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….
Correcting Patients’ S Sound During Restorative Dental Treatment
By: Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Patients produce the S sound by creating a small airspace between their upper and lower incisors, and there are three common ways this happens: In each case, the ideal space for producing the S…
3 Simple PPO Revenue Optimization Tips Every Practice Should Know
By: Angela Holland, Founder of Preferred Dental SolutionsInsurance Expert and Strategy Consultant for Dental PracticesPreferredDentalSolutions.com Dentistry is a business of both skill and strategy. Delivering excellent care is non-negotiable, but maximizing what you’re paid for that care requires an intentional approach to PPO management. Here are three powerful ways to optimize your revenue from a…
Tofflemire vs. Palodent: Why Your Contacts Will Suck…at First
By: Michael Eid Your first few Class II restorations will probably have open contacts, flat contours, or a ridge you’ll want to cry over. That’s normal. Getting good proximal contacts isn’t just about packing composite; it’s about mastering your matrix system. Here’s what I learned the hard way. 1. Tofflemire Feels Safe: But It Lies to…
Seasonal Nutrition for Busy Dental Teams
By: Dr. Sable Muntean Fueling Long Clinic Days with Fall Flavors The fall season invites cozy sweaters, crunchy leaves, and pumpkin‐spiced treats. For dental professionals juggling back-to-back appointments, administrative tasks, and patient care, it’s all too easy to let nutrition slip. But fueling your body well is one of the best investments you can make,…
Ergonomic Loupes: Improve Vision and Extend Your Dental Career
By: Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. As a dentist, I’ve always been dedicated to providing the best possible care for my patients. But over the years, I realized that I needed to prioritize my own well-being as well. One area…
Paying Off Student Loans Early vs. Investing: A Smart Strategy
By: Todd Doobrow, CFP As a dentist, you’ve likely emerged from dental school with some amount of student loan burden. According to the ADA, the average dental school graduate owes over $290,000 in student loans. Faced with this debt, many dentists debate taking one of two actions, often based solely on the actions their peers…
Fall Into Balance: How Dentists Can Recharge This Season
By: Dr. Sable Muntean As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, fall brings a gentle reminder that it’s okay to slow down. For dentists, who often spend long hours focusing on precision, patient care, and practice demands, the idea of slowing down can feel foreign, or even impossible. But just as…
Increasing Case Acceptance Through Hygienist-Led Conversations
By: Clayton Davis, DDSThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Davis granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. What if your hygiene team could help patients commit to treatment—before you even walk into the room?15 years ago, while visiting New York City, I dropped by a high-performing dental practice I’d heard a lot…
Why Having an Insurance Expert on Speed Dial Is No Longer a Luxury… It’s a Necessity for 2026
By: Angela Holland, Founder of Preferred Dental SolutionsInsurance Expert and Strategy Consultant for Dental PracticesPreferredDentalSolutions.com The dental insurance landscape is constantly changing: carrier consolidations, new shared agreements, and ever-shifting reimbursement models. Managing it all while running a practice is like trying to fix a car engine while driving down the highway. It’s no wonder more…
How To Win at Work & at Home
By: Dr. Eric Recker Check out this scenario. You have had a day. Again. They seem to be happening more frequently, and it is getting harder to keep them to yourself. You are starting to realize you are at least a little bit fried, and you aren’t quite sure what to do about it. You…