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Originally from Rockford, MI, Dr. Cory Ball went to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for his undergraduate studies.
There he studied Biology and German. Straight after undergrad, he continued his studies at the University of Michigan dental school.
At the conclusion of his dental school education, Dr. Ball was awarded the comprehensive care award for being one of the top clinicians in his class as well as the Academy of Operative Dentistry and American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology awards.
Dr. Ball has always had a passion for mentoring, volunteering, and helping others in his community. Throughout dental school, he held various positions for the philanthropic fraternity, Alpha Omega. The volunteer events Dr. Ball has participated with include Mission of Mercy, Taft clinic, Give Kids a Smile, Sports Mouthguard clinics and recently is on the board for a local refugee committee to help underserved individuals in his West Michigan communities.
Dr. Ball has a passion for all areas of dentistry, but his favorite procedures include root canals, crowns, bridges and has a special passion for sleep dentistry and assisting patients who may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.
When not behind the drill, Dr. Ball enjoys spending time with his family in Grand Rapids, MI, and with his wife, Cara. On weekends and evenings, you would find Dr. Ball hanging out watching new shows on Netflix, playing new board games, or watching sports. Dr. Ball is a big Chicago sports fan and, of course, Michigan. Go Blue!
Geographic Success and the Transition to the Real World of Dentistry
By: Cory Ball You just got your final faculty check for a restorative appointment in the clinic….
General Dentist vs. Dental Specialist
By: Dr. Cory Ball 12 years of grade school, 4 years of undergraduate studies, maybe a master’s…
New Dentist: Your First Paycheck Arrives, Now What?
By: Dr. Cory Ball Dental school is a busy time for most aspiring clinicians. Between studying for courses,…
Don’t Look Back, Look Forward to Paying Off Dental School Student Loans
By: Dr. Cory Ball The average student loan debt for a graduating dental student in 2020 was…
The Dreaded Transfer Request (Part 1)
By: Dr. Eric Recker It’s a normal Tuesday, or as normal as they get in our world. You got some dentistry done, maybe a couple of crown preps, some restorative, a load of hygiene checks, a new patient exam or two. You are almost to lunch and feeling reasonably good about yourself. Day is half…
The Reason I Write Treatment Letters to Each Patient
By: Laura Harkin, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Harkin granted igniteDDS permission to share with our readers. Trust is the cornerstone of dental care. It’s something I learned early on, sitting at my dad’s favorite lunch spot when he shared a profound observation: “Laura, isn’t it amazing? Our patients trust us so much….
The Four Areas of Wealth Accumulation for Dentists
By: Dr. James Pitts Most people think of retirement planning or wealth accumulation as a “nest egg.” It is a common misconception that wealth is built in one pile. The reality of Dentists is more complicated. Typically, Dentists build their wealth in four different buckets. 1. Qualified Retirement Plan Savings The first bucket is qualified…
Dentistry and Spike Lee: “Do the Right Thing”
By: Mitchell Rubinstein D.M.D. I recently found myself channel surfing late at night, and I got sucked into a remote-drop favorite from the late ‘80s, Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. The movie is both comedic and tragic, as the title alludes to a bit of advice offered to the protagonist early in the film:…
Navigating Tooth Decay Conversations with Geriatric Patients
By: Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Brady granted igniteDDS permission to share with our readers. Have you ever noticed a confused look on the face of a geriatric patient when you tell them they have tooth decay? Many people falsely assume that only small children develop cavities. When I let older…
What Many Dentists Do Not Know About Insurance Credentialing as a First Time Owner
By: Angela Holland I’d imagine starting a dental practice is a thrilling experience, whether you’re acquiring an existing practice, opening a startup, or starting as an associate at an established location. One of the most critical aspects of growing and sustaining your practice, especially in the early stages, is revenue management and if you’re accepting…
Clinical Based Case As A D4 Student
By: Michael Eid As you continue in your clinical journey, you quickly find yourself becoming proficient at the physical aspects of dentistry. What can be tricky is finding a proper treatment plan, individualized per patient based on their definition of success. Being able to find a solution to their chief complaint to cater towards finances,…
Supercharge Your Dental Practice with AI & Automation: Top Tools for Efficiency & Growth
By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Practice Coach + Director of Operations IgniteDDS In today’s evolving dental landscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are no longer just buzzwords, they’re essential tools for building smarter, more profitable practices. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or managing multiple locations, these technologies help improve diagnostic accuracy, streamline daily operations, and create…
Removing Dental Cement Inside A Zirconia And Lithium Disilicate Crown
By: Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers Sometimes a crown comes off and if it’s not damaged and the tooth structure is healthy still without any caries lesion, we can recement the same dental crown to the patient without needing to…
No Compensation Strategy? You’re Contributing to Turnover
By: Garrett Wilson Payroll might be your biggest expense, but turnover is what’s really bleeding your practice. Every time a team member walks out the door, it costs you time, money, and momentum. And if you don’t have a plan for compensation, you’re likely making the problem worse. Let’s be clear: people don’t leave just…



