Dr. Laura Shaeffer Harkin graduated Cum Laude from Franklin and Marshall College in 1999 with a major in mathematics and a minor in flute performance. In 2008, she graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry and immediately began to live her dream as a family dentist. Her value to the dental team was undeniable, as she shared her spirit for both compassion and perfection.
In addition to the rigorous requirements of dental school, Dr. Harkin has completed level-four training at the prestigious Pankey Institute and has advanced dental implant and restorative credentials. Dr. Harkin has continued to further her education and is a certified Invisalign® dentist.
Accurate X-Ray Records: Best Practices for Dental Teams
By: Laura S. Harkin, DMD This Topic Originally Appeared On Pankeygram.Org Radiographic imaging is an important diagnostic aid…
Co-Discovering Oral Diseases Through Medical History
By: Mary Osborne, RDHThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Osborne granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Take Your Time For Detailed Medical History The earliest but yet the most powerful tool toward accurate diagnosis is detailed patient’s medical history. But to get the desired information that we need from patients for diagnosing…
Why Submitting Claims to Dental Insurance Under a Provider Not Rendering Treatment is Insurance Fraud
By: Angela Holland In the world of dental insurance, accuracy isn’t just important, it’s essential. When it comes to submitting dental claims, one of the most critical pieces of information is the rendering provider, the licensed dentist who actually performed the service. Whether you’re a single-practice office or part of a larger dental network, it…
Draw the Line: How to Hold Your Team Accountable Without the Drama
By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Practice Coach + Director of Operations IgniteDDS As a dental practice owner or manager, you work hard to create a positive, high-performing team culture. But what happens when a team member continuously falls short of expectations? Allowing poor performance to persist damages morale, impacts patient care, and affects profitability. That’s why…
The Importance of Making Time for Time Off from Work
By: Dr. Kaufman One of the most important lessons I can share with my colleagues is taking time off from the hustle and bustle of modern life. While this might seem like an indulgence it is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Rest serves as a catalyst for increased productivity. Dentistry is mentally and…
Class II Preparation and Restoration: High-Yield Guide for D1 Students
By: Michael Eid Class II preparation and restoration are where things get real. You’re now dealing with proximal surfaces, tight contacts, and matrix systems. This guide simplifies it all for you. What Is a Class II Cavity? Location: Proximal surfaces (mesial/distal) of posterior teeth Class II Preparation Steps Occlusal Portion Proximal Box Matrix & Wedge Tips …
Breathing and Airway Support in Pediatric Dentistry
By: Steve Carstensen DDSThis Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Carstensen granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. I want to share a clear example of how bad sleep directly affects the anatomical structures dentists pay a lot of attention to—the mandibular condyles. Sleep Disruption Disrupts Jaw Bone Regeneration We’ve all seen on X-rays…
First Practice? Get Savings, Support for a ‘Smart Start’
By: A-decTopic originally appeared on DentalProductShopper.com, they granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. A-dec program offers equipment savings, expert guidance, and complimentary services to ensurefirst-time practice owners get off to a smooth start Struggling with a lengthy wish list of equipment for your first practice? For many dentists, it’s an experience that likely…
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…