Author: Mike

Hi there! I’m Dr. Mike Cheng, a dedicated general dentist based in Missouri, passionate about providing exceptional care and empowering patients through education. With a strong belief that healthy habits create lasting change, I strive to make every dental visit a positive experience that strengthens both oral health and overall well-being.Growing up in a family of healthcare professionals, I learned early on the importance of gratitude, compassion, and service. These values guide my approach to dentistry and to life. My mission with DentalUp.org is simple: to share knowledge, inspire growth, and help both patients and dental professionals build better habits for healthier smiles and happier lives.When I’m not in the office, I’m writing books for my Human Nature Series, beginning with The Habit Method, which explores how small, consistent actions lead to personal and professional transformation. By connecting my love for dentistry with my passion for self-improvement, I aim to create a community where learning and growth are at the heart of everything we do.“Healthy smiles start with healthy habits.”
Back-to-School Dental Tips for Kids from Tommie Dental
Education

Back-to-School Dental Tips for Kids from Tommie Dental

As the new school year approaches, Tommie Dental emphasizes the importance of maintaining children’s oral health with practical back-to-school dental tips. From scheduling regular checkups and encouraging consistent brushing habits to packing tooth-friendly lunches, these expert recommendations help parents keep their kids’ smiles bright and healthy all year long. Make dental care part of your child’s school routine to boost confidence, prevent cavities, and promote lifelong oral health.
Designing Policies That Inspire Happiness and Positive Social Change
The Positives

Designing Policies That Inspire Happiness and Positive Social Change

Discover how University of Richmond researchers are reimagining public policy through the science of happiness. By combining psychology, data analytics, and social innovation, they’re designing evidence-based strategies that not only improve well-being but also drive lasting social change. Learn how these forward-thinking approaches are reshaping communities, inspiring empathy in governance, and proving that good policy can make people—and society—truly thrive.
Endodontic Treatment Outcomes in HIV Positive vs Negative Patients
Research

Endodontic Treatment Outcomes in HIV Positive vs Negative Patients

A recent clinical comparison explores the success rates of endodontic (root canal) treatments in HIV-positive versus HIV-negative patients, shedding light on how immune status impacts healing and long-term oral health. Findings suggest that with proper infection control and patient management, HIV-positive individuals can achieve comparable outcomes to HIV-negative patients. This research highlights the importance of individualized dental care, early intervention, and continued advancements in endodontic techniques for achieving optimal results across diverse patient populations.
Medicare Court Ruling Eases Same Time Same Dentist Rule
News

Medicare Court Ruling Eases Same Time Same Dentist Rule

A recent federal court ruling has relaxed Medicare’s strict “same time, same dentist” rule, marking a major win for older adults and individuals requiring coordinated oral health care. The decision cautions against overly rigid enforcement of this policy, which previously limited coverage for beneficiaries needing dental services related to covered medical procedures. Advocates view the ruling as a key step toward expanding access to comprehensive dental care within Medicare, emphasizing the importance of patient-centered treatment, continuity, and coordinated care between medical and dental providers.
Tooth Fairy Tips to Build Lifelong Healthy Smiles
Education

Tooth Fairy Tips to Build Lifelong Healthy Smiles

Discover fun and creative Tooth Fairy tips that inspire kids to brush, floss, and love their smiles! Learn how parents can turn tooth care into a magical experience while building lifelong healthy habits. From bedtime brushing routines to positive reinforcement ideas from dental experts, find out how to make oral hygiene fun, rewarding, and cavity-free. Perfect for parents looking to spark excitement about dental health—because the best smiles start early.
Pacific Dental Services Foundation Gifts Mobile Clinic to HPU Dental School
The Positives

Pacific Dental Services Foundation Gifts Mobile Clinic to HPU Dental School

Pacific Dental Services Foundation has donated a state-of-the-art mobile dental clinic to High Point University’s Workman School of Dental Medicine, expanding access to oral health care for underserved North Carolina communities. The innovative partnership supports HPU dental students with hands-on learning opportunities while advancing the mission of improving oral health equity. This mobile clinic donation underscores Pacific Dental Services Foundation’s ongoing commitment to community service, preventive care, and the next generation of dental professionals.
Gingival Phenotype Impact on Dental Implant Success Rates
Research

Gingival Phenotype Impact on Dental Implant Success Rates

Emerging research highlights how gingival phenotype—the thickness and quality of gum tissue—can significantly influence dental implant success rates. Patients with a thicker gingival phenotype tend to experience better implant stability, reduced inflammation, and improved long-term esthetics. Conversely, a thinner tissue type may increase the risk of complications such as bone resorption or soft-tissue recession. Understanding the biological and clinical implications of gingival phenotype empowers dental professionals to personalize treatment planning, optimize surgical outcomes, and enhance patient satisfaction in implant dentistry.
Straumann and Modern Dental Partner to Transform Hong Kong Dentistry
News

Straumann and Modern Dental Partner to Transform Hong Kong Dentistry

Straumann Group has announced a strategic partnership with Modern Dental Group to enhance dental care in Hong Kong and Macau. This collaboration aims to integrate Straumann’s global expertise in implant and orthodontic solutions with Modern Dental’s local market leadership, offering advanced digital dentistry and innovative treatment options. The partnership is set to strengthen clinical excellence, boost training support, and improve access to premium dental technologies throughout the region, marking a significant step toward transforming the local dental landscape.
Mobile Dental Clinics Transform Children’s Oral Health in Schools
Education

Mobile Dental Clinics Transform Children’s Oral Health in Schools

Mobile dental clinics are revolutionizing children’s oral health by bringing essential care directly to schools. These traveling dental teams provide preventive treatments, screenings, and education for students who may otherwise not have access to dental services. By eliminating barriers such as transportation and cost, school-based programs improve overall health outcomes, reduce missed class time, and create lifelong healthy habits. This innovative model is helping close the oral health gap among underserved communities while inspiring a new generation to prioritize dental hygiene.
Empowering Smiles Through Volunteerism for Migrant Children’s Oral Health
The Positives

Empowering Smiles Through Volunteerism for Migrant Children’s Oral Health

Discover how dental professionals are transforming lives through volunteerism that promotes oral health for migrant children. This inspiring public health initiative bridges care gaps, empowers communities, and highlights the powerful connection between compassion, education, and improved dental outcomes. Learn how collective efforts are making smiles brighter and healthier—one child at a time.
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