Hello! My name is Chris Casterline and I’m a general dentist in central Kentucky.
I have worked in private practice, corporate dentistry, and public health. I currently direct a mobile dental outreach program at a Federally Qualified Health Center, serving over 20 elementary schools.
The schools we target are deemed “Tier 1” schools – to be eligible for this designation, over 50% of their students must qualify for free or reduced-fee lunch.
Most of the children we see have Medicaid, with the remaining falling under our “sliding fee scale,” in which case we do not charge a fee for the services provided.
Dental Mobile Outreach Program
By: Chris Casterline My name is Chris Casterline and I’m a general dentist in central Kentucky. I…
Dental Microscope: When We See Better, We Can Do Better
By: Michelle Lee, DDSTopic originally appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Lee granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Today, we have an abundance of restorative materials at our fingertips. Accurate case planning involves realizing the potential of digital design and precision-based dentistry to efficiently provide the best possible restorative care. My attitude to dentistry…
Stop the Chaos: How Accountability Transforms Your Dental Practice from Stressful to Profitable
By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Practice Coach + Director of Operations IgniteDDS As a dentist and business owner, you’re not just responsible for patient care—you’re responsible for building a successful practice. A well-run dental office doesn’t happen by chance. It’s built on systems, structure, and accountability. Without clear expectations for each team member, inefficiencies, miscommunication, and…
Together We Rise
By: Dr. Savanah Craig “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I have always believed Dentistry is a Team Sport. As dentists, practice owners, partners, etc., we are only as strong as the members of our team, and we cannot do it all on our own….
The Link Between Glycemic Index and Oral Health: Understanding How You Eat Affects Your Health
By: Michael Eid Since childhood, we’ve been taught one simple rule: candy causes cavities (also known as caries). It seems logical—something sugary and sticky clings to your teeth and “eats away” at the tooth structure. However, the process behind this is more complex than it appears. The connection between diet and dental caries lies in…
Maximizing Profitability with Dental Insurance Waivers & Upgraded Fee Agreements
By: Angela Holland In the competitive world of dentistry, practices are constantly looking for ways to increase profitability while maintaining high standards of patient care. One strategy that is gaining traction is the use of dental insurance waivers and upgraded fee agreements. These tools not only help boost revenue but also improve patient satisfaction by…
Help! My Dental Assistant Always Questions Me in Front of My Patients
By: Ronda Holman As a dentist, maintaining confidence and authority in front of your patients is essential. But what happens when your dental assistant questions you during an appointment sometimes in a way that undermines your expertise? While it’s great to have a team that thinks critically, in-chair debates can create discomfort for both you…
Restoring Undersized & Peg Laterals: No Tooth Prep Needed
By: Lee Ann Brady DMDTopic originally appeared on PankeyGram.Org, Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. A small lateral incisor is not always called a peg lateral. When I say peg lateral, I visualize it as a size like the fixture with implant abutment. Meanwhile, most of the time we have…
Be Aware of the Total Cost of Ownership
By: A-dec The amount you pay for dental equipment goes beyond the initial acquisition cost—making it critical to invest in well-designed, high-quality, reliable options from a trustworthy manufacturer like A-dec. Download the PDF version now How Much Does Your Equipment Really Cost? Saving money up front might seem like a good deal, but if the…
Fast-Track Your Dental Practice Success: Insights from Dr. David Rice
Host: Dr. Tanya Sue MaestasGuest: Dr. David RiceEdited By: Candy Velez CRDH Early dental practice ownership comes with its share of challenges. From managing finances to building a cohesive team, the responsibilities can feel overwhelming. However, with the right guidance, navigating this phase becomes not just manageable but empowering. In a recent Dental Fuel Podcast…
Comprehensive Treatment Planning: Key Strategies for Success
By: Pankey GramThe topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Pankey gave up their permission to share with our igniteDDS readers. Treatment planning is a tricky and exhilarating stage in patient care, serving as the bridge between diagnosis and treatment. It’s where you outline the path to restoring your patient’s oral health and where patient trust is…