J Steve McHale DMD

After 25 years of private practice and many heartfelt experiences, I want to extend the passion that I have for this profession and share experiences to guide dental care givers for years to come.

My career began in St. Louis, at Washington University in 1977. As a 1981 graduate, I gained valuable experience on a three year Residency for the Indian Health Service.  In 1984, I worked as an associate dentist once a week and as an HMO dentist three days a week. The following year, I borrowed $70K and opened a small practice, which employed only myself and a hygienist, while I maintained my other two jobs. My associate position continued for four years until I purchased the practice, which was located in a small rural community, in 1989. I worked in both locations for 20 years and sold one of the practices in 2002. Along with speaking engagements, I continue to practice three days a week and enjoy being able to make people smile.

I like to help people achieve happiness; life has great opportunities in store for all of us.  Allow yourself to learn from others' successes as well as their failures. The central focus in dentistry is the same; utilize your opportunities to learn how to provide the best possible treatment for your patients. The practice of dentistry is an art and a science to be practiced with diligence, love and respect. I look forward to being with you soon.

Betsy Kostas RDH MS

After practicing clinically for several years, and very much wanting to become involved in educating dental hygienists, I completed the Master of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene Education & Administration at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. This enabled me to become a full-time faculty member at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where I spent 16 years serving in many capacities, including Clinical Director for both first and second year students. I have since moved to San Diego and have practiced dental hygiene for many years with Dr. Steve McHale.

I am pleased and honored, by this opportunity to share the techniques and experiences which have guided my own unique and rewarding practice of dental hygiene. The choices you make early in your career will dramatically affect the outcome of your future career as a dental hygienist. After practicing dental hygiene for over 20 years in many different settings, I firmly believe that our profession is currently experiencing an exciting metamorphosis. The lay media is replete with information describing established links between periodontal pathogens and systemic maladies. You are entering dental hygiene at a time of incredible opportunity. I want to enable you to make choices that will solidify your existing knowledge base and instill the confidence to succeed. I look forward to meeting with you, America’s newly graduating dental hygienists!