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…
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…
Guiding Patients with Empathy & Purpose: Your Blueprint for Leadership in Dentistry
By: Paul Henny, DDSThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Henny granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Effective leadership in dentistry isn’t just about clinical excellence—it’s also about empathy, adaptability, assertiveness, and clear communication. That’s a powerful (and sometimes challenging) combination. In the pressure of a busy practice, it’s easy to default…
Why Your First Block Will Fail & Why That’s OK!
By: Michael Eid Your first mandibular block probably won’t work — and that’s part of the process. Learning local anesthesia in the clinic is less about perfection and more about troubleshooting, patience, and confidence. Here’s what I learned when I first started anesthetizing. 1. Landmarks Are Everything Diagrams make it look easy. Real anatomy isn’t…