The Pankey Institute

10/21/2026

Orofacial Pain & TMD: The Neurobiological Connection Part 3 — Integrating the PHQ-4 and Epworth Scale into Preclinical Screening - By Mary Charles Haigler, DMD

"As dentists, we are trained to observe the subtle mechanical signals of the oral cavity..."

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Learn how dentists can use the PHQ-4 and Epworth Sleepiness Scale in a biopsychosocial assessment to identify mood, sleep, airway, and TMD risks.

10/19/2026

Orofacial Pain & TMD: The Neurobiological Connection Part 2 — Why Your Patient Can’t Relax - By Mary Charles Haigler, DMD

"How many times have you caught yourself—or a colleague—telling a patient with chronic facial pain to just relax, manage your stress, and stop clenching?"

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Learn how cortisol resistance, peripheral sensitization, and altered pain perception affect chronic TMD patients and influence dental treatment.

10/16/2026

Orofacial Pain & TMD: The Neurobiological Connection Part 1 — Why Teeth and Joints Are Only Half the Story - By Mary Charles Haigler, DMD

"When a patient sits in your chair with chronic, non-responsive TMD or a type of facial pain, what is your immediate instinct?"

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A clinical guide for dentists on how mood, sleep architecture, and pain modulation influence chronic orofacial pain and TMD treatment outcomes.

10/14/2026

Elevating Dental Assisting Part 2: The Role of Practice Leadership - By Deborah E. Bush, MA

What 36 Years with a Chairside Assistant Can Teach Us

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Explore how dental assistant education, practice leadership, and professional growth can improve retention, patient care, and long-term practice success.

10/12/2026

Elevating Dental Assisting Part 1: The Challenge and Role of Higher Education - By Deborah E. Bush, MA

"Many dental practices across the country are caught in a cycle of recruiting, onboarding, and replacing chairside assistants."

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Discover how higher education and expanded clinical roles can build a stronger dental assistant career, improve retention, and elevate patient care.

10/09/2026

Dental Practice Leadership: Bridging the Gap Between Vision and Ex*****on with “Clout” - By Edwin A. McDonald, DDS

"The missing ingredient isn’t more training or better software. It’s Clout."

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Learn more about the dental practice leadership in this article by Edwin A. McDonald, DDS. Discover more about the clout and the 4 facets of leadership!

10/07/2026

The 5 Hurdles to Wealth Accumulation: A Dentist’s Perspective — Part 3: Compounding Fees and Keep-It-Simple Portfolios - By Mark Kleive, DDS

"For most of us, choosing a dentist financial advisor is one of the earliest financial decisions we make, and one that can shape the fees we pay for years to come."

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A dentist financial advisor is worth paying, but not overpaying. Part 3 covers how a 1% fee erodes a quarter of your savings, plus two low-cost portfolios.

10/05/2026

The Why Behind Centric Relation Part 3 — From Diagnosis to Delivery: Deprogramming the Pterygoid and Choosing CR Restoratively - By Lee Ann Brady, DMD

"How do I predictably find CR in clinical practice without getting frustrated?"

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The obstacle to a true CR record is neurological, not mechanical. Deprogramming, diagnostic versus restorative centric relation, and altering VDO.

10/04/2026

Learn the optimal strategy for a hygiene-restorative partnership by enrolling in ''The Pankey Hygienist'' - a 3-day hands-on course.🌟

Save the date, March 11 - 13, 2027, for an enlightening learning journey led by our renowned faculty members: Ms. Leigh Ann Faight, Dr. Melody Ward, and Dr. Amy Heim.😃

Register Here: https://hubs.li/Q04ywS5r0

10/02/2026

The Injection Moulding Technique: Composite Excellence Without Compromise - By David Rice, DDS

"In the pursuit of Complete Care, we often find ourselves at a crossroads where a patient’s clinical needs collide with their current financial reality."

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Learn about the injection molding technique and achieve predictable composite restorations with exceptional esthetics and efficiency without compromising clinical outcomes.