Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH, brings over 20 years of experience to her numerous roles in dentistry. A graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s of health science and the University of Bridgeport with a master’s in dental hygiene education, she is focused on expanding the knowledge of her colleagues in all aspects of health care. Strange’s passion for dentistry and its connection to overall health extends to her community and global efforts. Currently, she is the co-founder and co-host of the longest-running podcast for dental hygienists, A Tale of Two Hygienists, the cofounder of Level Up Infection Prevention and TriviaDent, a practicing dental hygienist, and client success manager for MouthWatch.
Prevent Infection Control Breaches with an Infection Control Coordinator
By: Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH Despite the emphasis on infection prevention being “prevention,” it is unfortunately inevitable that…
Having an Infection Control Coordinator can save you money!
We already know that infection control is paramount for creating safe dental visits by ensuring the safety…
Infection Control Coordinator Training
By: Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH There has been a great deal of development in the subject of…
Let this be the year of the Infection Control Coordinator
By: Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH Infection control (IC) is vital to protect the health and well-being of…
Lessons Learned From Listening to Different Preceptors as a D4
By: Michael Eid One of the hardest parts of dental school isn’t the hand skills or the exams — it’s treatment planning. One thing I’ve learned is that every preceptor has their own philosophy. At first, you want to take every word as gospel. But the deeper you get into clinic, the more you realize:…
Mentoring the Next Generation of Dentists: Your Legacy Matters
By: Edwin A. McDonald, DDS This topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. McDonald granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. After over 40 years of offering relationship-based dentistry, I’ve learned that while the clinical aspects of dentistry continue to evolve, the core human needs remain the same. Patients still want to be heard, understood,…
Removing Saliva Contamination Effectively from Indirect Restorations
By: Dr. Lee Ann Brady, DMD This topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org, Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. One of the most common and frustrating challenges with indirect restorations is achieving a strong bond after intraoral try-ins. Saliva contamination during this step is nearly unavoidable, yet even a small amount can…
Equal Pay vs. Fair Pay: What’s Best for Your Practice?
By: Garrett Wilson Compensation is one of the toughest decisions dental offices face. Limited access to reliable data, a lack of clear best practices, and the absence of a consistent structure can make it overwhelming. But one choice every practice must make is whether to follow an equal pay or a fair pay philosophy. Equal…
This Is Just How It Is, Right?
By: Dr. Eric Recker I remember so vividly being in the throes of burnout. My life had gone gray. Nothing excited me. I was under immense pressure running a practice with a team of 18. I was exhausted. I was dying inside. I questioned whether it would matter if I wasn’t here on this earth…
How Dentists Can Be Patient with Their Dental Assistant as They’re Still Learning
By: Ronda Holman Every dentist remembers that awkward learning curve when they first started practicing — the fumbling, the second-guessing, the mental checklist running in the background. Your dental assistant goes through the same thing, but here’s the kicker: they didn’t go to dental school. That means, in the beginning, …and that’s okay. Learning a…
Resin-Bonded Bridges: A Conservative Approach for Missing Lateral Incisors
By: Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. As restorative dentists, our commitment to providing high-quality, lasting dental care is unwavering. Ideally, we’d offer our patients restorative solutions that last a lifetime without needing repair or replacement. However, in reality, no restoration…
The Hidden Power of Strategic Insurance Credentialing for New Dental Practice Owners
By: Angela Holland When you’re a first-time dental practice owner, the thrill of finally running your own show is unbeatable. You’ve got the skills, the vision, and the patients — but here’s the catch: you don’t know what you don’t know. One of the biggest blind spots? Insurance credentialing. Strategic Insurance Credentialing It’s not just…
Building a Highly Productive Schedule with Fewer Patients
By: John C. Cranham, DDS This topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Cranham granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. When I’ve looked at and really studied my practice numbers over the years, my favorite has always been productivity per hour. I have aimed to focus on a low volume of patients who need…
Lessons Learned From Doing Emax Crowns 6–11 as a D4 Student
By: Michael Eid I had the opportunity to help my best friend, Bashar AbuJardeh, on a huge case as a dental student. Although crowning anterior teeth may be routine for a seasoned dentist, it’s a rare and special opportunity in dental school — especially when the case spans from tooth #6 to #11. Working on…