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….
Posterior Open Bites, What Does it Mean?
By: Jeffrey W. Horowitz, DMD, FAGD, D-ABDSM, D-ASBA Have you ever run into posterior open bites during your time as a dentist? Here is a case study on my experience with it. Posterior Open Bites: Case Study Posterior Open Bites Etiology Diagnosis Permanent postural change, secondary to improved condyle/disk relationship and improved muscle function. Initial…
What Dental School Didn’t Teach You about “Adulting”Â
By: Savanah Craig It won’t shock anyone to know that there are many important things that dental school didn’t teach you. Unfortunately, many of the topics that dental school skipped over are critical to your success and are necessary to protect the investments you made in this career. 3 Things Dental School Didn’t Teach You…
Pitting and Erosive Tooth Lesions, What Does it Mean?
By: Jeffrey W. Horowitz, DMD, FAGD, D-ABDSM, D-ASBA Have you ever run into pitting and erosive tooth lesions during your time as a dentist? Here is a case study on my experience with it. Pitting and Erosive Tooth Lesions: Case Study Patient Information: Etiology of Tooth Structure Loss Tooth erosion happens when acids wear away…
Why Don’t Physicians Refer to Dentists?
By: Teresa DeNike There is growing evidence in the scientific literature that oral health is linked to the well-being of the rest of the body. A link has been found between poor sleep and periodontitis, with a shocking 36% increase in patients with chronic sleep loss; sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that dentists…
Facial Asymmetries and Discrepancies, What Does it Mean?
By: Jeffrey W. Horowitz, DMD, FAGD, D-ABDSM, D-ASBA Have you ever run into facial asymmetries and discrepancies during your time as a dentist? Here is a mini presentation on how I dealt with this. Facial Asymmetries and Discrepancies: Case Study Patient A: 13-year-old white female presents for an initial orthodontic evaluation Medical history is positive…
Dear D1s: Welcome to Dental SchoolÂ
By: Savanah Craig Welcome to Dental School! You have worked so hard for this moment, and I want to be the first to welcome you to the most challenging four years of your life! I know that you’re thinking that I’m just another exhausted upperclassman, who is trying to discourage you. A few months ago,…
Chronically Enlarged Tonsils, What Does It Mean?
By: Jeffrey W. Horowitz, DMD, FAGD, D-ABDSM, D-ASBA Chronically enlarged tonsils are a common condition, more likely to happen in children. Chronically enlarged tonsils are associated with: Frequent sore throat, ear, and throat infection. Enlarged adenoids, and poor nasal breathing. Poor nasal breathing leads to mouth breathing. Mouth breathing changes tongue posture. Poor tongue posture…
The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Heart Failure
By: Kevin Henry A new study has given dental professionals yet another reason to talk to their patients about the importance of maintaining their oral health in order to maintain and even improve their overall health. This study was released at the start of July in one of the Journals of the American College of…
Scalloped Tongue, What Does it Mean?
By: Jeffrey W. Horowitz, DMD, FAGD, D-ABDSM, D-ASBA A scalloped tongue is characterized by wavy or rippled edges along its sides. Scalloped tongues are usually not a cause of concern, but if left untreated, they can cause additional complications and symptoms that can harm your dental health. Identifying bad oral habits and diagnosing certain medical…
Professional Identity Formation
By: Savannah Craig Professional Identity Formation is a term I was unfamiliar with until it was brought up last week during my PGY-1 Orientation for my General Practice Residency program. Many of us have a variety of identities (daughter, sister, aunt, son, brother, uncle, etc.), and becoming a dentist requires you to add a new…