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…
3 Ways to Invest in Your Dental Assistant
By: Ronda Holman What Dentists Can Learn from Chef Tina in The Bear In the TV series The Bear, one of the most compelling character arcs belongs to Chef Tina, played by Liza Colón-Zayas. Tina begins the series as a seasoned line cook who is resistant to change, doing things the way they’ve always been…
Unraveling the Etiology of Worn Teeth
By: Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. The origin of a patient’s worn teeth may be deceiving. Is it physiological or pathological? This minor difference could spell major consequences for the lifetime oral health of your patients. We care about understanding…
Congratulations on Hiring a Dental Associate! Here’s What to Know About Insurance & Credentialing
By: Angela Holland Hiring a dental associate is an exciting milestone for your practice! As your practice grows, it’s essential to keep several key insurance-related aspects in mind to ensure smooth operations. One of the most important points to remember is that all claims where the associate is the rendering provider must reflect their credentials….
Sealants in Pediatric Dentistry: High‑Yield Guide for Dental Students
Sealants are one of the simplest yet most powerful tools you’ll use to prevent caries in kids. When placed correctly at the right time, they can protect a tooth for years. This guide breaks down when and how to place sealants with confidence—and why timing matters. When Should You Place a Sealant? Ideal Teeth: Key…
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…