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…
Why Reviewing Your Financial Plan Matters More Than You Think
By: Todd Doobrow, CFP According to an article from the Wall Street Journal, “the average person spends about 40 hours planning a week-long vacation, yet less than an hour a year on their finances.” With that in mind, we know many financial advisors are currently generating comprehensive financial plan documents representing the year ending 2025….
Saliva-Based Diagnostics for Preventive and Holistic Oral Care
By: Kelley Brummett, DMD This Article Originally Appeared in PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Brummett granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Addressing Oral Inflammation with Saliva Testing In the pursuit of providing exceptional dental care, focusing on holistic oral health is essential. Addressing inflammation and limiting the risk of infection in patients is not just about…
Are You Unknowingly Rewarding the Wrong Thing?
The Hidden Messages Behind Our Praise (a Reflection for Dental Leaders) By: Candy Velez, CRDH, BSDH, IgniteDDS Dental Hygiene Coach As a leader or manager of a dental practice, have you ever considered how your words of praise are actually received by your team? As a hygienist — and as a coach who focuses on…
Holiday Recovery for Dentists: How to Reset After an Emotionally Draining Year
By: Dr. Sable Muntean The holidays are often portrayed as a time of rest and renewal. For many dentists, however, the reality looks very different. December tends to bring packed schedules, end-of-year insurance pressure, emotionally charged patient interactions, staffing challenges, and the unspoken expectation to finish strong, regardless of the personal cost. As January begins,…
Why Most Dental Practice Goals Fail by February & How to Prevent It
By: Dr. David Rice, Founder & CEO IGNITEDDS Every January – dental practices around the globe set goals with the best of intentions. We strive to … And yet by February – just like the gym promise so many make – most of those goals quietly fade into the background – replaced by overwhelming schedules…
Quick Relief: Minimizing Patients’ Discomfort in Aligner Therapy
By: Kelley Brummett, DMD This Topic Originally Appeared On PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Brummett granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. As dental professionals, we often see patients experiencing muscle tension or jaw discomfort—sometimes even stemming from routine procedures like cleanings or treatments. For patients undergoing orthodontic therapy, this muscle tension can sometimes intensify, even though…
Why the Money Isn’t Showing Up: Part 1
A Financial Control Series for Dental Practice Owners By: Dawn Patrick, COO and Dental Business Strategy Coach, IgniteDDS Let me start by saying this plainly: If the money isn’t showing up in your practice, it’s not because you’re a bad dentist. It’s because most dentists were never taught how to run financial systems, only how…
Endo Diagnosis: High-Yield Tips That Actually Matter
By: Michael Eid Read more guides on Endodontics by Michael Eid: Endo diagnosis isn’t about memorizing tests. It’s about pattern recognition. Here’s how to get it right without overthinking it. 1. Listen Before You Touch the Tooth The story usually gives the answer. 🦷 Tip: If the history doesn’t fit the diagnosis, you’re probably wrong….
The Most _____ Time of the Year
By: Dr. Eric Recker Christmas is over. New Year’s is over. We have officially settled into the longest stretch we have without a scheduled break. It’s a long time until Memorial Day, and if you live in a place like Iowa—where it is ridiculously cold and often cloudy in January—this is where the walls can…
Why January Is the Best Time to Fix Broken Systems in Your Dental Practice
By: Dr. Sable Muntean January is often labeled as a “slow month” in dentistry. The holidays are over, patients are distracted by new deductibles, and schedules can feel lighter than usual. But for practice owners who understand the business side of dentistry, January isn’t slow—it’s strategic. January is the single best time of year to…