Valerie Yates

Valerie Yates

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.

Dental hygienist exam

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.

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Dental Partnerships: The Good and The Bad!

By Bruce Bryen | September 6, 2023

By: Bruce Bryen Now the potential for more income, exposure to the community, and the recognition deserved by the graduate may be about to occur. The learning curve has been completed after the hiring as an associate, the purchase of a dental practice, and the reputation being built where the name of the dentist is…

Is Strength Training the Key to Your Dental Career Longevity?

By Savanah Craig | September 5, 2023

By: Savannah Craig One of the many things associated with a career in dentistry is back and neck pain. Finding ways to protect yourself is crucial to being able to have a long career. Since dental school, I’ve been trying to find solutions for managing and preventing back pain. I’ve tried stretching, massage therapy, and…

Dental Fuel Episode 14: Ronda Holman: Financial Mistake

By Ronda Holman | September 1, 2023

This week on Dental Fuel Episode 14, Ronda Holman, a seasoned dental assistant with over 24 years of experience, exposes a critical financial mistake – PEOPLE.   Join us as Ronda explains how your team can be the ultimate asset or the ultimate demise  of a dental practice. Your dream dental office flourishes when your team…

Cultivate Leadership within Your Dental Team

By Dawn Patrick | August 28, 2023

Cultivating Leadership in Your Dental Team: Empowerment Strategies for Practice Success By: Dawn Patrick A successful dental practice is built upon more than just clinical expertise; it thrives when every member of the team embraces leadership qualities. Transforming your dental team into a group of empowered leaders can foster a dynamic environment, enhance patient experiences,…

Dental Fuel Episode 13: Clinical Mistake with Ronda Holman

By Ronda Holman | August 25, 2023

This week on Dental Fuel Episode 13, Ronda Holman, a passionate dental assistant unleashes 24 years of wisdom and shares her insights on not letting feelings fester within your dental team. In the ever-changing world of dentistry addressing clinical mishaps promptly is key to creating a collaborative environment. Ronda specializes in helping to create the…

Choosing the Right Color Palette for Your Dental Office

By David Rice | August 22, 2023

By: A-dec With design, we surround ourselves with color that affects mood, energy, and mindfulness. And design trends continually transform. In 2023, we see a return to moody tones that represent strength, earthiness, positivity, and biophilic design, which brings the awe of our planet into our spaces and connects us with the natural environment. Biophilic…

Dental Fuel Episode 12: Expert Advice with Dr. Shannon Johnson

By Tanya Sue Maestas, DDS | August 18, 2023

In Dental Fuel Episode 12, Dr. Shannon Johnson wraps up our last episode with her by providing some expert advice. If you haven’t met her already, she is a clinical rockstar and an amazing person. We all can learn so much from her and I hope you will get the opportunity to meet her in…

Tips When Looking for a Dental Associate Position

By Dr. Bri Torgerson | August 15, 2023

By: Dr. Bri Torgerson Navigating associate positions can be intimidating. If you’re like me, you can be confused and lost in the vastness of contracts and office nuances that exist for Associate Dentists. I’m excited to walk you through everything I have come across in the many offices I have worked in. I’ll expand on some…

Powerful Connections: How Morning Huddles & Monthly Team Meetings Supercharge Dental Practices

By Dawn Patrick | August 14, 2023

By: Dawn Patrick As a dental practice, the key to success lies not only in providing excellent patient care but also in maintaining efficient operations and fostering a cohesive team environment. Two essential components that contribute to achieving these goals are: These gatherings play a significant role in the overall success of a dental practice…

Dental Fuel Episode 11: Team Mistake with Dr. Shannon Johnson

By Tanya Sue Maestas, DDS | August 11, 2023

Working in teams can be tough! Shannon Johnson knows the ins and outs of working in a team but also working in a practice alone!  In Dental Fuel Episode 11, Shannon talks about some team mistakes that are commonly made and how she has come to appreciate team members in her practice of dentistry. Shannon…