Dr. Steve Carstensen, DDS, is the co-founder of Premier Sleep Associates, a dental practice dedicated to treating obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.
After graduating from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1983, he and his wife, Midge, a dental hygienist, started a private practice of general dentistry in Texas before moving to native Seattle in 1990.
In 1996 he achieved Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentists in recognition of over 3000 hours of advanced education in dentistry, with an increasing amount of time in both practice and classwork devoted to sleep medicine.
A lifelong educator himself, Dr. Steve is currently the Sleep Education Director for The Pankey Institute. As a volunteer leader for the American Dental Association, he was a Program Chairman and General Chairman for the Annual Session, the biggest educational event the Association sponsors. For the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine he’s been a Board Member, Secretary Treasurer, and President-Elect. In 2006 he achieved Certification by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.
In 2014, he became the founding Editor-in-Chief of Dental Sleep Practice magazine, a publication for medical professionals treating sleep patients. He is a frequent contributor to webinars and other online education in this field.
Breathing and Airway Support in Pediatric Dentistry
By: Steve Carstensen DDSThis Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Carstensen granted permission for igniteDDS to share with…
Airway Dentistry: Making a Difference for Patients’ Wellness
By: Steve Carstensen, DDS This Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Carstensen granted permission for igniteDDS to share…
Improving the Quality of Life for Patients with Sleep Apnea
By: Steve Carstensen DDSTopic originally appeared on Pankey.org: Dr. Carstensen allowed permission for igniteDDS to share with…
Dental Credentialing Done with Strategy: Your Fast Pass to Profit as a New Dental Practice Owner
By: Angela Holland Launching your first dental practice is a thrilling leap into ownership, a chance to build something your own way. But amidst the excitement of setting up shop, there’s a critical step that can either turbocharge your profits or leave you scrambling: insurance credentialing. If you’re thinking it’s just a box to check,…
Mistakes I Learned from Doing Composite Veneers
A D4 Perspective for Your Future Clinical Wins By: Michael Eid Composite veneers are often marketed as conservative, quick fixes for minor esthetic issues, but what no one tells you early on is how technique-sensitive they are. As a D4 who’s now done a handful, here are the biggest mistakes I made, and what I…
Touch It Once: The Midas Method for Getting More Done Without the Stress
Everything you touch should turn into progress, not piles of unfinished work. By: Dawn Patrick, Director of Operations and Business Development Coach, IgniteDDS In every dental practice, things move quickly. There’s always a patient to see, a call to answer, a tray to flip, or a chart to review. It’s no wonder that phrases like: …come…
Transforming Professional Teeth Cleanings with Guided Biofilm Therapy
By: Stephen K. Malone, DMD and Michael Costa, DDS, MHSThis Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Malone granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Dental hygiene has evolved significantly since the early 1900s. Gone are the days of sharp instruments and gritty polishing pastes as the primary tools for cleaning teeth. Today, modern…
The Big Question: Startup Or Acquisition?
By: Nilesh Patel, VP, Regional Business Development Officer, Bank of America Practice solutions I enjoy working with prospective dental practice owners to aid them to realize their dreams. Supporting these individuals is rewarding and inspiring because I get to help them answer crucial questions. This includes the most important question of all: “Should I acquire…
The Dreaded Transfer Request (Part 2)
By: Dr. Eric Recker Your front desk sends a message to you in your treatment room. They need to have a word. You try to finish up your procedure, but you know this likely isn’t going to be good news. You walk to the front desk and prepare (brace) yourself. They hand you a transfer…
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…