Dr. Mike Crete lives and practices in Grand Rapids, MI. He graduated from the University of Michigan dental school over 30 years ago.
He has always been an avid learner and dedicated to advanced continuing education. After completing the entire curriculum at The Pankey Institute, Mike returned to join the visiting faculty.
Mike is an active member of the Pankey Board of Directors, teaches in essentials one and runs two local Pankey Learning Groups in Grand Rapids.
Know Your Patients: One of the Keys to Successful Treatment
By: Mike Crete DDSThis topic originally appeared on Pankey.org. Dr. Crete granted permission for it to be…
Transforming Professional Teeth Cleanings with Guided Biofilm Therapy
By: Stephen K. Malone, DMD and Michael Costa, DDS, MHSThis Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Malone granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Dental hygiene has evolved significantly since the early 1900s. Gone are the days of sharp instruments and gritty polishing pastes as the primary tools for cleaning teeth. Today, modern…
The Big Question: Startup Or Acquisition?
By: Nilesh Patel, VP, Regional Business Development Officer, Bank of America Practice solutions I enjoy working with prospective dental practice owners to aid them to realize their dreams. Supporting these individuals is rewarding and inspiring because I get to help them answer crucial questions. This includes the most important question of all: “Should I acquire…
The Dreaded Transfer Request (Part 2)
By: Dr. Eric Recker Your front desk sends a message to you in your treatment room. They need to have a word. You try to finish up your procedure, but you know this likely isn’t going to be good news. You walk to the front desk and prepare (brace) yourself. They hand you a transfer…
3 Ways to Invest in Your Dental Assistant
By: Ronda Holman What Dentists Can Learn from Chef Tina in The Bear In the TV series The Bear, one of the most compelling character arcs belongs to Chef Tina, played by Liza Colón-Zayas. Tina begins the series as a seasoned line cook who is resistant to change, doing things the way they’ve always been…
Unraveling the Etiology of Worn Teeth
By: Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. The origin of a patient’s worn teeth may be deceiving. Is it physiological or pathological? This minor difference could spell major consequences for the lifetime oral health of your patients. We care about understanding…
Congratulations on Hiring a Dental Associate! Here’s What to Know About Insurance & Credentialing
By: Angela Holland Hiring a dental associate is an exciting milestone for your practice! As your practice grows, it’s essential to keep several key insurance-related aspects in mind to ensure smooth operations. One of the most important points to remember is that all claims where the associate is the rendering provider must reflect their credentials….
Sealants in Pediatric Dentistry: High‑Yield Guide for Dental Students
Sealants are one of the simplest yet most powerful tools you’ll use to prevent caries in kids. When placed correctly at the right time, they can protect a tooth for years. This guide breaks down when and how to place sealants with confidence—and why timing matters. When Should You Place a Sealant? Ideal Teeth: Key…
The Dreaded Transfer Request (Part 1)
By: Dr. Eric Recker It’s a normal Tuesday, or as normal as they get in our world. You got some dentistry done, maybe a couple of crown preps, some restorative, a load of hygiene checks, a new patient exam or two. You are almost to lunch and feeling reasonably good about yourself. Day is half…
The Reason I Write Treatment Letters to Each Patient
By: Laura Harkin, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Harkin granted igniteDDS permission to share with our readers. Trust is the cornerstone of dental care. It’s something I learned early on, sitting at my dad’s favorite lunch spot when he shared a profound observation: “Laura, isn’t it amazing? Our patients trust us so much….
The Four Areas of Wealth Accumulation for Dentists
By: Dr. James Pitts Most people think of retirement planning or wealth accumulation as a “nest egg.” It is a common misconception that wealth is built in one pile. The reality of Dentists is more complicated. Typically, Dentists build their wealth in four different buckets. 1. Qualified Retirement Plan Savings The first bucket is qualified…