Valerie Yates has been a registered dental hygienist since 2001. She has been practicing in Hays, Kansas, since that time. Valerie enjoys learning and bringing value to her patients. She has taken a special interest in myofunctional disorders and has enjoyed bringing a new avenue of health to her patients. Valerie has always had a love for reading and writing. While she enjoys reading a good mystery novel, she finds her writing passion in freelancing. When Valerie has leisure time, you can find her with her husband, two daughters, and their menagerie of animals. Her nature for helping others does not stop with humans and she is sucker for four-legged friends.
5 tips for becoming a dental hygienist
Deciding on a career path is no small feat. It can be a very confusing and exciting time in your life. Dental hygiene is a rewarding and in-demand career and may be the right fit for you. Here are five tips for becoming a dental hygienist.
Patient-Friendly Language: Explaining Treatment Plans without Jargon
By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Coach and Director of Operations, IGNITEDDS As dental professionals, one of the greatest challenges we face is explaining complex treatment plans to patients in a way that is clear and approachable. Often, our expertise can lead us to use industry-specific terminology that can confuse or even overwhelm patients. When patients don’t…
Help…My Dental Assistant Breaks Stuff!
By: Ronda Holman As a dentist, you know how quickly the cost of running a dental office can add up. From high-tech dental equipment to everyday tools, every piece plays an essential role in delivering quality care. But what happens when you notice a pattern of things breaking—and it’s often the same person involved? Take…
A Six-Unit Anterior Bridge: Provisionals and Placement
By: Lee Ann Brady DMDTopic originally appeared on Pankey.org: Dr. Brady allowed permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers My patient wasn’t satisfied with the aesthetics and feel of her previous restoration. Detailed planning enabled me to deliver a beautiful, functional result. Here is the conclusion of this case and the placement of the…
Navigating Dental Technology Investments: A Journey to Practice Growth & Finding Your ‘Why’ with Dr. Chad Duplantis
Host: Dr. Tanya Sue MaestasGuest: Dr. Chad DuplantisEdited By: Candy Velez CRDH The world of dentistry is continually evolving as new technologies emerge, promising to revamp practice operations and patient care. However, incorporating these advancements isn’t always straightforward – it’s a journey that encompasses not only financial acumen but also a deep understanding of one’s…
A Practical Guide to Bonus Cylces in Dentistry: Building Accountability and Excellence
By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Coach and Director of Operations, IGNITEDDS As a dental practice owner, you might wonder what a truly motivated team could bring to your practice. Imagine a team that performs well and is genuinely engaged, bringing energy, commitment, and productivity to the table every day. This level of motivation can transform your…
How To Track Key Dental Practice Performance Metrics
By: Dr. Leonard A. Hess, DDSClinical Director, The Dawson AcademyThe Article Originally Appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.com Measure What’s Really Important and Accomplish What Really Matters In his groundbreaking book, Thriving on Chaos, Tom Peters proclaims, “What gets measured gets done.” He further explains, “Develop simple systems that encourage participation and understanding by everyone.” In other words,…
How to Improve Communication with Dental Patients for Better Treatment Acceptance
By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Coach and Director of Operations, IGNITEDDS Effective communication plays a crucial role in any dental practice, not just for patient satisfaction but also for ensuring high treatment acceptance rates. When dental teams communicate clearly, compassionately, and in a patient-centered way, patients are more likely to feel understood and trust the treatment…
Why Dentists Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Ask for Financial Help
By: Todd Doobrow, CFP In today’s fast-paced world, dentists face numerous challenges, from human resources, to maintaining the latest technology to managing rising operational costs. Despite their expertise in oral health, many practitioners find themselves hesitant to seek financial help when needed. No two doctors are alike, so just copying what peers have done can…
2 Ways to Increase Dental Case Acceptance
By: Mark Murphy DDSThis topic originally appeared on Pankey.org. Dr. Murphy granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. It can take years to gain the experience of increasing your case acceptance. You have to be consistent in doing your job. The fact that a patient’s genuine intentions might not be immediately clear is…
The Power of Consistency: How Processes Can Transform Your Practice
By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Coach and Director of Operations, IGNITEDDS Running an efficient and profitable dental practice requires more than just clinical expertise. Consistent, well-implemented processes are key to ensuring smooth operations, reducing stress, and enhancing patient satisfaction. Daily, weekly, and monthly routines create the foundation for a thriving practice, leading to increased efficiency and…