Dr. Lucas Shapiro is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery. He completed his post-doctoral orthodontic training at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He currently practices orthodontics at Lemchen Salzer Ortho in NYC.
He started the Instagram page @futuredentists, works with the educational organization @ignitedds and has an orthodontic TikTok page @drshap.
Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for The Dental Professional
By: Lucas Shapiro Tired of giving the same old gift or chocolate and flowers to the people…
How Much Should You Pay For Malpractice Insurance?
By: Dr. Luke Shapiro I just got off the phone with my insurance sales rep and they…
Fluoride Varnish: A Valuable Tool for Caries Prevention
By: Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Fluoride varnish is one of the most effective ways to prevent caries, yet many dental professionals and patients underestimate its power. If you’re still using fluoride gel or foam, it’s time for an upgrade….
The Evolution of Excellence: Introducing the NSK Ti-Max Z99L
By: NSK NSK’s newest electric handpiece, the Ti-Max Z99L, is designed to provide more torque, better ergonomics, and unmatched durability. 1. Optimized for Power: The New Gear & Chuck System The Z99L introduces the DURAPOWER CHUCK, a next-generation mechanism that provides a significantly stronger bur grip, reducing the risk of slippage even when cutting through…
From Chaos to Coordination: Building a Michelin-Star Dental Team
By: Dawn Patrick, COO and Dental Business Strategy Coach, IgniteDDS What Does a High-Performing Dental Team Actually Look Like? In high-performing dental practices, success isn’t about everyone doing everything. It’s about everyone doing their part, exceptionally well. Think about a fine dining restaurant. Yet every guest experiences seamless service, which leads to a 5-star experience….
Enhancing Doctor & Dental Lab Communication in the Digital Age
By: Lee Culp, CDTThis article originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Culp granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. The collaboration between doctors and dental labs has undergone a seismic shift with the rise of digital dentistry. Historically, communication between these two essential players in restorative dentistry was limited—often reduced to written instructions and…
Link AI for A-dec+™: A Smarter Way to Manage Your Future Dental Practice
By: A-dec® Thinking about your future practice? With all the decisions ahead, here’s an easy one. Your Focus Right Now vs. Your Future Practice Right now, your focus is on clinics, competencies, labs, and exams. When you imagine owning a practice someday, you’re probably excited about: What you may not be so excited about is…
The Start-Up Ownership Illusion: Part 1
Start-Ups & Dentistry’s Manpower Crisis – Your First Hire Will Break Your Practice By: Dr. David Rice Why most future owners are building teams backwards—and don’t even know it. The Word on the Street Every dentist I meet who’s planning a startup says the same thing: “I just need a great team.” No, you don’t….
Preventing Tooth Wear and Color Loss When Adjusting Zirconia
By: Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis topic originally appeared on Pankey.org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Zirconia restorations have become a go-to solution in modern dentistry due to their durability, aesthetics, and biocompatibility. However, adjusting zirconia requires a precise approach to maintain its integrity and prevent complications. Whether you’re fine-tuning…
Silence Fuels Negativity, Leadership Requires Communication
Learning to Communicate Is Learning to Lead By: Candy Velez, CRDH, BSDH, IgniteDDS Dental Hygiene Coach In dentistry, and honestly in most professions, we are often told that leadership flows from the top down. But some of the most meaningful leadership does not come from a title. It comes from how we handle the conversations…
Preparing Your Patients for Removable Prosthodontics
By: Ronda Holman For many patients, transitioning to removable prosthodontics, whether partial dentures or full dentures, can feel intimidating. As dental professionals, one of our most valuable roles is helping patients understand what to expect and guiding them through the adjustment period with clear explanations and supportive coaching. When patients are properly prepared, their confidence…
Hope Isn’t on the Menu: Planning a Profitable Dental Year
By: Dawn Patrick, COO and Dental Business Strategy Coach, IgniteDDS It’s almost the end of the first quarter of 2026. How’s “hope” working for you? At this point, you’ve either planned a successful year and had an amazing first few months, or you are winging it and hoping for the best each month. Think about…