Christopher Mazzola was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate studies where he graduated with honors with a Chemical Engineering Degree.
During his undergraduate studies he conducted researched with dental school faculty on materials to aid in patients healing after dental surgery. He then continued his education at Michigan where he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree.
While in dental school he was awarded the University of Michigan American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Award for his research in the clinical application of CAD/CAM technology in dentistry. Prior to joining Traverse Dental Associates, Dr. Chris owned a practice in Colorado Springs, CO where he was named one of the areas 2013 TopDentists™.
Dr. Chris has continued with education focusing on communication and technology in the private practice. He has served as an instructor and mentor for new graduates focusing on patient interactions and Cerec CAD/CAM Technology.
In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife Christina, his children Baylor and Eliana, and his three dogs Isabelle, Lola, and Aspen. He tries to stay active through competitive crossfit, golfing, running, and skiing.
Dr. Chris is looking forward to watching his family grow in the amazing community that is Traverse City!
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…
Rubber Dam Isolation: Maximizing Bond Strength to Enamel
By: Christopher Mazzola, DDSTopic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Mazzola granted permission for igniteDDS to share with…
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…