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…
From Scramble to Strategy: Making Q4 Your Most Profitable Quarter
By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Business Coach and Director of Operations, IgniteDDS Every fall, dental practices face the same challenge: by the time they remember that October through December holds the highest patient demand, half the opportunity is gone. With September behind us, now is the moment to get intentional. Why? Because Q4 is where patient momentum…
🦷🎃 Spooktacular Smiles: Fun Ways to Celebrate Halloween in the Office
By: Dr. Sable Muntean Costume ideas, decorating tips, and candy alternatives to keep it dental-friendly! Halloween is a favorite time of year for patients and dental teams alike, a perfect excuse to add a little fun (and maybe a few cobwebs) to your workday! Between the costumes, décor, and community spirit, this spooky season is…
Correcting Patients’ S Sound During Restorative Dental Treatment
By: Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. Patients produce the S sound by creating a small airspace between their upper and lower incisors, and there are three common ways this happens: In each case, the ideal space for producing the S…
3 Simple PPO Revenue Optimization Tips Every Practice Should Know
By: Angela Holland, Founder of Preferred Dental SolutionsInsurance Expert and Strategy Consultant for Dental PracticesPreferredDentalSolutions.com Dentistry is a business of both skill and strategy. Delivering excellent care is non-negotiable, but maximizing what you’re paid for that care requires an intentional approach to PPO management. Here are three powerful ways to optimize your revenue from a…
Tofflemire vs. Palodent: Why Your Contacts Will Suck…at First
By: Michael Eid Your first few Class II restorations will probably have open contacts, flat contours, or a ridge you’ll want to cry over. That’s normal. Getting good proximal contacts isn’t just about packing composite; it’s about mastering your matrix system. Here’s what I learned the hard way. 1. Tofflemire Feels Safe: But It Lies to…
Seasonal Nutrition for Busy Dental Teams
By: Dr. Sable Muntean Fueling Long Clinic Days with Fall Flavors The fall season invites cozy sweaters, crunchy leaves, and pumpkin‐spiced treats. For dental professionals juggling back-to-back appointments, administrative tasks, and patient care, it’s all too easy to let nutrition slip. But fueling your body well is one of the best investments you can make,…
Ergonomic Loupes: Improve Vision and Extend Your Dental Career
By: Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. As a dentist, I’ve always been dedicated to providing the best possible care for my patients. But over the years, I realized that I needed to prioritize my own well-being as well. One area…
Paying Off Student Loans Early vs. Investing: A Smart Strategy
By: Todd Doobrow, CFP As a dentist, you’ve likely emerged from dental school with some amount of student loan burden. According to the ADA, the average dental school graduate owes over $290,000 in student loans. Faced with this debt, many dentists debate taking one of two actions, often based solely on the actions their peers…
Fall Into Balance: How Dentists Can Recharge This Season
By: Dr. Sable Muntean As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, fall brings a gentle reminder that it’s okay to slow down. For dentists, who often spend long hours focusing on precision, patient care, and practice demands, the idea of slowing down can feel foreign, or even impossible. But just as…
Increasing Case Acceptance Through Hygienist-Led Conversations
By: Clayton Davis, DDSThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Davis granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers. What if your hygiene team could help patients commit to treatment—before you even walk into the room?15 years ago, while visiting New York City, I dropped by a high-performing dental practice I’d heard a lot…