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.
People Pleasing: Characteristics of Being a People Pleaser
By: Sharon Dolak People Pleasing is not about being kind. It is about someone trying hard to make others feel better, driven by deep-seated insecurity to be needed and receive approval. Society thinks it is a good thing to please others, but people pleasing has a dark side when we do it to our own…
Confronting Denial is No Small Task
By: Sharon Dolak Denial is a coping response that gives us time to adjust during shocking, distressful situations and avoid anxiety. We refuse to see the truth because we are trying to protect ourselves from a painful, overwhelming situation. Some things, many things are simply hard to accept all at once and we need time…
The Difficulty With Treatment Planning
By: Savanah Craig Treatment planning is one of the most difficult parts of my job as a new dentist. Often, I am meeting a patient for the first time and trying to access the problems that need to be addressed and learn about their desires all in an hour-long appointment. Patients’ wants and desires are…
What is Toxic Positivity and How to Avoid It
By: Sharon Dolak Do you notice that as soon as you walk into the office you are ON? Like someone pushed a button in your head that said, “OK, you are to have no emotions, no needs and you are to be positive, energetic, smile, and bright ALL DAY LONG.” In a normal healthy life,…
Ameloblastoma: Case Study
By: Dr. Jennifer Bell, DDS, FAGD, FICD Have you ever had a patient with ameloblastoma? Here is a case study of my experience with it.
Tax Return Preparation for Dental Professionals
By: Bruce Bryen As a dentist, when you are ready to file your first substantial tax return, it is best to find a dental CPA who can prepare the personal tax return but can also be the first advisor that you use for your future in the dental profession. As a young dentist, it’s probable…
Life after Graduation: Excel in Your Clinical Setting
By: Savanah Craig I graduated from dental school in March 2022 and I’m currently in a general practitioner residency program. I’m writing to offer some advice for young dentists out there who are about to graduate on how to manage in a clinical setting after graduation. Tips to Excel in Your Clinical Setting After Graduation…
Tonsilloliths: Case Study
By: Dr. Jennifer Bell, DDS, FAGD, FICD Have you ever had a patient with tonsilloliths? Here is a case study of my experience with it.
Spontaneous Bone Spurs: Case Study
By: Dr. Jennifer Bell, DDS, FAGD, FICD Have you ever had a patient with spontaneous bone spurs? Here is a case study of my experience with it.
Developing an Online Presence for Your Dental Practice
By: Dr. Len Tau It’s no secret that we live in a digital world. COVID made the transfer to online work much more apparent, but the internet has been crucial for businesses, including dentistry, since its inception. You don’t need to look at studies to know how important an online presence is, but research shows…