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.
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…
Ready or Not: How to Know When It’s Time to Buy a Dental Practice
By: Dr. Hannah Crowell Buying a dental practice is a significant milestone in your career as a dentist. It represents not only a financial investment but also a commitment to managing a business and caring for a patient base. Deciding when you’re ready to take this step requires careful consideration of several key factors. 7…
Help…My Dental Assistant Won’t Restock the Treatment Rooms
By: Ronda Holman My name is Ronda Holman and I have been sitting across from a dentist for a living for the last 25 years. I thought it might be time to make some written confessions about what I have been guilty of over the years and how my dentist effectively molded me into their…
Maximizing Team Member Engagement
By: Mark Kleive DDSThis article originally appeared on Pankey.org. Dr. Kleive granted permission for igniteDDS to share it with our readers. Keeping your team members motivated and actively participating throughout the year is no small feat. Without a solid communication-based framework, things can easily fall apart, undermining the cohesion and productivity of your practice. During…
Cultivating Team Synergy in Dental Practice Management: Insights from the Trenches
Dentistry, while rooted in medical science, is profoundly shaped by the personalities at play within a practice. The realm of managing a dental team extends beyond clinical skills, delving into the nuanced art of fostering a positive workplace culture that ultimately reflects in patient satisfaction. Join Dr. Savanah Craig and Dr. Ronnetta Sartor as they…
Quick Take: Elevating Common Dental Procedures with the Solea
By: David Rice, DDS The Solea® All-Tissue Dental Laser from Convergent Dental is a breakthrough dental technology that enables dentists to perform a wide range of anesthesia-free, blood-free, and pain-free procedures in hard- and soft-tissue. Those who have an interest in lasers understand that Solea’s unique 9.3-micron CO2 technology makes it superior in handling anesthesia-free…
Know Your Patients: One of the Keys to Successful Treatment
By: Mike Crete DDSThis topic originally appeared on Pankey.org. Dr. Crete granted permission for it to be shared with igniteDDS readers. Have you ever found yourself explaining a treatment plan to a patient, only to be met with a blank stare and silence for a minute? It’s a common scenario indicating that while the patient…
Redefining Success: Insights from Dental Professionals on Career Fulfillment
In a world where the definition of success is often blurred by societal expectations and personal aspirations, two rising dental professionals engage in a candid conversation that demystifies the concept of success. Dr. Craig and Dr. Sartor delve into what it means to achieve success in both personal and professional spheres, particularly in the field…
Innovative Dental Technology Increases Efficiency & Production
By: Michael T. Kelly, DMDThis topic originally appeared on ConvergentDental.com. Dr. Kelly granted permission for it to be shared with igniteDDS readers. Michael T. Kelly, DMD of Aesthetic Dentistry of Scottsdale is committed to dental excellence and strives to teach others about advancing dental techniques. He and his team successfully utilize innovative dental technology to…
TMJ 101: The Best TMD Treatment Options For Dentists
By: Dr. Leonard A. Hess, DDSClinical Director, The Dawson AcademyThis article originally appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.com, Dr. Hess allowed igniteDDS to share with our readers. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, commonly referred to as TMD, are a set of conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. With an estimated prevalence of 5-12% in the general population,…
Navigating Patient Expectations: Insights for Early-Career Dentists
Dentistry isn’t just about the technical handling of teeth; it involves the complex task of navigating patient expectations, often overshadowed by immediate clinical challenges. The journey of newly graduated dentists Dr. Savanah Craig and Dr. Ronnetta Sartor offers a lens into the intricate balancing act of managing patient desires and maintaining professional integrity. This article…