Megen Elliott, MS-OCL, RDH, CDA, has over 13 years of experience in the dental field. She finds joy in inspiring others to grow and reach their full potential. As an educator, author, interprofessional speaker, volunteer leader, and consultant, Megen is able to explore many areas of the dental industry. Most recently, she has taken a deeper dive into her passion for mentoring and empowering others to succeed and also bridging connections between professionals and dental brands. Megen’s favorite activity is networking with dental colleagues both online and while attending dental conferences around the country. Founder and admin of Hygiene Happy Vibes she hopes you will join your fellow dental professionals online and work to build each other up!
5 Reasons to Become a Dental Hygienist
By: Megen Elliott, MS-OCL, RDH, CDA Narrowing down just five reasons to become a dental hygienist was a…
How to Become a Dental Hygienist
By: Megen Elliott, MS-OCL, RDH, CDA Becoming a dental hygienist is a rewarding, challenging, and exciting adventure….
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…
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…