Dr. Lindsay Eastman received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1978 from Loyola University Dental School where he completed his Graduate training in Periodontics and his Masters of Science in Oral Biology
He received his Post-Graduate specialty training in Surgical Placement of Implants from Northwestern University Dental School in 1990 and completed Business Management Training from Pride Institute in 1992. He has maintained a successful periodontal practice in Bradenton, FL since 1980. Dr. Eastman incorporates the latest techniques in reconstructive periodontics, tissue engineering, dental implants placement and was among the first group of dentists in the U.S. trained in computer guided implant surgery. He founded the Manatee Study Club in 2008 and became a Clinical Assistant Professor in Periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 2010.
Dr. Eastman facilitated the initiative to create the Dental Hygiene Program at Manatee Community College in 1998 and is Chairman on the Advisory Committee. He has served as president of the Manatee Dental Society and as a local board member since 1994.
He is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, American Dental Association, American Academy of Osseointegration, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, West Coast Dental Society, Southern Academy of Periodontology, Florida Society of Periodontists, Manatee Dental Society, the Florida Dental Society of Anesthesiology, and a Fellow in the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry.
Dr. Eastman was born in August 1952 as one of four children and grew up in Park Ridge, Illinois. He was married to his beautiful wife Marny in 1981 and is a proud father of four wonderful children: Christie, Kiley, Cruise & Kodi. He enjoys being with his family most, but also loves fishing, jogging, golf, racquetball, soccer and baseball. Recently, he has been finding time to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of his labor, gardening at home. He experiences personal growth through countless hours of continued education and motivational resources.
In residency, Dr. Christie was trained by world-renowned surgeons in the latest implant and periodontal surgical techniques utilizing the newest products. She was also involved in several research projects which have been published in leading periodontal and implant journals
Dr. Christie was born and raised in Bradenton, Florida. She attended Rollins College for her undergraduate studies where she received her Bachelors Degree with Honors in Biology. She also played volleyball for the Rollins College varsity team. She graduated with the highest distinction from Rollins. Dr. Christie continued her education at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and was awarded her Doctorate of Dental Medicine Degree, graduating at the top of her class. All throughout her undergraduate and dental school studies, Dr. Christie knew she had a passion for periodontology after watching the positive interactions her father had with his patients and seeing how much joy it brought him. She applied to the Graduate Periodontics Residency Program at the University of Florida. She finished her periodontal training and received a Master of Science Degree and her Professional Certificate in Periodontics. Her Masters Project focused on the development of a novel animal model of polymicrobial peri-implantitis infection.
Dr. Christie feels so blessed to have a career that she truly enjoys. She appreciates the opportunity that she has to provide periodontal and implant therapy for her patients. She enjoys all aspects of patient care and the field of periodontology and is passionate about oral health. She is dedicated to staying abreast of the latest advances in the fields, and she remains focused on providing treatment that is firmly based on scientific evidence. She attends several courses every year to consistently provide optimal treatment for her patients. Clinically, Dr. Christie spends a significant amount of time on education and making sure that she answers all of her patients questions.
Outside of work, Dr. Christie appreciates the precious moments spent with her friends and family and loves spending time with her dog, Bosco. She enjoys time outdoors, playing volleyball, traveling, reading, and living a healthy lifestyle. She is eager and excited to return home to Bradenton and begin practicing alongside her father. Dr. Christie is looking forward to continuing her fathers legacy and developing lifelong relationships with her patients.
Dr. Justin C. Craighead is a leader and educator in Periodontics, Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry. Dr. Craighead is currently the only dual specialist in Periodontics and Prosthodontics in the State of Florida, and one of just a handful of specialists in the entire world with certificates in both specialties
He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Finance from the University of Florida in 2004 and his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry in 2008 from Boston University, Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Immediately following graduation Dr. Craighead completed a one-year residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Boston University, Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He was granted the excellence award for best exemplifying excellence in character and clinical proficiency in 2009. Dr. Craighead earned specialty certificates in Periodontics and Prosthodontics as well as a fellowship certificate in Prosthodontics from the University of Florida College of Dental Medicine in Gainesville, Florida from 2009 to 2015. He also has his Masters in Prosthodontics from University of Florida and became a Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists in 2012.
As a specialist, Dr. Craighead has experience in treating a wide variety of cases from straightforward cases requiring single tooth replacement and crowns to patients needing comprehensive multispecialty treatment.
Dr. Craighead had the honor of being pronounced chief surgical resident for his outstanding dental achievements and served as an instructor, lecturer, and co-developer of the advanced surgical curriculums in the Department of Restorative Science, Graduate Prosthodontics at the University of Florida in Gainesville in 2013. In addition to private practice at Premier Dental Team, he is actively involved with lecturing at the Mini-Residency in Advanced Implant Dentistry offered by the University of Florida, College of Dental Medicine in the subjects of bone grafting, dental implant surgery, and advanced prosthodontics. He continues to provide healthy smiles by delivering complex implant and reconstructive dental care to the Special Needs community at the Tacachale Dental Clinic in Gainesville, Florida.
Tara completed her Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene with honors from Manatee Community College. While in school, she served as president of the Student American Dental Hygiene Association. Additionaly, she has an Associates degree inrespiratorycare. For the past 12 years she has worked as a critical care RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) and is certified in advanced cardiac life support. Whether helping to treat and prevent oral disease or helping someone to breathe easier, Tara enjoys improving the quality of her patients lives. She began working with Dr. Eastman in 2004 and is the dental hygiene area manager. Tara is married with two children.
Janelle joined the Eastman Team in January 2007. She received her certificate in Dental Assisting in 2003 and went on to further her education by earning her Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene from Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, FL in 2005. She is also certified in Dental Anesthesia. Janelle is a Bradenton Native by several generations. She enjoys getting to know her patients and building relationships with them. She is passionate about her work and finds it very rewarding to see the lives of her patients change through her care. When Janelle is not caring for her patients she is with her family. She has been happily married to her middle school sweetheart for over 13 years and they have 3 beautiful children. They enjoy sports, coaching baseball, boating, fishing, working out, doing home improvements and anything outdoors. She is also a huge Florida Gators fan. GO GATORS!
Brett received his Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from SPJC in St. Petersburg, FL in 1998. He began working with Dr. Eastman in 1999 and found his niche. He completed Nobel Biocares training on NobelGuide: Computer planning Software for Dental Implants in 2005 during its initial release in the U.S. and prepares CT scans for viewing by Dr. Eastman. He carries multiple roles in the office, as Study Club Coordinator for the Manatee Study Club, practice liaison and Area Manager for marketing and technology. He enjoys the outdoors, loves technology and has an artistic/creative side. He is a fifth-generation native Florida resident who is married, father of two boys and volunteers with the Cub Scouts serving as Cub Master for Pack 46 in Bradenton.
Andrea received her certification in Dental assisting from Manatee Technical College in 2010 and has been loving her profession ever since! She was born and raised in Bradenton, Florida and is fluent in both Spanish and English. Andreas passion is helping people and her priority is patient care. She takes pride in her job and works closely with our doctors and team as the clinical area manager. Although dentistry is a huge part of her life, she is equally passionate about spending quality time with her family and close friends. Andrea looks forward to building a relationship with all our patients at Eastman Periodontics.
Miriam has been with Eastman Periodontics for over 10 years and controls all outgoing written communications via postal, email and fax with referring offices. Her warm and inviting personality makes her a pleasure to work with. Being a mother is Miriams most shining accomplishment. She is extremely proud of her two children and loves spending time with her family and three grandchildren.
As the Hygiene Coordinator, Ozzy is always first on the phone to schedule maintenance cleanings and answer questions. Ozzy started with us in February 2015. He is full of energy and wears a smile both on and off of the phone. Our team enjoys his excellent sense of humor and loves working with him. He finds working in the dental field exciting and full of learning opportunities. He wants to follow his career path as a RN and wants to become part of our clinical team. He enjoys an active lifestyle with his wife and two children.
Rebecca joined the practice in 2013 after leaving Michaels Arts and Crafts as a customer experience manager. Being a past paramedic, she missed being in the medical field and has a passion for helping others through her position as financial coordinator. She processes all insurance related transactions and helps answer any questions patients may have regarding their coverage. Rebecca also reviews the financial aspect of our patients treatment plans and helps make financial arrangements for them. Originally from Indiana, she spent 28 years in Michigan before moving to Florida in 2011. She loves sharing her arts and crafts with friends. She has 2 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 mini dachshunds.
Cruise earned his Bachelors in Information Technology Systems Administration December of 2015. He helps manage computer issues, data entry and IT projects around the office. He began working for Dr. Eastman since September of 2006, and still loves the atmosphere and work environment he experiences today. He is a Florida resident whom recently had a baby boy.