How to pursue entrepreneurship in dental hygiene
As I spoke with Melia Lewis, I could hear the entrepreneurial wheels turning and the excitement in her voice as she discussed her many ventures.
She's one of the founders of Hygiene Edge, which is now 10 years old. If you aren't familiar with Hygiene Edge, I encourage you to visit their website and check out all they have to offer. Many of their videos are also available on the RDH website. Check them out by searching for Hygiene Edge.
To further her support of working clinicians, Melia recently cofounded Acuti Dental Sharpening. As a clinical hygienist of 16 years, she knows well the time constraints hygienists face. Acuti allows them to send in their overworked instruments for inspections and sharpening. The instruments are then returned to you like brand new.
To encourage fellow hygienists who might be interested in becoming entprepreneurs, Hygiene Edge offers Clinical Mastermind sessions. Check into Hygiene EDGEucators, which Melia helped organize, to learn about all they have to offer, and to share insights with like-minded RDHs.
The entrepreneurial effort that may be closest to Melia's heart is Oral Relief Network, which she cofounded with her sister. Founded in honor of their father, a dentist who loved his profession, the nonprofit provides information to those who are suffering from the oral effects of cancer treatment.
Tune in to hear about everything this entprepreneurial dental hygienist has to offer and to share in her enthusiasm!
About the Author
Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH
Chief Editor, RDH magazine
Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH, is a respected dental industry leader with more than 40 years of experience in dental hygiene, marketing, and professional relations. As chief editor of RDH, she is dedicated to advancing the dental profession through education, innovation, and collaboration. Prior to this role, she served as manager of professional relations and communications for Sunstar/GUM, building strong connections with industry associations, educational institutions, and dental professionals nationwide. Jackie has also contributed her expertise through committee service with organizations including the American Dental Education Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH
Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH, is a dedicated clinical dental hygiene professional with a passion for advancing oral health education and patient care. Currently, she practices at Aspen Heights Dental in Highland, Utah, and is an adjunct professor at Colorado Northwestern Community College. She is cofounder of Hygiene Edge, an online education platform full of helpful tips and tricks to make dental professionals’ lives a little bit easier, and owns and operates Acuti Sharpening, a dental hygiene instrument sharpening company.
Beyond her work as a dental hygienist and educator, Melia is committed to advancing the profession. Her innovative approach and dedication have earned her recognition as a leader in the field of dental hygiene. Reach out to her at [email protected] or on Instagram @hygieneedge and @meliardh.