18 August 2026

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Hygiene KOL Michelle Strange Publishes Independent by Design

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New Book Presents Dental Hygienists a Roadmap to Career Growth and Independent Practice Ownership

Dental hygienist, educator, entrepreneur, and podcast host Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH, recently published Independent by Design: A Dental Hygienist’s Journey to Practice Ownership, a new book that explores the evolving career opportunities available to today’s dental hygienists, including independent practice ownership.

Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in clinical care, education, public health, mobile dentistry, long-term care, and business ownership, Strange shares the professional lessons, challenges, and decisions that shaped her career.

The book is intended to help dental hygienists evaluate new career possibilities while providing practical insights for those interested in expanding beyond traditional clinical roles.

Rather than presenting a single formula for success, Independent by Design examines the many paths available within the profession and encourages readers to define careers that align with their personal and professional goals.

“Many dental hygienists reach a point where they begin to question what comes next,” said Strange. “My goal was to write the book I wish I’d had earlier in my career; one that honestly discusses both the opportunities and the obstacles while demonstrating that there are more options available than many clinicians realize.”

The book chronicles Strange’s unconventional professional journey, including her decision to leave a traditional career path, spend several years working throughout the United States as a traveling dental hygienist, and ultimately become the owner of Smile Logic, an independent dental hygiene practice in Colorado.

In addition to sharing personal experiences, the book offers guidance designed to help readers avoid common business and career development pitfalls while navigating the transition from clinician to entrepreneur.

Independent by Design: A Dental Hygienist’s Journey to Practice Ownership is available in print and Kindle editions through Amazon.

Michelle Strange is a practicing dental hygienist, educator, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the dental field. She began her career as a dental assistant and then a dental hygienist, earning a bachelor’s degree in health science from the Medical University of South Carolina, followed by a master’s degree in dental hygiene education from the University of Bridgeport. Her commitment to excellence is demonstrated by ongoing professional development, including earning a Certificate in Dental Infection Prevention and Control, Myofunctional Therapy, Interim Restorative Therapies, and Neuromodulators.

Michelle is the founder of MichelleStrangeRDH.com and Level Up Infection Prevention , two platforms dedicated to empowering dental professionals through education, hands-on resources, and practical strategies for success in clinical care and compliance. Most recently, she became the proud owner of SmileLogic, an independent dental hygiene practice in Colorado that delivers value-based, patient-centered care.

With a unique blend of clinical expertise and entrepreneurial drive, Michelle continues to elevate the profession by bridging education, innovation, entrepreneurism, and real-world application.

Source: https://www.amazon.com/Independent-Design-Hygienists-Practice-Ownership/dp/B0H8TT44RF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2H0DYWFUQ663X&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tWvC5heNRtfLC0uqBkPJRS7RzWlKZd8gdjW1Zy6NK4gdJV7TKbj0w1GaCZ1W9GI3qzqb9SyH2eZxEZC1rBLjxVYpz8DulASzo5b7gmvVTm_OE7hfuZCFnrDGBjsMlxAgwyZqyrwLzmd4NT0dTP0hfDDR4Qn6JAVRhfIBg_Jq-jvqYfGau4BjBHvrjMRfVQLnRPhFuiKZMpWWRkjNh_Sw3vnucfFucJnScX5hZ3VVXHg.nRpzXdI9ik4Ea1t2klKT7ln-0KO64L8Q24G4z-I-Nzw&dib_tag=se&keywords=michelle+strange&qid=1785973644&sprefix=michelle+strange+book%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-1