Author: Sherri Merritt

Starting out as a new dental hygienist can be both exciting and intimidating.  After years of education and clinical training, the transition into real-world practice often brings new challenges, especially when it comes to treatment planning.  Determining the right course of care for each patient, explaining findings with confidence, and aligning recommendations with the dentist’s expectations are all skills that develop over time. Fortunately, there are strategies to help new

In many dental practices, running behind schedule isn’t caused by broken equipment or late patients, it’s often caused by something much harder to fix…a dentist with the gift of gab!  Most dentists genuinely love connecting with their patients.  They take pride in building trust and relationships, which are essential for long-term loyalty and case acceptance.  But when every patient interaction turns into a friendly catch-up session, even the best-planned schedule

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wished your smile looked different?  Maybe your teeth are stained, chipped, misaligned, or you’ve lost confidence due to gaps or wear.  Whatever the reason, a smile makeover may be the perfect solution to transform not only your teeth, but also your confidence, self-esteem, and the way you present yourself to the world. A smile makeover is a customized series of dental treatments

In today’s competitive dental market, great clinical skills alone aren’t enough to win patient loyalty.  What truly sets a practice apart is the patient experience…how individuals feel from the moment they step through your door to the moment they leave.  Every touchpoint matters, and creating a seamless, five-star experience requires your entire team working together with intention, empathy, and consistency. I am going to talk about how dental practices can

As dental professionals, we’ve all encountered patients who, despite being diagnosed with periodontal disease, insist they “just want a regular cleaning.”  These situations can be uncomfortable, especially when the patient is convinced that their oral health doesn’t warrant more extensive treatment.  However, handling these interactions with empathy, clarity, and professionalism is key to achieving the best outcome for both the patient and the practice. Here’s a guide on how to

When it comes to dental fillings, not all materials are created equal.  For decades, dental amalgam (silver fillings), a metallic mixture containing mercury, silver, tin, and copper, has been the go-to material for restoring decayed teeth.  While durable and cost-effective, amalgam fillings have fallen out of favor with both patients and dental professionals.  The reason is growing concerns over their long-term effects on oral and overall health. In contrast, bonded