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 Elevated Experience: How Modernizing for Patient Convenience Boosts Your Dental Practice
By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Practice Coach + Director of Operations IgniteDDS Today’s dental patients are more than health consumers, they’re informed, tech-savvy, and expect a service experience that matches what they get from top retailers and service providers. From how they book appointments to how they pay bills, patients want streamlined systems, clear communication, and…
Why Dental Teams Should Learn Together
By: Ronda Holman In the fast-paced world of dentistry, continuing education (CE) is essential, not just for dentists, but for the entire dental team. When a practice chooses to learn together, something special happens: skills are sharpened, communication improves, and the entire office culture levels up. But beyond the clinical gains, team learning sends a…
Making Informed Decisions When Choosing Zirconia Restorations
By: Christopher Mazzola, DDSThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Mazzola granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. The purpose of looking at recent research data is to see how we can improve our clinical outcomes. Different scholarly journals inform us of ways to decrease risk and hopefully increase the longevity of the services…
You Purchased a Dental Practice, Congratulations! (Insurance Credentialing….Where to Start?!)
By: Angela Holland Purchasing a dental practice is a significant milestone in any dentist’s career. It’s an exciting time, full of opportunities for growth, patient care, and building a long-lasting reputation in your community. However, the transition from being a practitioner to a practice owner involves much more than just managing day-to-day operations. One crucial…
Class III Preparation and Restoration: High-Yield Guide for Dental Students
By: Michael Eid Class III lesions are your first step into esthetic dentistry and demand perfection. You’re now working on anterior teeth—where every margin, contour, and finish is visible. This guide breaks it down so you can restore it with a little more confidence. What Is a Class III Cavity? Location: Proximal surfaces (mesial/distal) of…
Scrubs, Stress & Leadership: Why Empathy Is Your Secret Superpower
By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Practice Coach + Director of Operations IgniteDDS In the fast-paced, high-demand environment of a dental practice, stress can build quickly—from back-to-back procedures and insurance hurdles to team tension and patient anxiety. What if the solution to reducing that stress isn’t about doing more, but about leading better? One of the most underutilized…
Composite Warmers: Why and How to Effectively Use Them
By: Lee Ann BradyThis Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Many dentists warm composite by placing it on top of the operatory light, but I wonder what the patient is thinking when you reach for it on top of the light. Some dentists have water…
Do You Have the Right Retirement Plan for your Dental Practice?
By: Dr. James Pitts One of the best benefits that Dentists have are Qualified Retirement Plans. Qualified Retirement Plans are saving vehicles blessed by the IRS. They come in many varieties but are in two major categories. Individual Retirement Accounts The first category is Individual Plans. These include Individual Retirement accounts or IRAs. A Dentist…
Caries on #13D: Restored with Garrison Matrix System & Ecosite Elements
By: Dr. Mohammed Hammoud Today’s case: Caries on #13D, restored using two standout products: Here’s how they helped deliver an efficient, esthetic result! Procedure Breakdown: Isolation & Preparation: After isolating the area, caries removal was kept conservative to preserve as much enamel as possible. Matrix System: Used the Garrison Matrix System, which provided: Excellent tooth separation…
Boundaries with Heart: How Dental Teams Can Stay Compassionate Without Burning Out
By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Practice Coach + Director of Operations IgniteDDS In dentistry, we offer much more than clinical care—we offer emotional safety, comfort, and connection. But when patients are anxious, emotional, or even difficult, that emotional labor takes its toll on the team. You’re not just taking impressions and reviewing X-rays—you’re often absorbing fear, grief,…