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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…
New Research on Caries Management
By: Dr. Savanah Craig The American Dental Association defines dental caries as a; “Biofilm-mediated, sugar-driven, multifactorial, dynamic disease that results in the phasic demineralization and remineralization of dental hard tissues.” Dental caries affects 97% of the world population and the term is used to describe both the disease process and the lesion. Dental caries can…
A Dentist’s Perspective on Retainer Wear Time
By: Lee Ann Brady DMDTopic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.org Patients tend to want to spend as little time as possible in their retainers after orthodontic treatment. It’s common in my practice for patients to ask me how long they have to wear them, with the implicit understanding that an extended time period is undesirable. As…
Unlocking Precision and Comfort: The Optragate by Ivoclar
By: Tara Aboumahboub, DMD In the realm of modern dentistry, precision, and patient comfort are paramount. Among the myriad innovations aiming to enhance these aspects, the Optragate by Ivoclar stands out as a true game-changer. This ingenious device, developed by Ivoclar, has created a streamlined approach to access any tooth in the mouth, making it…
How to Discover Occlusal Muscle Disorders
By: Dr. Leonard A. Hess, DDSClinical Director, The Dawson AcademyThe Article Originally Appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.comLearn about Occlusion at TheDawsonAcademy.com One of the key components of a complete exam is the palpation of the masticatory muscles. During this part of the exam, we are looking for signs of muscle tenderness or pain. This pain is an indication of…
Importance of Financial Planning for Dentists: 3 Mistakes to Avoid
By: Todd Doobrow, CFP As dental professionals, you dedicate your lives to ensuring the oral health and well-being of your patients. However, amidst the rigors of running a successful practice, it’s essential not to overlook the importance of sound financial planning. Unfortunately, many dentists fall into common traps that can hinder their long-term financial success….
Help…My Dental Assistant is Always Late!
By: Ronda Holman Hi dear reader, 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 as to what I have been guilty of over the years and how my dentist was…
Scariest Clinical Mistake with Dr. Jennifer Bell
Host: Dr. Tanya Sue MaestasGuest: Dr. Jennifer BellEdited By: Candy Velez CRDH We had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Jennifer Bell, a full-time practicing dentist based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Bell is known for her involvement in organized dentistry and as a co-host on the podcast “Dentists IN the Know.“ We discuss her…
Financial Mistake of Chasing Tax Breaks with Dr. Bell
Host: Dr. Tanya Sue MaestasGuest: Dr. Jennifer BellEdited By: Candy Velez CRDH Today, we speak with Dr. Jennifer Bell, who candidly discusses a financial mistake she made in her career and how it relates to taxes. Join us as we explore the often-overlooked aspects of dental finances and their implications on a dentist’s practice and…
Considerations of Treatment Planning a Maxillary Implant Prosthesis
By: Dr. Leonard A. Hess, DDSClinical Director, The Dawson AcademyThe Article Originally Appeared on TheDawsonAcademy.comLearn about Occlusion at TheDawsonAcademy.com When we have patients with an existing maxillary denture who want to transition to some type of implant prosthesis, there are many things to consider when we are treatment planning these types of cases. The number…
Navigating Dental Practice Ownership: Rural vs. Urban Opportunities
By: Dr. Hannah Crowell Are you a dental professional considering taking the leap into practice ownership? One of the critical decisions you’ll face is choosing between a rural or urban area for your practice location. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Exploring the pros and cons of buying a dental…


