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 RestorationsÂ
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…
Why Having an Insurance Expert on Speed Dial Is No Longer a Luxury… It’s a Necessity for 2026
By: Angela Holland, Founder of Preferred Dental SolutionsInsurance Expert and Strategy Consultant for Dental PracticesPreferredDentalSolutions.com The dental insurance landscape is constantly changing: carrier consolidations, new shared agreements, and ever-shifting reimbursement models. Managing it all while running a practice is like trying to fix a car engine while driving down the highway. It’s no wonder more…
How To Win at Work & at HomeÂ
By: Dr. Eric Recker Check out this scenario. You have had a day. Again. They seem to be happening more frequently, and it is getting harder to keep them to yourself. You are starting to realize you are at least a little bit fried, and you aren’t quite sure what to do about it. You…
Guiding Patients with Empathy & Purpose: Your Blueprint for Leadership in Dentistry
By: Paul Henny, DDSThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Henny granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Effective leadership in dentistry isn’t just about clinical excellence—it’s also about empathy, adaptability, assertiveness, and clear communication. That’s a powerful (and sometimes challenging) combination. In the pressure of a busy practice, it’s easy to default…
Why Your First Block Will Fail & Why That’s OK!
By: Michael Eid Your first mandibular block probably won’t work — and that’s part of the process. Learning local anesthesia in the clinic is less about perfection and more about troubleshooting, patience, and confidence. Here’s what I learned when I first started anesthetizing. 1. Landmarks Are Everything Diagrams make it look easy. Real anatomy isn’t…
That’s Not My Job: Why Clear Delegation Matters in Dentistry
By: Ronda Holman You’ve probably heard the old story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. A job needed to be done. Everybody thought Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. It’s a cute parable — but in the dental office, it plays out with serious consequences….
Say It So They Get It: How to Talk Dentistry with Patients
By: Clayton Davis, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. David granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. One of our biggest challenges in dentistry isn’t just diagnosing and treating problems; it’s helping patients understand what’s happening in their mouths and why treatment matters, eventually getting to case acceptance. Clear dentist-patient communication increases…
High Returns, Low Cost: The Power of Internal Marketing in DentistryÂ
By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Business Coach and Director of Operations, IgniteDDS When it comes to growing a dental practice, many doctors jump straight to external marketing — ads, mailers, or social media campaigns. While these have value, the most cost-effective, high-return strategy often starts within your own practice. A structured internal marketing plan can increase…
Adapting to Change in Dentistry is the Key to Career Longevity
By: John Cranham, DDSThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Cranham granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. No matter how many years in practice, dentists never have everything figured out. The things that you are doing now are not going to be right forever. My Advice for Young Dentists My advice to…
The Smart Path to Clinical Competence for Young Dentists
By: John C. Cranham, DDSThis topic originally appeared on PankyGram.org. Dr. Cranham granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Every hour you invest in your practice is an investment in your future—so choose wisely how you spend it. Many young dentists begin their careers with enthusiasm but find themselves caught in a chaotic,…
Why Strategic Credentialing From the Beginning Can Transform Your Career Earnings
By: Angela Holland, Founder of Preferred Dental SolutionsInsurance Expert and Strategy Consultant for Dental PracticesPreferredDentalSolutions.com Starting your career as a dentist or as a new practice owner is thrilling – new patients, new relationships, and new possibilities. But there’s one factor that quietly shapes your financial trajectory more than most realize: insurance credentialing. From day…