically from day one. You’ll gain insights on handpiece control, bur…
Sometimes the Best Treatment is None At All
By: Dr. Savanah Craig One of the biggest contributors to burnout in dentists, in my opinion, comes from decision fatigue. Constantly we are faced with our patients’ problems that we did not create and are expected to find a solution to this problem. We must evaluate the problem, excavate possible causes for this issue, determine…
Authenticity in Dentistry: Embracing Personal Integrity for Professional Growth
By: Paul A. Henny, DDSThis Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Henny granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Clinical efficiency and business systems often take the spotlight. But during all that, it’s easy to overlook something fundamental: your individuality. I love this quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson “Nothing is at last sacred…
5 Secrets to Building Wealth in Dentistry
By: Dr. James Pitts As a practicing Dentist, your career will last around 30-35 years on average. During this time an average Dental Practice will have about $30,000,000 pass through collections. One would think that this would be enough for all Dentists to retire Financially Independent and debt free. However, ADA statistics tell us that…
What’s Keeping Your Dental Assistant from Becoming an EFDA?
By: Ronda Holman If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you had two pairs of hands during a procedure, chances are you’ve already imagined the value of an EFDA—an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant—on your team. So, what’s holding your current assistant back from stepping into that role? For many dental assistants, the barrier isn’t capability—it’s clarity,…
Airway Dentistry: Making a Difference for Patients’ Wellness
By: Steve Carstensen, DDS This Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Carstensen granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. “Hypoxic burden” is the challenge that the body faces due to low levels of oxygen on an intermittent basis. Our physiology has an adaptive capacity to manage hypoxic burdens. When that adaptive capacity is exceeded,…
Case Using DMG’s Ecosite Elements: Class II Caries on #4
By: Dr. Mohammed Hammoud Today’s case: Radiographic caries on #4D, extending into the occlusal. A well-sealed, properly contoured Class II restoration was the goal. Here’s how I approached it: Step-by-Step Breakdown: 1. Anesthesia ½ carpule Citanest Plain + 1 carpule Septocaine for patient comfort and profound numbness. 2. Preparation Conservatively removed decay while preserving tooth…