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.
Endo Made Simple Part 3: Obturation
By: Michael Eid Missed Parts 1 & 2? Check Them Out Here: Step 1: Final Canal Check High-Yield Tip: If a 10 doesn’t pass now, it won’t after obturation. Step 2: Dry the Canal High-Yield Tip: Moisture = weak sealer seal and post-op sensitivity. Step 3: Select the Master Cone High-Yield Tip: No tug-back = poor…
How Dentists Can Navigate Holiday Parties Without ‘Talking Teeth’ All Night
By: Dr. Sable Muntean Holiday parties are supposed to be fun—good food, good music, good company. But if you’re a dentist, you know how it really goes: You walk in the door, grab a drink, and within five minutes someone is pointing at a molar and saying, “Since you’re here… can I ask you something?”…
The PPO Trap for Startups & Acquisitions: Moving into Ownership in 2026? This Is for You!
By: Angela Holland, Founder of Preferred Dental SolutionsInsurance Expert and Strategy Consultant for Dental PracticesPreferredDentalSolutions.com Insurance Decisions That Can Make or Break New Dental Practices If you’re launching or buying a dental practice, insurance decisions can make or break your first three years. Too many new owners sign onto every PPO “just to get patients…
Keeping Gingival Crevice Healthy
By: Pankey GramTopic Originally appeared on PankeyGram.org Gingival crevice is the space between the marginal gingiva and the tooth surface. Keeping it healthy, means knowing effective tooth preparation techniques that don’t block the passage of gingival crevice fluid with restoration materials. Many soft tissue inflammation, like gingivitis and periodontitis can occur as a result of…
The Practice Profitability Playbook: Part 3
Part 3: Clinical Control — Diagnose with Confidence, Present with Clarity By: Dawn Patrick, Business Strategy Coach, IGNITEDDS Even the most profitable practice can struggle if patients don’t accept treatment consistently. Clinical Control ensures that your team delivers excellent care and communicates it effectively, so patients understand the value and say yes to recommended treatment….
How to Stay Sane During December’s Patient Rush: A Dentist’s Guide to Balance
By: Dr. Sable Muntean December is a special kind of chaos for dental professionals. It’s the perfect storm: patients trying to use the last of their insurance benefits, parents squeezing in appointments before school break, and an endless stream of “Can you fit me in before the holidays?” messages. The pressure hits fast, and hard….
Smart Tax Moves to Make Before Year-End
By: Todd Doobrow, CFP As the calendar winds down, now is the time to take proactive steps that can lower your 2025 tax bill and set you up for success in 2026. Here are a few key strategies to consider before December 31: Maximize Retirement Contributions Boost your savings and reduce taxable income by contributing…
Evaluating Crown Integrity After Endodontic Access Preparation
By: Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Brady granted igniteDDS permission to share with our readers. When a patient requires a root canal treatment through an existing dental crown, how do you approach the conversation? Setting clear, realistic patient expectations is essential to maintaining trust and satisfaction. Here’s how I address…
From Clinician to CEO: Part 3
Financial Control: Profit With Purpose By: Dr. David Rice Most dentists don’t hate numbers … they just hate not knowing what they mean … and that sadly translates into pretending they don’t exist. If you want to know how to lead your practice … and life by the numbers … keep reading because it turns out…
Endo Made Simple Part 2: Shaping, Cleaning, & Irrigation
By: Michael Eid Missed Endo Made Simple Part 1? Check it out first here. Once the canals are open and a size 10 can glide, you’re ready to start shaping. This phase is all about control, patency, and avoiding iatrogenic trauma. Step 1: Confirm Working Length 🦷 High-Yield Tip: WL mistakes snowball into overfills, underfills,…