Dr. Laura B. Holena, DDS, owns Special Care Smiles in Wilkes-Barre, PA and spent 12 years in a group practice for special-needs patients before opening her clinic.
A graduate of Penn State University and the University of Buffalo Dental School, Dr. Holena is currently President-Elect of the Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA) and a board member of the Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities.
Breaking Barriers to Care: Innovation in Special Needs Dentistry
By: Laura B. Holena, DDSThis topic originally appeared on ConvergentDental.com. Dr. Holena granted permission for this content…
Guiding Patients with Empathy & Purpose: Your Blueprint for Leadership in Dentistry
By: Paul Henny, DDSThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Henny granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Effective leadership in dentistry isn’t just about clinical excellence—it’s also about empathy, adaptability, assertiveness, and clear communication. That’s a powerful (and sometimes challenging) combination. In the pressure of a busy practice, it’s easy to default…
Why Your First Block Will Fail & Why That’s OK!
By: Michael Eid Your first mandibular block probably won’t work — and that’s part of the process. Learning local anesthesia in the clinic is less about perfection and more about troubleshooting, patience, and confidence. Here’s what I learned when I first started anesthetizing. 1. Landmarks Are Everything Diagrams make it look easy. Real anatomy isn’t…
That’s Not My Job: Why Clear Delegation Matters in Dentistry
By: Ronda Holman You’ve probably heard the old story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. A job needed to be done. Everybody thought Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. It’s a cute parable — but in the dental office, it plays out with serious consequences….
Say It So They Get It: How to Talk Dentistry with Patients
By: Clayton Davis, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. David granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. One of our biggest challenges in dentistry isn’t just diagnosing and treating problems; it’s helping patients understand what’s happening in their mouths and why treatment matters, eventually getting to case acceptance. Clear dentist-patient communication increases…
High Returns, Low Cost: The Power of Internal Marketing in Dentistry
By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Business Coach and Director of Operations, IgniteDDS When it comes to growing a dental practice, many doctors jump straight to external marketing — ads, mailers, or social media campaigns. While these have value, the most cost-effective, high-return strategy often starts within your own practice. A structured internal marketing plan can increase…
Adapting to Change in Dentistry is the Key to Career Longevity
By: John Cranham, DDSThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Cranham granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. No matter how many years in practice, dentists never have everything figured out. The things that you are doing now are not going to be right forever. My Advice for Young Dentists My advice to…
The Smart Path to Clinical Competence for Young Dentists
By: John C. Cranham, DDSThis topic originally appeared on PankyGram.org. Dr. Cranham granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Every hour you invest in your practice is an investment in your future—so choose wisely how you spend it. Many young dentists begin their careers with enthusiasm but find themselves caught in a chaotic,…
Why Strategic Credentialing From the Beginning Can Transform Your Career Earnings
By: Angela Holland, Founder of Preferred Dental SolutionsInsurance Expert and Strategy Consultant for Dental PracticesPreferredDentalSolutions.com Starting your career as a dentist or as a new practice owner is thrilling – new patients, new relationships, and new possibilities. But there’s one factor that quietly shapes your financial trajectory more than most realize: insurance credentialing. From day…
Learning to Talk Teeth: Why Communication is Your Most Important Skill in Dentistry
By: Michael Eid Dental school will teach you how to perform basic dentistry—but one thing that often gets overlooked is how to communicate with patients. The truth is, patients don’t just buy treatment; they buy trust. The way you talk to them will make or break whether they accept your recommendations. Listen First Most patients…
Chairside Air Abrasion: A Game-Changer in Modern Adhesive Dentistry
By: Dr. Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org, Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. The need for precise, clean tooth preparation methods has increased, especially in adhesive dentistry. One tool that has risen in popularity is chairside air abrasion. Once dismissed due to logistical headaches, this technique…