Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction, episode overview & why Dr. Mike recorded this presentation

1:17 – Context: Presenting across the U.S. (Houston, Bronx, Long Island) — the near-universal reaction was shock at the document's flaws

3:07 – THE GOOD begins

3:07 – Good #1: Acknowledges the full spectrum of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), not just OSA

3:55 – Good #2 & #3: Calls on orthodontists to screen all pediatric patients for SDB, emphasizes early detection, and acknowledges multifactorial etiology requiring interdisciplinary care

5:07 – THE BAD begins

5:07 – Bad #1–2: Author panel was 8 orthodontists + 1 librarian (no physicians, no myofunctional therapists); document inconsistently uses "OSA" vs. "SDB" throughout

8:03 – Bad #3–5: Minimal screening guidance (32 signs & symptoms largely ignored); only briefly mentions comorbidities; never discusses the importance of nasal breathing

13:00 – Bad #6: Overall focus is on what not to do rather than guiding orthodontists on how to help patients

14:00 – THE UGLY begins

15:01 – Ugly #1: Reliance on PSG-confirmed OSA to justify intervention — challenges with pediatric sleep studies (access, sensitivity, first-night effect, lack of standardization); what Reference 34 actually says vs. how it was cited

22:40 – Patient case study: Child with AHI of zero but severe signs of airway disease — the ENT said "what does the orthodontist know about sleep medicine?"

26:34 – Ugly #2: "No way to determine if a patient is a mouth breather" — justified by a study of 9 adults on a cycle ergometer; Dr. Kandasamy's 2025 AJODO editorial; what the actual research shows (European OJ, AHA, ADHD literature, microbiome)

36:51 – Ugly #3: "No craniofacial phenotypes can identify SDB" — directly contradicted by Reference 34 and the original 2019 white paper; Harvold primate studies, Hew et al. (2011), Principato's tongue mechanics explained

43:03 – Ugly #4: "Most children with SDB will outgrow it" — both cited references (Refs 17 & 18) actually contradict this claim; cardiovascular, neurocognitive, and ADHD consequences of waiting

53:03 – Ugly #5: "CBCT has no diagnostic value for SDB" — contradicted by Reference 34; what CBCT can detect; the radiation argument debunked

57:29 – Ugly #6: Must refer to a physician for diagnosis before any intervention — ignores lack of access to pediatric sleep physicians; a formal diagnosis does not change the orthodontist's treatment plan for normalizing craniofacial growth

1:00:00 – Ugly #7: Misleading analysis of tongue tie (ankyloglossia) and PSDB — references were miscited; what the scoping review (1,228+ patients) and 2026 systematic review actually concluded

1:07:27 – The evidence-based medicine argument: what David Sackett (founder of EBM) actually said — and how Class I occlusion, ceph norms, clear aligners, and IPR are held to a different standard than airway treatment

1:19:20 – Ugly #8: "Orthodontic extractions have no impact on airway" — the Larson article debunked (patients didn't even necessarily have orthodontic treatment); extractions treat the symptom and ignore the underlying etiology

1:28:20 – Path forward: "Straight teeth bias," the need for a paradigm shift, and the vision for a profession that creates both beautiful smiles and healthy nasal breathers

Resources Mentioned

• AAO White Paper Update: Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Orthodontics (https://www.ajodo.org/article/S0889-5406(26)00035-1/fulltext)  
• Dr. Mike's OrthoTown article: Defining Evidence-Based Orthodontics (https://www.orthotown.com/magazine/article/9835/defining-evidence-based-orthodontics?fbclid=IwY2xjawP14fxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFrVWE3M3EwYWJTRWpEdENTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhwMNgFJyCJB6JMvVDSomu6drLwAym2SI7CDx-eXbuwrUwBxzP6NpyP7HpT8_aem_NmfJlB15aUQgioH6xWUu3A)
• Early Orthodontic Treatment Comprehensive – 2-day hands-on course with Dr. Mike & Dr. Daniel Camacho, Fort Lauderdale, FL, November 13–14. Save $1,000 by enrolling before May 31st. Limited to 20 docs. (https://www.earlyorthotreatment.com/)

Connect

• Website: theorthocoach.com
• Email: drmike@theorthocoach.com
• Facebook: The DOC Community (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/)
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
• Subscribe to the DOC YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@theorthocoach)

Please share this episode widely — with medical, dental, and myofunctional therapy colleagues, parents, and anyone invested in children's health.

Dr. McIntosh also walks me through one of the most eye-opening breakdowns I've ever heard about Scammon's curve, and what orthodontists were never actually taught about what that data really shows. This episode is a must-listen for any dental or medical professional who works with children and cares about more than just straight teeth.

Timestamps:
0:02:40 — Welcome & introducing Dr. David McIntosh back to the show
0:04:35 — The AAO white paper update: eight orthodontists, one librarian, and zero medical or myofunctional colleagues
0:09:51 — The quote that stopped Dr. McIntosh cold: "Pre-pubertal OSA tends to resolve naturally"
0:11:34 — Dissecting the flaws in reference #17: small sample sizes, changing scoring rules & selection bias
0:13:01 — Reference #18 from a 2010 Journal of Pediatrics paper that actually contradicts the white paper's own conclusion
0:22:59 — Why the CHAT study should have been their starting point
0:23:09 — The Karen Bonuck study: 12,000 children, 7 years of data, and what early SDB really does to development
0:27:54 — Christian Guilleminault and why he wished he'd never invented the AHI
0:38:16 — Breaking down Scammon's curve: what it actually measures (and what it doesn't)
0:40:25 — The original data came from the spleen and thymus — not tonsils or adenoids
0:53:30 — "I don't care about teeth" — Dr. McIntosh on why craniofacial outcomes are the wrong finish line
0:55:34 — Straight teeth bias: why orthodontists need to think like dentofacial orthopedists
1:04:08 — Mouth breathing and craniofacial growth: why the debate doesn't even matter anymore
1:20:41 — Dr. McIntosh and Bill Harrell's upcoming Airway Breathing Academy — what it is and who it's for

I hope this episode challenges the way you think about what we're really treating when we treat children's airways, because it's never just about the teeth.

If you found this valuable, please follow me on Instagram at @theorthocoach, join our community at The DOC Community on Facebook (link below), and subscribe on YouTube at @theorthocoach. Your support helps keep these important conversations going. See you next episode.

LINKS

• Register for the In-person Early Treatment Comprehensive: https://www.earlyorthotreatment.com/ 
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/
• Guillimenault & Huang article in Sleep Medicine Reviews, 2018: Guilleminault C, Huang YS. From oral facial dysfunction to dysmorphism and the onset of pediatric OSA. Sleep Med Rev. 2018 Aug;40:203-214.
• Connect with Dr. McIntosh:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.mcintosh.180 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mcintosh.ent/?hl=en 

The conversation covers vaccines, fluoride, gut health, sleep, and practical steps parents can take today, all grounded in science, and without the usual gatekeeping.

Timestamps:

0:23 – Introduction: Meet Beth Lambert
8:01 – Beth gets kicked out of 3 pediatricians' offices for asking about root causes
15:50 – How post-WWII pharmaceutical culture shaped modern medicine
17:57 – Direct-to-consumer drug advertising: the U.S. is one of only two countries that allow it
22:07 – The data: from 2% of kids with chronic illness in 1960 to 54%+ today
24:23 – What's driving the epidemic? Food, air, water, antibiotics, toxins — the "Total Load"
25:48 – Explaining the Total Load Theory and why no single cause explains it all
30:40 – The CHIRP Study: Child Health Inventory for Resilience and Prevention
31:15 – Preliminary findings: more health stressors = worse health outcomes
36:32 – The vaccine-autism debate: why we need open, unbiased science
37:59 – Antibiotics and the microbiome: the biggest signal in the CHIRP data
43:13 – "The science is settled" — why that phrase has no place in real science
54:38 – Fluoride: Beth hasn't used it in 20 years — here's why
1:06:25 – Gut health: why the microbiome is foundational but not the whole picture
1:12:22 – Is it ADHD or is it sleep deprivation? The airway-behavior connection
1:19:57 – Biohacks (peptides, red light, vagus nerve stimulators): helpful tools, not solutions
1:23:16 – Take-home message: clinician-parent partnership and owning your child's health
1:25:37 – Where to find Beth & Documenting Hope: documentinghope.com

LINKS:

• Epidemic Answers: www.epidemicanswers.org
• The Documenting Hope Project: www.documentinghope.com
• A Compromised Generation: http://sentientpublications.com/shop/books/all-titles/a-compromised-generation/
• Brain Under Attack: http://www.brainunderattack.com
• Follow Beth on Socials: @documentinghope  
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/
• REGISTER: 2026 Early Orthodontic Treatment Comprehensive: https://www.earlyorthotreatment.com/ 

In Part 2, Drs. Hwang and Lin dive deeper into the science. They discuss the neurogenic underpinning of nasal and sinus disease, how acoustic vibration at individualized resonant frequencies modulates the autonomic nervous system (specifically the sphenopalatine ganglion), and why neuromodulation, not just mechanical mucus clearance, may explain the device's broad effectiveness. 

Together, all three guests explore the future of the Sonu Band, the potential to bridge the gap between ENTs, dentists, orthodontists, and primary care physicians, and the exciting platform that pairs face scanning and voice analytics to deliver personalized airway data at scale.

Timestamps
3:22 — **PART 1 begins: Interview with Dr. Paramesh Gopi**
4:11 — **The personal health crisis that changed everything** — Multiple sinus infections, rounds of antibiotics, a lifetime of allergies, and why a life-threatening level of illness in 2019 forced a new path.
11:25 — **5 years without antibiotics or sprays** — Dr. Gopi describes his transformation after becoming the first patient to try acoustic resonance therapy with Drs. Hwang and Lin.
16:57 — **Shared stories: empathy in medicine** — Dr. Mike and Dr. Gopi connect over parallel personal experiences with chronic sinus disease and how those experiences drove each of them into broader airway-focused work.
24:23 — **The Sound Health app & free nasal airway report** — Anyone can download the app, speak into it, and get a quantified nasal airflow report — no purchase necessary. The role of voice biomarkers in identifying breathing patterns.
29:53 — **How the Sonu Band works: the physics of resonance** — Dr. Gopi explains the mechanism using the analogy of resonating a bottle to pop a cork. Sound waves at the right frequency physically alter aerodynamics inside the sinus cavities to clear mucus blockages.
32:28 — **AI-powered facial scanning replaces the CT scan** — How Sound Health trained AI on hundreds of CT scans to predict internal sinus anatomy from a simple face scan using your phone's camera.
43:54 — **Why avoid single-solution thinking?** — A conversation on multifactorial airway disease and why combining therapies (expansion, resonance, surgery, pharmacology) with no-downside non-pharma options makes sense.
48:19 — **Data-driven treatment and longitudinal tracking** — Sound Health's published 2,375-person usage study, correlating face shape with symptom improvement over 12+ months.
52:21 — **The "Screen, Treat, Monitor" platform** — How Sound Health envisions its technology becoming a reimbursable remote therapeutic monitoring tool, usable by dentists, orthodontists, speech therapists, and physicians.
1:01:07 — **Dr. Mike's personal Sonu Band experience** — Noticeable improvement in nasal patency, reduced reliance on nasal steroids, and sleeping on his "bad side" for the first time in decades.

1:08:17 — **PART 2 begins: Interview with Drs. Peter Hwang & Bryant Lin**
1:09:18 — **Origin story: humming, singers, and a hallway conversation** — Dr. Hwang recounts a 1990s residency comment about singers having fewer sinus problems that incubated for 20 years before becoming a product. Dr. Lin describes early prototyping with cell phone vibration motors and buzzer kits.
1:23:29 — **Long-term real-world data** — Beyond the FDA trials: adherence patterns, frequency of use, and what happens when patients stop using the device. The difference from rebound effects seen with decongestant sprays.
1:38:59 — **Why sleeping position affects nasal congestion** — The science of nasal cycling, pressure receptors, and dependent venous congestion. Why lying on one side makes the other side open up.
1:43:06 — **What's next for Sound Health** — Upcoming indications: facial pain/migraines, rhinitis of pregnancy, younger pediatric patients, and a sleep entrainment product (Spatial Sleep) designed to guide brainwaves into theta for insomnia relief.

LINKS

• REGISTER for the 2026 Early Orthodontic Treatment Comprehensive: https://www.earlyorthotreatment.com/ 
• Sound Health Life: https://soundhealth.life/ 
• Sleep Help Products: https://spatialsleep.com/ 
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/

What makes this conversation so compelling is that, like me, he didn't set out to be an airway-focused orthodontist. He evolved. And the path that got him there, full of personal health struggles, defining patient moments, and a relentless pursuit of deeper purpose, is one I think so many of you will connect with. 

You'll get to listen to two board-certified orthodontists who were not trained in airway-focused treatment share how their thinking evolved and why we believe orthodontists are uniquely positioned to change lives, not just straighten teeth. We dive into the science, the clinical realities, and the politics of our profession, as well as the reasons we are both so passionate about airway-focused treatment. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Highlights & Timestamps
2:24 — **Welcome & Introduction**
The conversation kicks off with how our shared work on an upcoming publication brought us together.
3:18 — **A Career Path Redirected**
What started as a passion for restorative dentistry led to a defining patient moment — a mom in tears handing over a teacher's note about how her child's life had changed after expansion and an ENT referral. That was the turning point.
6:01 — **"That's What I Want to Do for the Rest of My Life"**
The moment the decision was made to pursue orthodontics — with airway and growth at the center of it.
7:41 — **Personal Health as a Clinical Lens**
After attending an airway-focused CE course, the pieces fell into place personally — UARS misdiagnosed as narcolepsy, multiple tongue surgeries, atrial fibrillation, and two children who also struggled. Living through these experiences has shaped an extraordinary level of clinical empathy and insight.
17:46 — **Building a Practice That Can Actually Do This Work**
The practical side: how do you restructure your schedule, limit new patient exams, build a stable and educated team, and create systems that allow for the depth of care airway treatment demands? Spoiler — it's not easy, but it's worth it.
32.13 — **The AAO White Paper on Pediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing**
A candid breakdown of what the updated white paper gets right — and where it falls short. We discuss the dismissal of craniofacial phenotypes, the role of CBCT, the spectrum of SDB beyond OSA, and the troubling contradictions within the paper's own cited references.
54:25 — **CBCT in Everyday Practice**
How CBCT is used not just for diagnosis, but as a communication tool — with ENTs, with parents, and with patients themselves. When patients can see their own airway on screen, they become partners in their care.
1:16:31 — **Extractions & Airway: The Real Conversation**
It's not the extraction itself — it's the failure to diagnose and address the underlying skeletal issue. A thoughtful breakdown of why this debate is often argued on the wrong terms, including a close look at the Larson article frequently cited by AAO leadership.
1:23:00 — **Not Everyone Has to Practice This Way — And That's Okay**
A mature and respectful take on the diversity of orthodontic practice. Not every provider needs to be an airway orthodontist — but everyone should be aware enough to recognize it and refer when they see it.
1:27:59 — **Closing Thoughts**
Why this work is "the most rewarding thing you will ever do in your life" — and a call to keep the conversation going, keep the community growing, and keep moving the needle.

Connect:

• Capps Orthodontics Website: https://cappsortho.com/ 
• Email Dr. Capps: drc@capsorthodontics.com
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/
• Enroll in one-on-one coaching w/Dr. Mike: https://theorthocoach.com/doc-coaching/ 
• Dr. Gozal Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irreversible-consequences-of-pediatric/id1689703392?i=1000758827479 

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a colleague. That's how we move the needle together!

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. David Phelps, dentist turned financial freedom educator, real estate investor, and founder of Freedom Founders. Both of us retired from our clinical practices in our mid-40s and share remarkably parallel journeys. We dive deep into why earning more won't set you free, how to build genuine margin in your money and your time, the danger of tying your identity to your profession, and why having hard conversations with your spouse about money is the most important financial move you can make. Dr. Phelps also shares the deeply personal story of his daughter's battle with leukemia and a liver transplant, and how a family health crisis became the catalyst for his financial freedom journey.

Key Topics Covered

• Why income alone will never create freedom, and what will
• The power of living below your means and compounding savings over time
• What your schedule says about how "free" you really are
• How to have honest money conversations with your spouse
• The negotiables and non-negotiables every couple needs to define together
• Letting go of your identity as "the doctor" when stepping away from practice
• Recognizing and recovering from burnout
• Why starting small is the only way to start at all
• Building passive income outside the practice as a path to optionality

Timestamps

0:23 — Episode introduction: Dr. Mike introduces Dr. David Phelps and his mission to help professionals achieve financial freedom
4:08 — Dr. Phelps' background: growing up an entrepreneur and why dentistry appealed to him
7:41 — First real estate investment in dental school: partnering with his dad to buy a property and discovering the power of assets
12:00 — The question that changes everything: how both doctors ended up retiring from clinical practice in their mid-40s
12:16 — Dr. Phelps shares his daughter's diagnosis with high-risk leukemia and the years of treatment that followed
17:06 — Update: his daughter is now 34 and thriving — and the pride of escorting her at her high school homecoming after her recovery
23:32 — Dr. Mike's parallel story: how COVID forced him to stop, sleep, and gain perspective on his own life and career
36:22 — Identity crisis: what happens when your profession IS your identity — and why that's dangerous
37:16 — Dr. Mike reflects on never feeling fully comfortable being "Dr. Mike" in the community
40:33 — How to begin building an identity beyond the chair — before you leave it
45:06 — The two types of margin every professional needs: money and time
46:12 — "Income is not wealth": why trading time for dollars will never get you free
47:41 — Why most high-income earners don't budget — and the cost of that habit
1:04:44 — Burnout is real: what's driving it in healthcare today and why young doctors are saying they only want to work five years
1:24:12 — Dr. Phelps' closing advice: start small, be consistent, and let compounding do the work
1:28:32 — Where to find Dr. Phelps: Freedom Founders Podcast, YouTube, and freedomfounders.com

LINKS:

•  Freedom Founders Podcast: https://www.freedomfounders.com/podcast/?_ga=2.77650064.549393833.1775698798-1177225500.1774543265
• Website:  https://www.freedomfounders.com/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drdphelps 
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/
• The DOC Podcast w/Dr. Brett Gilbert on mental health & burnout: https://youtu.be/LakpR7XiS9U 

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David Gozal for a wide-ranging conversation on pediatric sleep-disordered breathing. We discuss why SDB should be understood as a chronic, lifelong inflammatory disease, not a simple condition with a simple fix. 

Dr. Gozal introduces his "Second Best Hypothesis" to explain how brain damage from childhood sleep apnea can be hidden by neural redundancy, only to surface years later. The conversation challenges common assumptions: that snoring in children is benign, that AHI alone can guide treatment decisions, and that adenotonsillectomy reliably cures the disease. We also explore the role of mouth breathing, viral triggers like RSV, and why a multidisciplinary, endotype-driven approach to each patient is essential.

Key Takeaways

• Snoring is never normal - it always signals increased upper airway resistance
• SDB is a chronic, lifelong, low-grade inflammatory disease that may begin before birth
• Reversibility of damage is not guaranteed - it depends on severity and duration
• The "Second Best Hypothesis": the brain compensates for lost neurons, but at a hidden performance cost
• AHI is just one data point - morbidity must be measured holistically before making treatment decisions
• Only about one-third of children normalize after adenotonsillectomy
• Childhood SDB may go silent but not away - it can re-emerge in adulthood
• Multidisciplinary collaboration and individualized endotyping are critical

Timestamps

• 0:00 – Intro & Guest Bio
• 3:04 – Dr. Gozal's Background & Career Path
• 9:51 – Philosophy of Giving & Serving Underserved Communities
• 13:36 – SDB Is Not a Single Disease
• 14:28 – "Snoring Is Not Normal"
• 14:53 – SDB as a Chronic, Lifelong Inflammatory Disease
• 17:09 – The Myth of Universal Reversibility
• 19:35 – Oxidative Stress, Stem Cells & Accelerated Aging
• 23:36 – The "Second Best Hypothesis" & the Backpack Analogy
• 25:00 – Gray Matter Loss in Children with Normal Cognition
• 27:47 – SDB Is a Syndrome, Not Just a Lab Value
• 30:29 – "We Do Not Measure Morbidity"
• 32:51 – Only a Third Normalize After Adenotonsillectomy
• 35:39 – Phenotyping with AI & Machine Learning
• 38:39 – RSV, Viruses & the Inflammatory Cascade
• 40:30 – Does Childhood SDB Really Disappear?
• 43:18 – Chronic Mouth Breathing: Harmless or Harmful?
• 48:52 – The Multidisciplinary Mandate & Radar Plot Endotyping
• 49:29 – Closing Thoughts

LINKS:

• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/
• Enroll in one-on-one coaching w/Dr. Mike: https://theorthocoach.com/doc-coaching/ 

Enjoyed This Episode?

If you found this conversation valuable, please share it with a colleague, friend, or anyone who works with children's airway health — the more people who hear this message, the better outcomes we can create for our patients. And if you feel we've earned it, we'd truly appreciate a five-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify — it helps more listeners discover the show and keeps these important conversations going. 
Thank you for being part of the DOC community!

Dr. Vatish shares his unexpected journey from implant dentistry to becoming a leading practitioner in tongue tie releases and airway-based dentistry. The conversation covers diagnosis across age groups, the role of CO2 laser in treatment, the critical importance of myofunctional therapy, and the ongoing debate around evidence-based medicine in this emerging field.

Key Topics & Concepts

• Tongue tie diagnosis across age groups — From infant nursing and latching difficulties to speech issues in toddlers, bruxism and sleep apnea in adults, and why posterior ties are often the most symptomatic despite being called "mild"
• The three pillars of physiological health — Sleep, breathing, and eating as a diagnostic framework; the critical difference between surviving and thriving
• CO2 laser and modern release techniques — How laser technology, suturing for primary tension healing, and pre-/post-operative myofunctional therapy transformed outcomes compared to traditional scissors or diode approaches
• Myofunctional therapy is essential, not optional — Why releasing a tongue tie without concurrent therapy can make things worse; the personal trainer analogy for setting realistic patient expectations on duration and intensity
• Interdisciplinary team care — Orthodontists, myofunctional therapists, speech therapists, osteopaths, lactation consultants, and ENTs working together; why no single monotherapy solves airway problems
• Evidence-based medicine beyond RCTs — The parachute analogy; Sackett's triangular epistemology of research, clinical experience, and patient values; why absence of evidence is not evidence of absence

LINKS

• Happy Kids Dental Chelsea: https://happykidsdental.co.uk/ 
• American Smile: https://www.americansmile.co.uk/ 
• Instagram: @DrSVatishDDS
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a colleague, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Every share helps fellow clinicians discover conversations that can change the way they practice — and ultimately, change patients' lives.

Topics Covered:

• Dr. Stewart's Journey from Restorative Dentistry to Airway-Focused Practice — How a meticulous, low-volume approach to comprehensive dentistry evolved after discovering the connection between underdeveloped jaws, malocclusion, TMD, and airway dysfunction — driven in part by the personal loss of his father to Parkinson's linked to severe sleep apnea.
• The Multidisciplinary Team Approach & Diagnostic Framework — Why airway patients typically need 3-7 healthcare professionals, and Dr. Stewart's 5-zone diagnostic model (nasal passages, nasopharynx, oropharynx, oral cavity, and TMJ) for evaluating patients from a whole-body perspective while staying in his lane.
• The "Straight Teeth Bias" & Why the Profession Needs a Paradigm Shift — How orthodontic and dental training focuses narrowly on tooth-based outcomes, the gap between the ADA's 2017 airway screening recommendation and the AAO's more conservative stance, and the double standard around evidence-based practice.
• TMD, Airway & Posture: How It's All Connected — Dr. Stewart's clinical finding that over 90% of TMD patients have a comorbid airway component, how addressing airway has transformed his treatment outcomes, and the overlooked relationship between occlusion, cervical posture, and breathing.
• Advice for Practitioners & A Call for Professional Unity — Practical guidance for dentists wanting to incorporate airway into their practice, why every practitioner who discovers airway never goes back, and the importance of replacing intraprofessional criticism with respectful, interdisciplinary collaboration.

Key Quotes:

• "There are multiple ways to treat things, but there's only one correct diagnosis." 
• "Anybody that goes down this path, they see the truth is so evident to them that they cannot go back." 
• "We're not here to put other professionals down. We're just here to speak the truth." 

Resources:

• OT Article on Evidence Based Orthodontics: https://www.orthotown.com/magazine/article/9835/defining-evidence-based-orthodontics?fbclid=IwY2xjawP14fxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFrVWE3M3EwYWJTRWpEdENTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhwMNgFJyCJB6JMvVDSomu6drLwAym2SI7CDx-eXbuwrUwBxzP6NpyP7HpT8_aem_NmfJlB15aUQgioH6xWUu3A
• Link to Dr. Mike on Health & Harmony, Beyond the Teeth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce9TrzrgkKg&list=PLPOppJciyu_pws_EOiyejTsxkOwSxtZzj
• Thestewartcenterforoptimalhealth.com
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/
• Check out the DOC CE Courses:https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/

In this in-depth conversation, I welcome Dr. Ellen Stothard, PhD, a sleep researcher with expertise in integrative physiology, neuroscience, and data analytics. Ellen shares her unconventional journey from psychology student to sleep science researcher to clinical data specialist, offering a unique perspective on what "evidence-based" really means and how clinicians can become everyday researchers.

Key Topics Covered

Ellen's Journey

• From psychology and French double major to a PhD in sleep and circadian rhythms
• The famous "Camping Study" and how natural light synchronizes our bodies
• Why academia wasn't the right fit and finding purpose in clinical data
• Building Rebus Health: an integrative sleep medicine clinic

Understanding Evidence-Based Practice

• What "evidence-based" actually means (and what it doesn't)
• The difference between correlation and causation
• Why negative findings are crucial but rarely published
• Real-world evidence vs. randomized controlled trials

Research Methodology Demystified

• Small, controlled studies (N=30) vs. large observational studies (N=50,000)
• Understanding statistical significance and what research can (and can't) tell you
• The importance of understanding study assumptions and limitations
• Why averages hide responders and non-responders

Clinical Practice as Research

• How busy practitioners can gather research-quality data
• The power of before-and-after documentation
• Why consistency matters more than perfection
• Overcoming IRB fears: private IRBs and retrospective chart reviews

Early Intervention vs. Watchful Waiting

• The ethics of withholding treatment when harm is suspected
• Using "natural experiments" from patients who delayed treatment
• Why inaction carries responsibility too

Breaking Down Silos

• Why dentists, sleep physicians, and researchers need to collaborate
• The psychology of professional resistance to change
• Creating bridges between academia and private practice
• Speaking each other's "language" across disciplines

Memorable Quotes

-"The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence."

-"You can only call it evidence-based if you know what the science says AND what it doesn't say."

-"If you're not looking, you won't necessarily find it."

-"We can't just say 'okay, you feel better, bye.' We need to understand: you came in, you tested this way, we did something, it made you better. What happened?"

-"Your clinical data IS evidence. You have the ability to generate the evidence yourselves."

Practical Takeaways for Clinicians

• Start gathering before-and-after data consistently
• Use validated questionnaires when possible (or create standardized questions)
• Document outcomes at regular intervals
• Consider hiring data analysts or partnering with graduate students 
• Explore private IRBs for faster, easier research approval 
• Retrospective chart reviews can be powerful research tools 
• Looking at your outcomes makes you a better clinician

 LINKS:

• Rebis Health:
• Research email: research@rebishealth.org 
• Website: https://www.rebishealth.org/ 
• Social Links: FB | IG | LinkedIn | YouTube
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/

In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I’m joined by Doctors Claire Ferrari and Allie Larios of Ferrari Larios Orthodontics in Kensington, California. Together, they discuss transforming patient care through a proactive, whole-body approach to orthodontics. 

Topics include the need to integrate overall health into orthodontic residency programs, early diagnostic and treatment for pre-adolescent patients, the benefits of CBCT imaging, the relationship between tooth extraction and airway issues, building a trusted medical network, and the impact of corporate entities in dentistry. We also delve into the future of orthodontics and their decision to pursue a traditional business model to better serve their patients. 

Don't miss this insightful conversation on advancing orthodontic care. Enjoy the show!

Timestamps

00:27 Meet the Guests: Dr. Claire Ferrari and Dr. Allie Larios

03:06 Dr. Ferrari’s Early Influences and Mentorship

04:14 Educational Path and Career Decisions

07:14 The Importance of CBCT Imaging

13:40 Dr. Larios' Experience and Insights

18:10 Holistic Approach in Orthodontics

19:44 Challenges and Rewards of Early Treatment

21:36 The Future of Orthodontics

30:33 Addressing Airway Issues in Orthodontics

34:30 Treating Young Patients: A New Perspective

42:36 Challenges in Pediatric Dental Diagnostics

43:52 Approaching Treatment for Young Children

44:40 Parental Involvement and Patient Management

46:34 The Importance of Early Intervention

48:41 Debating Traditional vs. Modern Orthodontic Practices

50:44 Evidence-Based Medicine in Dentistry

01:06:57 The Business of Orthodontics: Corporate vs. Private Practice

01:19:50 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

LINKS:

Dr. Mike’s Orthotown Article on Pediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing: https://www.nxtbook.com/farran/orthotown/orthotown-march-2025/index.php?startpage=36#/p/34

Dr. Claire Ferrari’s email:claire@ferrariortho.com
Dr. Allie Larios' email: drlarios@ferrariortho.com 

Practice Website:www.FerrariOrtho.com
Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/

🎯 Episode Highlights

Dr. Yousefian's Personal Journey

• His son Ryan's severe sleep apnea diagnosis and dramatic academic decline
• Ryan's transformation from a struggling student to a Washington University scholarship recipient after treatment

The Pediatric Airway Crisis

• Why pediatric sleep-disordered breathing has become a pandemic
• Evolutionary changes in jaw development due to modern diet and lifestyle
• The connection between crowding, malocclusion, and airway disorders

Revolutionary Treatment Concepts

• Teledontics & Telegnathics: Non-restrictive, airway-focused orthodontic treatment approaches
• Mandibular symphyseal expansion: 200+ successful cases over 23 years
• Early intervention strategies (ages 2-4) for prevention

Clinical & Professional Insights

• Why traditional orthodontic approaches may be inadequate for airway patients
• Interdisciplinary collaboration strategies with medical providers
• The future of orthodontics: paradigm shift vs. pendulum swing
• Insurance considerations and making airway treatment financially viable

The Future of Orthodontics

• Why this is a paradigm shift, not a pendulum swing
• The need for specialized training in airway-focused orthodontics
• How the profession needs to evolve to address the 1.3 billion people worldwide suffering from sleep apnea

 💡 Key Takeaways

1. Pediatric airway disease is treatable and preventable when caught early
2. Untreated sleep-disordered breathing can cause ADHD-like symptoms, academic decline, behavioral issues, and long-term health complications
3. Orthodontists are uniquely positioned to be leaders in airway treatment
4. Early intervention (before age 7) can prevent a lifetime of complications
5. Treatment requires an interdisciplinary approach combining medicine and dentistry

 LINKS:

• Comprehensive Treatment Seminars: https://www.ctseminars.org/
• ApnoMed: https://www.apnomed.com/
• Pediatric Treatment of Sleep Apnea with Teledontics and Telegnathics: https://www.routledge.com/Pediatric-Treatment-of-Sleep-Apnea-With-TeledonticsTelegnathics/Yousefian/p/book/9781032978994
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/)
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/

Thank you for your support of The DOC Podcast!  Please remember to share the show with others and, if you feel we've earned it, we'd love to receive a 5-Star Review on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube. 

Join me for an in-depth conversation with husband-and-wife dental team Drs. Jeffrey Hindin and Jill Meyer, who are pioneering a whole-health approach to dentistry that addresses the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Building an etiology-focused practice that treats underlying causes, not just symptoms

• Early orthodontic intervention and airway-focused care in children

• The significant overlap between TMD and sleep-disordered breathing 

• Heart rate variability (HRV) and objective physiologic measurements in treatment

• Oral appliances for athletic performance enhancement

• Common signs of sleep disorders in children and adults

• Navigating resistance from traditional orthodontic approaches

• The future of sleep medicine, including emerging pharmacological treatments

Key Takeaways:

• Early intervention in children can prevent the need for invasive treatments and sleep appliances in adulthood
• Mouth breathing is a critical early indicator of sleep-disordered breathing and should not be dismissed
• The airway affects the autonomic nervous system, impacting everything from athletic performance to mental health
• Depression and anxiety are the #1 comorbidities associated with sleep-related breathing disorders
• Orthodontists are uniquely positioned to prevent adult TMD and sleep issues through early treatment
• Treatment should focus on normalizing anatomy and addressing root causes, not just straightening teeth

 Resources Mentioned:

• Hindin Center: https://hindincenter.com/
• American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry: https://aapmd.org/
• AAPMD Collaboration Cures Meeting: May 15-16 in Pittsburgh

 Connect with Dr. Mike:

• Website: https://theorthocoach.com/
• Email: dr.mike@theorthocoach.com
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/

 **If you found value in this episode, please share it with colleagues and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us continue to bring you conversations that challenge conventional thinking and improve patient care.**

Dr. Motlagh, a restorative dentist with over 25 years of experience, shares her transformative journey from creating stunning cosmetic cases that broke down within years to developing a comprehensive physiologic approach that consistently delivers 15-20 year stability. Through compelling patient stories and clinical insights, she reveals the hidden connections between airway health, TMJ function, neuromuscular balance, and long-term treatment success.

This conversation challenges fundamental assumptions in dentistry.  From how we diagnose and treat TMD to the extraction debate, early intervention timing, and what "evidence-based" really means. Whether you're an orthodontist frustrated by relapse, a restorative dentist dealing with occlusal breakdown, or any dental professional seeking better outcomes, this episode offers a paradigm shift in how we approach comprehensive care.

Timestamps

[2:27] Meet Dr. Motlagh
[4:43] Why beautiful veneer cases started failing
[5:45] Muscles dominate and airway always wins
[9:54] Why teeth break at the gum line despite perfect crowns
[13:37] Evidence-based dentistry: beyond randomized trials
[16:52] Dentists are trained as tooth mechanics, not doctors
[22:57] How posture affects occlusion
[27:47] Signs and symptoms we miss: scalloped tongue, tinnitus, vertigo
[37:15] The 17-year-old who couldn't open her mouth for 2 years
[42:57] The extraction and airway debate
[48:20] Introduction to MyAligner and the diagnostic phase
[49:30] Ultra-low frequency TENS and neuromuscular CR
[57:27] Case presentation: correcting facial asymmetry in 40 minutes
[1:05:35] Final message: it is essential to screen for TMD and airway issues

Notable Quotes

• "We were trained as tooth mechanics and not the doctors of the oral cavity. We learned to look inside the mouth, not sit back and look at the face, look at the body, look at the connection of the orthopedic alignment of the head and neck." - Dr. Maryam Motlagh
• "When you do the diagnostics more thoroughly, your work gets easier and becomes more profitable because you cut a lot of the noise out, a lot of the headaches. It's not profitable to do a hundred aligners on somebody - you're paying the patient to treat the case at that point." - Dr. Mike
• "This is a complex problem, but once you see it, you cannot unsee it, and it becomes such a simple solution." - Dr. Maryam Motlagh

Links

• Bite Circle: https://www.bitecircle.com/
• Myoaligner: https://www.myoaligner.com/ 
• IG: @drmotlagh_
• Maryam’s Signs & Symptoms Sheet: https://www.myoaligner.com/_files/ugd/06070e_03dd7aac8db8431782111c81c1018d50.pdf
• Dr. Mike’s Orthotown Article on Evidence Based Orthodontics: https://www.orthotown.com/magazine/article/9835/defining-evidence-based-orthodontics?fbclid=IwY2xjawP14fxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFrVWE3M3EwYWJTRWpEdENTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhwMNgFJyCJB6JMvVDSomu6drLwAym2SI7CDx-eXbuwrUwBxzP6NpyP7HpT8_aem_NmfJlB15aUQgioH6xWUu3A 
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/)
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/

Dr. Christiansen shares his remarkable journey from growing up on an Idaho farm to becoming one of only five orthodontists in the country board-certified in sleep medicine. He opens up about surviving a widow-maker heart attack at 45, losing his son in a tragic accident, overcoming depression, getting hit by a car while training for an Ironman, and enduring multiple heart surgeries—all while revolutionizing how he treats patients.

This episode explores Brett's pioneering data collection using rhinometry on thousands of patients, his transition from traditional extraction-based orthodontics to skeletal expansion techniques, and why he believes orthodontists must become true doctors who treat patients, not just symptoms. 

TIMESTAMPS:

04:02 - Farm Kid to Orthodontist
06:00 - Military Service & Dental School
09:00 - Discovering Orthodontics
11:00 - Starting Practice in Lewiston, Idaho
14:46 - The Turning Point: Expansion & Snoring
18:20 - Personal Health Crisis: The Heart Attack
24:00 - Dad's Sleep Apnea Discovery
28:00 - Introduction to Sleep Apnea Treatment
32:00 - Collecting Data with Rhinometry
38:00 - Kevin Boyd's Life-Changing Phone Call
42:00 - Transitioning to MARPE & Skeletal Expansion
56:00 - The Key to Sleep Apnea: Nasal Breathing
1:00:00 - Recovery & Becoming an Ironman
1:13:00 - The Bike Accident & Heart Failure
1:18:00 - Everly's Story: Treating a 3-Year-Old
1:21:00 - Parallels Between Dr. Mike & Dr. Brett
1:10:00 - Facing Opposition from the AAO
1:30:00 - Why Orthodontists Must Become Doctors
1:38:00 - The Future of Orthodontics
1:45:00 - Surprise Guest: Everly Visits!
1:51:00 - Final Thoughts & Closing

THREE SIGNIFICANT QUOTES:

"We need orthodontists to become doctors. Most orthodontists out there that are straightening teeth, taking out teeth and lining teeth are tooth technicians. We need to become doctors of our patients. We need to be treating the patient, not the symptom of the crooked, crowded teeth."

"The key to sleep apnea is not worrying as much about the tongue, it's worrying about getting the nasal passage opened. When we expand that maxilla and the nasal passage opens up and that pathway of airflow is just smooth, that patient can now breathe through their nose." 

"My daughter changed my life. She looked at me and said, 'Dad, you say that you're the airway doctor. Kids die on the operating table from general anesthetic. I don't feel right about sending her. What are you gonna do?' That's when I started treating 3-year-olds." 

KEY TOPICS: Early orthodontic intervention • MARPE for adults • Rhinometry data on thousands of patients • Nasal volume changes (3-8 cubic centimeters) • Treating children as young as 2-3 years old • The connection between sleep apnea and heart disease • Overcoming professional opposition • The future of orthodontics

CONNECT:

• Dr. Brett Christiansen - Christiansen Orthodontics (Lewiston, Grangeville, Moscow, ID): https://christensenbraces.com/
• Dr. Mike DeLuke - TheOrthoCoach.com | Dr.mike@theorthocoach.com
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/
• Check out the DOC website: https://theorthocoach.com/ 

Key Topics Covered:
Why Sleep Medicine Matters

• The lack of sleep education in medical schools and residencies
• Why sleep disorders are missed by traditional healthcare systems
• How sleep affects every aspect of health, from mood to chronic disease

Recognizing Sleep Disorders

• Warning signs in children AND adults (headaches, jaw pain, teeth grinding, brain fog, irritability)
• Why children should NEVER snore
• The connection between sleep disorders and ADHD/behavioral issues
• How sleep problems manifest differently in kids vs. adults

The Diagnostic Challenge

• Limitations of polysomnography (sleep studies)
• Why a normal AHI doesn't rule out sleep disorders
• Understanding upper airway resistance syndrome
• The importance of reviewing raw sleep study data

The Multidisciplinary Approach

• Why "sleep takes a team" - collaboration between physicians, dentists, orthodontists, and specialists
• How dental providers can detect sleep and breathing issues
• The role of orthodontics in addressing airway problems
• Breaking down silos between medical and dental 

Sleep Quality vs. Quantity

• Why 7-9 hours isn't enough if quality is poor
• Understanding sleep architecture and circadian rhythms
• How weekend sleep schedule changes affect your entire week
• The one-hour-per-day recovery rule

Practical Sleep Hygiene

• The importance of consistent sleep/wake times
• How hormones (especially in perimenopause) affect sleep
• Why waking up multiple times per night is NOT normal
• Red flags that indicate you need a sleep evaluation

Perfect For:

• Healthcare providers (medical and dental)
• Parents concerned about their children's sleep
• Anyone experiencing chronic fatigue, brain fog, or sleep issues
• Professionals interested in the intersection of sleep and overall health

Timestamps:
3:08 (188s) - Meet Dr. Sima Tahir: From COVID Frontlines to Sleep Medicine
3:45 (225s) - Dr. Tahir's Background: Quadruple Board Certified Physician
8:08 (488s) - Why She Left Traditional Medicine to Open a Private Practice
13:25 (805s) - The Shocking Lack of Sleep Education in Medical Schools
22:17 (1337s) - Warning Signs of Sleep Disorders: Head-to-Toe Assessment
27:15 (1635s) - How Dentists & Orthodontists Can Detect Sleep Issues
33:52 (2032s) - The Truth About Sleep Studies: Why Normal Results Don't Rule Out Problems
45:22 (2722s) - Hormones, Aging, and Sleep: What Your Doctor Isn't Asking
53:30 (3210s) - What Does Good Sleep Actually Look Like?
60:38 (3638s) - Sleep Quality vs. Quantity: Waking Up During the Night
66:30 (3990s) - Wearables for Kids & The Future of Sleep Monitoring
70:59 (4259s) - Closing Thoughts & How to Connect with Dr. Tahir

Connect with Dr. Sima Tahir:
Website: https://drsaematahirmd.com/ 

From her personal story of overcoming chronic illness as a child to developing the nationally recognized Hands-On Learning Lab for children, Dr. Maples demonstrates how dentistry can be the last bastion of hope for preventive healthcare in America.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The oral-systemic health connection and America's growing health crisis
• Why traditional "preventive" dental visits aren't actually preventing disease
• The revolutionary Hands-On Learning Lab approach for children
• How to implement root cause analysis in dental practice
• The role of Health Relationship Coordinators in patient care
• Airway health, sleep hygiene, and the gut microbiome
• Breaking free from insurance-driven dentistry
• Practical strategies for implementing holistic care in any practice setting

Episode Timeline
[3:43] - Dr. Susan's personal health journey - Overcoming chronic illness as a child
[13:00] - The bubble wrap moment - How one doctor changed everything through hands-on learning
[22:00] - Creating the Hands-On Learning Lab - 27 years of science experiments with kids
[37:00] - The paradigm shift dentistry needs - Moving from reactive to proactive care
[43:00] - Dropping all insurance contracts - Achieving true clinical independence
[55:00] - Facilitation vs. education - Getting curious with patients instead of telling
[1:05:00] - Mouth breathing and the oral microbiome connection
[1:10:00] - The Health Relationship Coordinator role - Bridging dentistry and medicine
[1:17:30] - Sleep hygiene fundamentals - Creating sleeping sanctuaries for children
[1:22:30] - The definition of a healer - Helping others see their wholeness
[1:25:00] - How to connect with Dr. Maples - Resources and final thoughts

Resources Mentioned

• Brave Parent - "Raising Healthy, Happy Kids Against All Odds in Today's World"
  • https://a.co/d/2OoBGle 
• Blabbermouth - "77 Secrets Only Your Mouth Can Tell You to Live a Healthier, Happier, Sexier Life"
  • https://a.co/d/ajei0r5
• Total Health Academy - https://totalhealthacademy.net/  
  • Online learning platform for dental professionals
• https://selfscreen.net/ 
  • Screening questionnaires for patient assessment
• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
• Outlive by Peter Attia

Connect with Dr. Susan Maples

• Email: susan@drsusanmaples.com
• Phone: (517) 819-6330
• Website: DrSusanMaples.com

Subscribe & Follow
Don't miss future episodes! Subscribe to The DOC Podcast and join the conversation about transforming healthcare through dentistry.

In this comprehensive episode, I sit down with Dr. Avinesh Bhar, a board-certified pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine physician who left traditional private practice to revolutionize sleep healthcare through telemedicine. Dr. Bhar shares his journey from recognizing the profound shortcomings of the US healthcare system to founding Sleep, a virtual practice designed to provide accessible, personalized sleep and pulmonary care.

The conversation explores the critical gaps in sleep medicine, including the severe shortage of sleep physicians (only 150-200 trained annually), the limitations of traditional sleep testing, and why women and children are disproportionately underdiagnosed. Dr. Bhar challenges the conventional reliance on polysomnography as the sole diagnostic tool, emphasizing the importance of clinical symptoms and thorough patient evaluation. The discussion reveals how the multifactorial nature of sleep disorders requires multifaceted, often multidisciplinary solutions, and why "mild" sleep apnea isn't always mild, and negative sleep studies don't always mean you're fine.

Key Points

• The Sleep Doctor Shortage Crisis: The US produces only 150-200 sleep physicians annually, creating massive access barriers and 6-12 month wait times for patients
• False Negatives Are Common: In-lab sleep studies suffer from "first night effect" and single-night testing limitations; home sleep tests with multiple nights provide better baseline data
• Clinical Symptoms Trump Test Results: A negative sleep study doesn't mean absence of sleep issues; patient symptoms must be explained and addressed
• Women and Children Are Underdiagnosed: Sleep testing data have been validated primarily on overweight male populations, causing women and children to be systematically overlooked
• Mild Doesn't Mean Mild: Sleep apnea severity ratings correlate with heart disease and stroke risk, but not necessarily with quality of life impacts; mild cases can cause severe symptoms
• Mouth Breathing Is a Red Flag: It's an adaptation to airway obstruction, not normal behavior, and signals underlying issues that need investigation
• The Co-Opted Healthcare System: Financial incentives drive practitioners toward in-lab testing (3x higher reimbursement) rather than more appropriate home testing
• Multifactorial Problems Need Multifaceted Solutions: Sleep disorders rarely have single causes or single treatments; adenotonsillectomy alone resolves OSA in only 27% of children long-term
• You Don't Outgrow Sleep Issues: Childhood airway problems persist into adulthood, often worsening with age, weight changes, or hormonal shifts
• Telemedicine as the Solution: Virtual sleep medicine can provide faster access (2-3 days vs. 6+ months), comprehensive care coordination, and better patient outcomes

Notable Quotes
"You can be a better physician to your patients if you understand their sleep issues as well."

"If a patient has a sleep issue and the test is negative, so what? You have to figure out why. You have to give the patient an answer...why are they sleeping poorly? Why are they bruxing? Why do they have headaches? Why do they have anxiety?"

"Sleep has always kind of been looked at as a passive process, a side issue. Now that the data is coming out, it's driving everything that we're seeing as problems, whether it's heart disease, mental health issues, blood pressure control, metabolic syndrome." 

"Once you see it, you can't unsee it. That's the scary part, because now I'm out socially, I'm looking in people's mouths. I'm like, oh, she has a sleep issue. He has a sleep issue. And you can't stop yourself because it's everywhere."

Timestamps

[0:00] Introduction and Dr. Bhar's credentials
[3:15] Dr. Bhar's journey: From fellowship to MBA to leaving private practice
[10:30] The shortage of sleep physicians in America and its impact on patient care
[18:45] Why sleep has been overlooked as a "passive process" and the emerging data on its critical importance
[28:20] The problems with in-lab sleep studies and the advantages of home testing
[42:15] Why "mild" sleep apnea isn't always mild and negative tests aren't always negative
[56:40] Women and children: The biggest victims of sleep medicine's blind spots
[1:12:30] The co-opting of healthcare: Financial incentives vs. patient care
[1:28:45] Mouth breathing as a warning sign and why we're the only animals with crooked teeth
[1:45:20] Do children really "outgrow" sleep issues? The truth about adenotonsillectomy outcomes
[1:58:10] How Sleep works: The telemedicine solution for accessible, comprehensive sleep care
[2:15:35] Final thoughts on changing the healthcare system and voting with your feet

Relevant Links

• Sliiip Website: https://sliiip.com/ 
• The Ortho Coach Website: www.theorthocoach.com
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/
• Guest Suggestions: Email Dr.mike@theorthocoach.com

This episode is part of The DOC Podcast's mission to help healthcare providers lead happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives both personally and professionally.

In this episode, I sit down with Joey Muré to discuss achieving financial freedom through passive income strategies rather than traditional Wall Street approaches. The conversation challenges conventional financial wisdom about debt payoff, retirement planning, and wealth accumulation, offering a roadmap for high-earning professionals who feel stuck on the hamster wheel despite their success. Joey and I explore practical strategies for creating cash flow today rather than waiting decades for retirement, including how to evaluate investment opportunities, avoid common money traps, and align financial decisions with personal values and family priorities.

Key Topics Discussed

The Psychology of Money & Financial Freedom

• Why traditional retirement planning keeps you dependent on the system
• The difference between financial freedom and debt freedom
• How to shift from an accumulation mindset to a cash flow mindset
• The financial freedom formula: Passive Income > Monthly Expenses

Common Money Traps

• Paying down debt too aggressively
• Maxing out retirement accounts (401k, IRAs) that lock money away until 59½
• Treating your primary residence as your biggest asset
• Lifestyle creep and keeping up with the Joneses

Passive Income Strategies

• What passive income really means (involved but not day-to-day operations)
• Real estate investments, business partnerships, and alternative vehicles
• How to start with your first $500/month in passive income
• Building a personal P&L for your household

Practical Steps to Get Started

• Conducting a cash flow awareness analysis
• Creating a shared financial vision with your spouse
• The importance of financial education and coaching
• Building your "buy box" for evaluating investment opportunities

Key Quotes

> "When your passive income exceeds your monthly expenses, you're financially free. It's not about what things look like on the outside, it's more about how much freedom do we actually have with our time."
> "You can never pay off the cost of living. You can't pay it off. So you have to cover it with cash flow."
> "Wall Street is not just the places where we've been told to invest. It's also a mindset that leads you to believe that your goal is to accumulate dollars for a someday, for a one day. That is complex to keep you dependent on the system that everybody else is getting rich off of."
> "If you have no surplus because your lifestyle has crept up to where it equals your income, you're no closer than the person who is the janitor in the cash flow game."
> "Opportunities find cash. If you start talking about wanting to invest, start talking about looking for deals, and you have cash, they will find you."

Episode Timestamps
4:21 - Joey's Wake-Up Call
Making $300K+ but feeling trapped; the beach vacation story with his five daughters that changed everything

10:15 - The Psychology of Money & Financial Freedom
Shifting from Wall Street accumulation mindset to cash flow thinking; the formula: Passive Income > Monthly Expenses

17:55 - What is Passive Income Really?
Passive income is "involved but not uninvolved" - being an active steward vs. abdicating to others

25:51 - The Debt Dilemma
Should you aggressively pay down debt or invest for cash flow? The $400K student loan story

30:08 - "You Can Never Pay Off the Cost of Living"
Key insight: debt freedom ≠ financial freedom; the Cashflow Game lesson

45:00 - Dave Ramsey vs. Rich Dad Philosophy
Why paying extra on your mortgage doesn't create freedom; the 2009 mortgage crisis cautionary tale

50:39 - Your House is NOT an Asset
Debunking the primary residence myth and understanding lifestyle creep

56:09 - Aligning with Your Spouse
Getting on the same page financially; the Passport Challenge for couples

1:04:44 - The Passive Income Lab
12-week program guaranteeing first $500/month in passive income; becoming an investor through education

1:15:24 - "Opportunities Find Cash" & Due Diligence
How to attract deals, vet operators, and use tools like custom GPT for investment analysis

1:23:25 - How to Get Started
Resources and next steps: wealthwithoutwallstreet.com/doc for Financial Freedom Analyzer

LINKS:

• Joey@WealthWithoutWallStreet.com
• WealthWithoutWallStreet.com
• X: @WithoutWallSt
• FB: /WealthWithoutWallStreet
• IG: @WealthWithoutWallSt
• YT: /@WealthWithoutWallStreet
• Apple Podcast: WealthWithoutWallStreet
• WealthWithoutWallStreet.com/DOC for free resources!  
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/
• Free Balance Sheet: https://theorthocoach.com/ (You will need to disable your pop-up blocker)
• Link to Dr. Mike talking about goal setting: https://youtu.be/u6W5ErGpQ34?si=k3MFvNdrMk9FBN-q

Disclaimer: The content and advice offered during this episode are for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as financial or legal advice. Please consult with your own tax and legal professionals for advice relative to your specific financial situation.

Key Topics Discussed
Dr. Koval’s Journey:
Dr. Koval shares her path from Ukraine to the U.S., her early exposure to advanced diagnostic tools (like T-Scan and EMG), and her growing interest in TMD and airway health.

• Airway Orthodontics & Sleep-Disordered Breathing:
  The discussion covers the importance of screening for airway issues in orthodontic patients, the spectrum of sleep-disordered breathing (from snoring to obstructive sleep apnea), and the role of orthodontists in early detection and intervention.
• Diagnostic & Treatment Protocols:
  Dr. Koval details her approach to diagnosis, including the use of 3D imaging, CBCT, and comprehensive intake questionnaires (like the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire). She emphasizes the need for individualized treatment, including expansion techniques and myofunctional therapy.
• Educational Gaps in Orthodontics:
  Dr. Koval and I discuss why airway health is underrepresented in dental and orthodontic education, and the need for curriculum reform to better prepare clinicians.
• Genetics vs. Environment:
  The conversation delves into the debate over genetic vs. environmental factors in malocclusion and airway issues, referencing key studies and the concept of epigenetics.
• Collaboration & Subspecialization:
  Dr. Koval advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration among dental and medical professionals and suggests that subspecialization within orthodontics may be beneficial for managing complex airway cases.
• Advice for Clinicians:
  Dr. Koval encourages clinicians to critically assess literature, stay open-minded, and prioritize patient well-being over dogmatic adherence to traditional protocols.

Memorable Quotes

• “We as providers are here to serve our community. What matters most is the voice of our community and the needs of our patients.”
• “It’s not just about straightening teeth—it’s about improving overall health and well-being.”
• “Screening for airway issues should be a standard part of orthodontic care, starting as early as age three.”

Resources & Links

• Dr. Koval Orthodontics: https://www.drssk.com/
• Dr. Koval on Instagram: @drsvitlanakoval
• Dr. DeLuke on Instagram: @theorthocoach
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/)
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/

In this powerful and candid episode, I welcome Dr. Brett Gilbert for an honest conversation about mental health, burnout, and the journey to personal and professional fulfillment. Together, they explore the challenges of balancing career ambitions with personal well-being, the impact of perfectionism, and the importance of self-care and emotional intelligence. Dr. Gilbert shares his own story of overcoming burnout, the lessons learned along the way, and practical strategies for living a more joyful, purpose-driven life.

About Our Guest

Dr. Brett Gilbert is a board-certified endodontist, educator, and founder of Access Endo and the Dental Yogi Academy. With a passion for both clinical excellence and personal growth, Dr. Gilbert is recognized for his contributions to dental education and his advocacy for wellness in the healthcare profession. He is a frequent speaker, podcast host ("On the Cusp"), and mentor dedicated to helping others thrive both in and out of the operatory.

Key Topics & Highlights

• The reality of burnout and mental health struggles in high-pressure professions
• Why achieving “balance” is more complex than it seems
• The generational shift in career expectations and definitions of success
• The role of trauma, perfectionism, and self-limiting beliefs in professional life
• The importance of vision, self-reflection, and designing a life with purpose
• Strategies for self-care: gratitude, mindfulness, and setting healthy boundaries
• The power of community, mentorship, and supportive relationships
• How to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth
• The ripple effect of self-love and a positive mindset on others

Notable Quotes

1. “The most important love affair you will ever have in your life is within your own skin.”
   — Dr. Brett Gilbert
2. “Life is happening for you, not to you. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.”
   — Dr. Brett Gilbert
3. “We’re trained in perfection, but the reality is, we are never perfect. The goal should be excellence, not perfection.”
   — Dr. Mike DeLuke

Dr. Gilbert’s Programs:

• Access Endo – Clinical education and mentorship for dentists

Connect with Dr. Brett Gilbert

• Instagram: @drbrettgilbert
• Website: accessendo.org

Join the DOC Community

• Facebook: Search for “The DOC Community” to connect with peers, access exclusive content, and join the conversation.

Call to Action

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or colleague who could benefit from these insights. For coaching, CE courses, or to be a guest on the show, visit theorthocoach.com or email Dr. Mike at dr.mike@theorthocoach.com.

Remember: You have been blessed with the ability to do amazing things—take care of yourself so you can continue to make a difference!

In this episode, I welcome Dr. Mart McClellan to discuss practical strategies for building and preserving wealth, with a focus on the unique challenges faced by healthcare professionals. Dr. McClellan shares his journey from orthodontics to financial advising, and together they break down actionable steps for financial success at any career stage.

Key Topics & Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction
  • Dr. Mike’s mission and the importance of financial literacy
• 03:00 – Meet Dr. Mart McClellan
  • Background, dual career, and founding Macro Wealth Management
• 07:00 – Why Financial Education Matters
  • The lack of financial training in professional education
• 12:00 – Dr. McClellan’s Financial Journey
  • Early mistakes, learning from mentors, and the value of evidence-based planning
• 20:00 – The Wealth Curve Explained
  • Why early decisions matter and the impact of delayed career starts
• 28:00 – The Power of Saving
  • Savings rate vs. rate of return, setting up a “wealth freedom account,” and automating savings
• 36:00 – Good Debt vs. Bad Debt
  • Managing student loans, mortgages, and emotional responses to debt
• 45:00 – Diversification & Multiple Income Streams
  • Building wealth beyond retirement accounts, real estate, and alternative investments
• 54:00 – The Role of Advisors & Teamwork
  • Why a team approach is essential for financial planning
• 1:02:00 – Mindset Shifts & Avoiding Common Pitfalls
  • Overcoming emotional barriers, the “die with zero” mentality, and legacy planning
• 1:10:00 – Actionable Steps for All Ages
  • Starting early, maximizing old money, and planning for distribution in retirement
• 1:18:00 – Resources, Book Recommendations, and Contact Info
  • “Your Retirement Smile” and how to connect with Dr. McClellan

 Notable Quotes

“The most important factor in wealth building is the ability to save as much money as you can. If you can’t save, it will be almost impossible to achieve financial success regardless of the rate of return earned.”
 — Dr. Mart McClellan

“You only have one wealth curve. There’s no do-overs. Every decision you make in your twenties and thirties may not seem big at the time, but it shapes your financial future.”
 — Dr. Mart McClellan

“It’s not about chasing the highest rate of return; it’s about having a plan, building good habits, and making your money work for you—so you can enjoy your wealth now and in retirement.”
 — Dr. Mike DeLuke

Resources & Mentions

• Book: Your Retirement Smile: The Treatment Plan for Pay Cut Prevention in Your Golden Years by Dr. Mart McClellan
• Book: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
• Book: Smart Couples Finish Rich by David Bach
• Book: The Secret Wealth Advantage (real estate cycles)
• Macro Wealth Management: macro-wealth.com
• The Ortho Coach: theorthocoach.com

 Connect with Dr. Mart McClellan

• Email: mart@macro-wealth.com
• Website: macro-wealth.com
• Phone (text): (847) 363-5502

 Connect with Dr. Mike DeLuke

• Email: drmike@theorthocoach.com
• DOC Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/

 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with your colleagues!

In this episode, I welcome Dr. Peter Catalano, a renowned ENT specialist and innovator in minimally invasive surgical techniques. Together, we explore the critical importance of nasal breathing, the challenges and controversies in pediatric airway surgery, and the intersection of medical and dental care for children with airway issues.

Key Topics & Highlights

• Innovation in ENT Surgery:
  Discussion of Dr. Catalano’s work with the micro shaver, the evolution of sinus surgery, and the impact of computational flow dynamics on understanding nasal airflow.
• Nasal Breathing vs. Mouth Breathing:
  Why unobstructed nasal breathing is essential for health, and the wide-ranging consequences of chronic mouth breathing, especially in children.
• Pediatric Airway Surgery:
  The current state of the otolaryngology community regarding pediatric surgery to facilitate nasal breathing, and the persistent dogmas and insurance barriers that limit care.
• CBCT Imaging:
  The benefits of cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging for diagnosis and referral, and why both orthodontists and ENTs should leverage this technology for comprehensive airway assessment.
• Medical & Dental Research Challenges:
  A candid look at the flaws and hypocrisy in academic medicine and research, and how outdated studies and standards of care can hinder progress.
• Sleep Disordered Breathing & Nocturnal Enuresis:
  Exploring the links between airway obstruction, sleep issues, and conditions like bedwetting in children, and the role of interdisciplinary care.
• Innovative Surgical Procedures:
  Dr. Catalano describes targeted, minimally invasive surgeries that improve nasal airflow and patient outcomes, and the data-driven approach that led to policy changes in pediatric sinus surgery.
• Breaking Down Silos:
  The importance of collaboration between dentists, orthodontists, ENTs, and other specialists to provide holistic care for children with airway and craniofacial growth concerns.
• Advice for Clinicians:
  The need for ongoing education, openness to new evidence, and the courage to challenge outdated paradigms for the benefit of patients.

 Notable Quotes

• “If you want to improve the airway, you’ve got to follow the airflow.”
• “It's one of the real albatrosses around academic medicine, the inability to change a paradigm when it needs to be changed.”
• “Education is siloed, and that’s where it starts. People come out of training with dogmatic approaches to medicine.”

 Resources & Contact

• Dr. Peter Catalano: Email: catalanop9@gmail.com 
  (Open to questions and collaboration)
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/)
• Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/
• AJODO Article on Mouth Breathing: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40057896/

Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with colleagues and consider leaving a review. For more content and future episodes, subscribe to The DOC Podcast.

Key Topics & Highlights:
The Sleep Crisis:

• How modern lifestyles and reduced sun exposure contribute to poor sleep.
• The epidemic of sleep disorders, especially among young, otherwise healthy women.
• The limitations of traditional sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment.

Vitamin D, B12, and the Microbiome:

• Dr. Gominak’s research linking vitamin D deficiency to sleep problems and chronic headaches.
• The importance of B vitamins, especially B12 and B5, and their connection to the gut microbiome.
• How supplementation and sun exposure can restore sleep quality and overall health.

Holistic, Patient-Centered Care:

• Moving beyond “Medicine 2.0” to a more integrative, root-cause approach.
• The value of curiosity, patient partnership, and humility in healthcare.
• The parallels between medicine and dentistry in addressing airway and sleep issues.

Practical Takeaways:

• Why everyone should pay attention to their sleep quality, vitamin D levels, and gut health.
• The risks and benefits of supplementation—why “biohacking” isn’t always the answer for everyone.
• The importance of sunlight, outdoor activity, and a balanced approach to health.

Notable Quotes:

• “We are standing at the bedside while the body heals itself. Sleep is the power behind healing.”
• “Vitamin D is not just a nutrient—it’s a hormone, and its deficiency is at the root of many modern health problems.”
• “The patients have to be willing to take responsibility for their own health in order to do some of the things that you and I want to do.”

Connect & Learn More:

• Visit theorthocoach.com for CE courses and coaching with Dr. Mike.
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/)
• Contact Dr. Mike at drmike@theorthocoach.com to suggest guests or be a guest yourself!

Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share. Subscribe for more insightful conversations on health, wellness, and proactive living.

Key Topics & Highlights:

• The Problem with Modern Medicine:
  • Western medicine’s reactive, disease-management focus vs. true health promotion.
  • The concept of “normal” being confused with “commonplace” dysfunction.
  • The financial and systemic incentives that perpetuate treatment over prevention.
• Breathing Science Demystified:
  • The importance of functional breathing and why most people (including clinicians) misunderstand it.
  • The critical role of carbon dioxide (CO2) in maintaining health—contrary to popular belief, CO2 is not just a waste gas but essential for oxygen delivery and pH balance.
  • Analogies: The “swimming pool” (body systems) and “train station” (oxygen transport) to explain how breathing impacts overall health.
• Consequences of Dysfunctional Breathing:
  • Over-breathing and mouth breathing lead to chronic health issues, poor sleep, and even behavioral and developmental problems in children.
  • The link between breathing patterns, epigenetics, and malocclusion (improper jaw/teeth development).
• Prevention & Early Intervention:
  • The need for education among parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to spot early signs of dysfunction.
  • Dr. Price’s work with international programs (e.g., in Romania) to assess and improve children’s functional health from kindergarten age.
  • The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and breaking down medical silos.
• Breathing Exercises & Training:
  • Why popular methods (Wim Hof, Buteyko, yoga breathing) may not address root causes.
  • Dr. Price’s philosophy: You can’t “train” a reflex—true change comes from removing compensations and letting the body breathe naturally.
  • Introduction of a free app developed by Dr. Price and his sons to help users build better breathing habits in just 26 minutes a day.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Rethink what “normal” means in health—commonplace dysfunction is not inevitable.
• Prioritize nasal breathing and be mindful of mouth breathing, especially in children.
• Prevention and early intervention are key; look for early signs of dysfunction.
• Self-care is not selfish—improving your own health benefits those around you.
• Explore Dr. Price’s free breathing app and stay tuned for his upcoming book and wearable device.

Resources & Links:

• IOPE Charity: iope.org – Learn more about Dr. Price’s global health initiatives and how to support them.
• Contact Dr. Mike: Dr.mike@theorthocoach.com
• Join the DOC Community: Find more content and connect with like-minded professionals on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BMzqwsZMo/ 
• The Ortho Coach: theorthocoach.com – Access CE courses and coaching.

Quotable Moments:

• “Dysfunction is the new function, abnormal is the new normal.”
• “The chemical that keeps your swimming pool from going green is carbon dioxide.”
• “You cannot train a reflex. You have to let your body breathe you.”
• “Prevention doesn’t make money, but it saves billions.”

Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe, and leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you valuable content.

In this episode, I welcome Dr. Lauren Ballinger, a board-certified pediatric dentist with a unique focus on pediatric airway health and wellness. Dr. Ballinger shares her personal and professional journey from traditional pediatric dentistry to a practice centered on airway-focused care, collaborative medicine, and holistic patient wellness.

About the Guest

Dr. Lauren Ballinger is a board-certified pediatric dentist who trained at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. After 15 years in her family’s traditional practice, she founded her own clinic dedicated to airway and dental wellness. Dr. Ballinger is also the co-founder of the Endeavor Foundation, an international organization committed to evolving pediatric dental standards to address root causes of preventable ailments, especially those related to breathing, sleep, nutrition, and inflammation.

Key Topics & Discussion Highlights

• Dr. Ballinger’s Journey:
  How her personal experiences as a mother and clinician led her to question traditional approaches and embrace airway-focused pediatric dentistry.
• Transitioning to Airway-Focused Care:
  The challenges and rewards of shifting from a conventional dental model to one that prioritizes airway health, including the need for team training, patient education, and practice workflow changes.
• Collaborative Care:
  The importance of building networks with ENTs, allergists, myofunctional therapists, and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care for pediatric patients.
• Communicating with Parents and Patients:
  Strategies for discussing airway issues and treatment recommendations with families, including the need for sensitivity, education, and involving children in their own care.
• Behavior Management in Pediatric Dentistry:
  Insights into the unique skills pediatric dentists bring to managing young patients, and how these can benefit interdisciplinary teams.
• Access to Care & Systemic Challenges:
  The difficulties families face in finding airway-focused providers, especially in rural areas, and the broader implications for public health.
• Impact of Airway Health on Child Development:
  Discussion of the neurological and behavioral consequences of sleep-disordered breathing, the overlap with ADHD symptoms, and the critical window for early intervention.
• The Role of Dentists in Whole-Patient Wellness:
  Why dentists are uniquely positioned to identify and address airway issues, and the need for the profession to embrace a more holistic, medical approach.

Notable Quotes

• “This is our window, our opportunity to treat the whole patient, not just straighten teeth.”
• “When you fully embrace airway-focused care, you have to change everything in your practice.”
• “Some of the best connections I have are with parents who are just grateful someone is listening and acknowledging their concerns.”

Resources & Links

• Learn more about DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/ 
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/)

Connect with the Show

• Email: drmike@theorthocoach.com
• Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review The DOC Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Thank you for listening! Share this episode with colleagues or parents who may benefit from a deeper understanding of pediatric airway health and collaborative dental care.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Retail vs. Smart Money Investing:
  Mark explains the pitfalls of traditional retail investing—such as hidden fees, higher volatility, and risk exposure—and contrasts it with the “smart money” approach used by the ultra-wealthy and family offices. He details how institutional strategies focus on safety, security, and long-term wealth preservation.
• The Family Office Model:
  Learn how the family office concept, pioneered by the Rockefellers, brings together a team of experts (tax, investment, insurance, estate planning) to holistically manage and grow family wealth. Mark shares how Hilton Tax and Wealth Advisors are making these advanced strategies accessible to more people, not just the ultra-rich.
• Tax Efficiency and Qualified Plans:
  The conversation dives deep into the tax time bomb lurking in traditional qualified plans (401(k)s, IRAs), and why the wealthy prioritize tax-free withdrawals and efficient estate planning. Mark discusses Roth conversions, proprietary tax strategies, and the importance of planning for your largest lifetime expense—taxes.
• Portfolio Diversification and Alternative Investments:
  Mark outlines the “bucket” approach to portfolio construction, balancing safe and secure investments, income-generating assets, institutional-grade managed money, and alternatives like private equity and real estate. He emphasizes the need for true diversification beyond the outdated 60/40 model.
• Actionable Tips for Professionals:
  Mark’s top advice for listeners:
  1. Prioritize safety and security in your investments.
  2. Minimize fees to maximize long-term returns.
  3. Reduce portfolio volatility for better wealth growth.
  4. Have a proactive plan to lower your tax burden.

Resources & Contact:

• Book:
  "Hilton Wealth: How to Invest Like an American Dynasty" – Complimentary copies available at hiltonwealth.com
• Contact Mark Miller:
  Visit hiltonwealth.com to schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation or request an assessment of your financial situation.
• Connect with Dr. Mike:
  • drmike@theorthocoach.com
  • Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/
  • Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/

Disclaimer:
The content in this episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult your own tax and legal professionals for guidance specific to your situation.

Enjoyed the episode?
Share it with a colleague, leave a review, and subscribe for more expert insights on building a happier, healthier, and more prosperous life!

Listeners will gain insight into the importance of early airway evaluation, the impact of CBCT imaging, and the obstacles faced by dental professionals in adopting proactive, evidence-based airway care. Dr. Walker also introduces her new initiative, AirwayZ, designed to empower both providers and patients with education and resources for better airway health.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Dr. Walker’s personal and professional journey into airway-focused orthodontics
• The influence of her father and the power of mentorship in embracing new technology (CBCT)
• The paradigm shift from traditional orthodontics to a holistic, airway-centered approach
• The role of CBCT imaging in diagnosis and treatment planning
• What “evidence-based” really means in dental and medical practice
• Systemic resistance in academia and professional organizations (AAO, AAPD) to airway-focused care
• The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration: building networks with ENTs, pediatricians, sleep physicians, and more
• How to educate medical colleagues and the public about pediatric airway health
• Overcoming obstacles: time constraints, burnout, and the business realities of airway-focused practice
• The launch of Airway Z: a platform for education, networking, and patient-provider connection in airway health
• Strategies for effective communication with medical colleagues and advocating for patients
• The need for a paradigm shift in orthodontic and dental education and practice

 Notable Quotes:

• “Breathing is the most important thing we do. It is the most important bodily function. Breathing through the nose is the only way that our body feels safe doing it. Period.” – Dr. Liz Walker
• “The etiology is multifactorial. The solution needs to be multifaceted—and multidisciplinary.” – Dr. Mike Deluke
• “You have to breathe it to believe it.” – Dr. Liz Walker

 Resources & Links:

• Airway Z: airwayz.com – Sign up for updates on Dr. Walker’s new platform for airway health education and networking.
• Contact Dr. Liz Walker: liz@airwayz.com | breathe@airwayz.com
• The Ortho Coach: theorthocoach.com – Access CE courses and private coaching with Dr. Mike Deluce.
• Join the DOC Community on FG: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AWfwf25zU/
• Orhan Tuncay Article ( AJODO, 1993): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8249937/

 Calls to Action:

• Know a great guest for the show, or want to be featured? Email Dr. Mike at mike@theorthocoach.com.
• Subscribe, rate, and review The DOC Podcast on your favorite platform to help us reach more listeners.

About the Show:
The DOC Podcast is dedicated to helping dental and medical professionals lead happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives—personally and professionally. Each episode features in-depth conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and practitioners who are shaping the future of healthcare.

Thank you for listening!
Remember: You have been blessed with the ability to do amazing things.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Introduction & Listener Appreciation
02:30 – The Impact of the Show: Airway and Orthodontics
05:00 – Why Early, Holistic Care Matters
08:00 – Lauren’s Story: From Crooked Teeth to Airway Discovery
12:00 – The Diagnosis: Beyond Teeth – Sleep, Breathing, and Growth
18:00 – The Treatment Plan: Braces at Age 6, No Expanders
25:00 – The Parent Experience: Fears, Hopes, and Trust
32:00 – Lauren’s Transformation: Health, Sleep, and Confidence
40:00 – John’s Perspective: Airway Management as a CRNA
48:00 – The Results: A New Smile, Better Sleep, and a Happier Child
55:00 – Reflections: Why Early Intervention Matters
1:00:00 – Advice for Parents and Providers
1:05:00 – Closing Thoughts & How to Connect

✨ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• The importance of shifting from a reactive, tooth-focused approach (“Ortho 2.0”) to a proactive, holistic model (“Ortho 3.0”)
• How Lauren’s airway issues were discovered during a routine orthodontic visit
• The decision to use braces at a young age instead of traditional expanders
• The emotional journey for parents: skepticism, education, and relief
• The dramatic improvements in Lauren’s sleep, energy, and self-confidence
• Insights from John, a nurse anesthetist, on airway health and long-term outcomes
• The broader message: why early, airway-focused orthodontics can change lives

🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS:

• Visit theorthocoach.com for CE courses and coaching
• To learn more about Dr. DeLuke's early Phase I braces and wires technique: https://theorthocoach.com/courses/phase-i-arch-development/?portfolioCats=99 
• Join the DOC Community on Facebook for more content and discussion: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16WN2TbP5Z/
• Contact Dr. Mike: drmike@theorthocoach.com

🙌 THANK YOU for listening and supporting The DOC Podcast!
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share with anyone who could benefit from Lauren’s story and the message of proactive, holistic care.

orthodontics#airwayhealth #parenting #pediatrics #podcast #healthykids #earlyintervention #holistichealth #TheDOCPodcast

• How Becca’s background in restorative dentistry and periodontics helped her understand the critically important role that interceptive orthodontic treatment can play in redirecting growth and reducing the severity of the malocclusion.
• The impact Drs. Slick VanArsdall, Vince Kokich, and Jeff Rouse had on Becca’s approach to interceptive orthodontic treatment.
• The need to reframe our mission and the purpose of early orthodontic intervention.
• The possible reasons why many orthodontic residents receive little to no training in interceptive treatment.
• The value of CBCT in determining the etiology of the malocclusion.
• The importance of focusing on the transverse dimension.
• Why it is essential to focus on the overall health of our patients and not just their teeth.
• The importance of developing an interdisciplinary team of colleagues within your community.
• The challenges associated with obtaining a sleep study on a child and the potential flaws of the data gathered.
• Studies that show snoring alone (not OSA) can lead to learning deficits and decreases in gray matter.
• Which sleep study Becca uses for her patients and at what timepoints she has them fill it out.
• Possible reasons why Phase I treatment has historically received a bad rap and what can be done to reframe that image.
• The need to dispel the notion that orthodontists who address pediatric airway are diagnosing and treating sleep apnea.
• The basis for the AAO selecting 7-years-old as the age at which patients should first see the orthodontist.
• What the future holds for the profession of orthodontics, especially as it pertains to interceptive treatment and airway.

LINKS

-Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Pediatric-Sleep-Questionnaire_fig1_347054293 

-Ferris 6 Sleep Study: https://www.fairest.org/tools/

-Rethinking Rhinoplasty – Howard Stupak: https://www.amazon.com/Rethinking-Rhinoplasty-Facial-Surgery-Re-Analysis/dp/3030446751
-The DOC Community on FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BpPABTX5w/
-The DOC Website: https://theorthocoach.com/ 

With over 40 years in dentistry, Dr. Olmos shares his journey from general practice to becoming a global leader in airway and pain management, and why he believes dentistry must evolve to address root causes, not just symptoms.

We discuss:

• How Dr. Olmos built a worldwide network focused on treating pain and sleep disorders 

• The critical connection between airway health, sleep, and chronic pain 

• Why current dental education and insurance models need to change 

• The importance of holistic, patient-centered care 

• Practical advice for both dental professionals and parents seeking better health outcomes

• And much more!

If you’re passionate about the future of dentistry or want to understand how airway and sleep impact overall health, this conversation is a must-listen!

LINKS:

Learn more: https://tmjtherapycentre.com
Contact: drmike@theorthocoach.com

The DOC Website: https://theorthocoach.com/

Guest Bio:
MC Laubscher is the founder of Producers Wealth, a bestselling author, and the creator/host of Cashflow Ninja. He specializes in helping clients develop alternative wealth strategies and is a member of the Forbes Finance Council and the Million Dollar Round Table.

Key Topics & Highlights:

• MC’s journey from South Africa to the US and his early influences (including the impact of "Rich Dad Poor Dad")
• The concept of financial freedom and how it can be achieved by building a family office
• How to become your own bank using the Infinite Banking Concept
• The power of life insurance as an asset and a tool for generational wealth
• Practical steps for business owners and professionals to implement these strategies
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid scams in the insurance and wealth-building space
• The importance of financial education, cash flow management, and legacy planning
• M.C.’s experience as a podcaster and the growth of Cashflow Ninja

 Resources & Links:

• M.C. Laubscher’s website: Producers Wealth
• Free eBook & audiobook: Get Wealthy For Sure
• M.C.’s podcast: Cashflow Ninja
• Dr. Mike’s custom balance sheet: TheOrthoCoach.com
• DOC Podcast on Cashflow: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-numbers-you-need-to-know-to-achieve-financial/id1689703392?i=1000642958320
• Listeners of The DOC Podcast can receive a $500 discount on registration for Airway Palooza 2025 in Fort Lauderdale by using code DOCPALOOZA at checkout. https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza
• Contact M.C.: mc@producerswealth.com
• Contact Dr. Mike: drmike@theorthocoach.com

 Calls to Action:

• Like, subscribe, and share if you found this episode valuable!
• Comment below with your questions or topics you’d like to hear more about.
• Check out the links above for free resources and to connect with our guest.

 Join the Community:

• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/)

Thank you for tuning in to The DOC Podcast! Remember, you have been blessed with the ability to do amazing things.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Dr. Staci’s personal journey from traditional dental training to pioneering a holistic, root-cause approach to pediatric dentistry.
• The challenges and limitations of current dental education and practice models.
• How burnout affects dental professionals—and how a functional approach can restore purpose and satisfaction.
• The truth about fluoride, the latest research, and why open-minded discussion is critical.
• The oral and gut microbiome: what it means for your health, how it connects to systemic wellness, and why it’s the next frontier in dentistry.
• Actionable steps for parents, patients, and providers to improve oral health, including nutrition, hydration, airway health, stress management, and hygiene.
• The importance of individualized care, patient education, and shifting away from a “one-size-fits-all” model.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Listeners of The DOC Podcast can receive a $500 discount on registration for Airway Palooza 2025 in Fort Lauderdale by using code DOCPALOOZA at checkout. https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza
• Oral microbiome testing resources: https://www.viome.com/products/oral-health-intelligence; https://www.bristlehealth.com/
• Cochrane Review on Fluoride (2024): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39362658/
• The Institute for Functional Dentistry: https://functionaldentistry.com/
• Episode with Beth Lambert: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-causing-the-chronic-disease-epidemic-in-our/id1689703392?i=1000716655495

Connect with Dr. Staci:

• https://doctorstaci.com/
• Dr. Staci on Instagram: @doctor_staci

Connect with Dr. Mike:

• theorthocoach.com
• Email: drmike@theorthocoach.com
• Join the DOC Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/

Learn about the clinical and academic divide in the field, the importance of comprehensive patient care that goes beyond aligning teeth, and practical advice for implementing MARPE in a busy practice. Dr. Lipkin also touches on the vital role of diagnostic processes and offers insights into the future of orthodontic treatment. 

Whether you're an orthodontist, dental professional, or just curious about the advancements in orthodontics, this episode is packed with invaluable information. Enjoy the show!

00:27 Meet Dr. Ilya Lipkin: A Visionary in Orthodontics

02:36 Dr. Lipkin's Journey: From the Soviet Union to Orthodontics

05:26 The Impact of Sleep and Airway on Orthodontics

09:38 Clinical vs. Academic Perspectives in Orthodontics

14:16 Challenges and Changes in Orthodontic Practices

35:12 The Role of Dentists in Airway Screening & Health

35:34 Orthodontic Residency and Airway Issues

35:43 TMJ and Orthodontics: A Controversial Topic

36:36 The Importance of Comprehensive Diagnosis

38:02 Challenges in Orthodontic Practices

41:55 Diagnostic Ability and Patient Health

42:32 The Evolution of Orthodontic Technology

43:56 Determining the Right Treatment Approach

53:59 Implementing MARPE in Practice

01:00:17 The Need for Change in Orthodontic Education

01:10:48 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Special Offer:
Listeners of The DOC Podcast can receive a $500 discount on registration for Airway Palooza 2025 in Fort Lauderdale by using code DOCPALOOZA at checkout. https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza

SHOW NOTES
-Contact Dr. Lipkin: https://www.gotbraces.com/

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Importance of Having a Financial Plan: Why everyone, regardless of career stage, needs a plan—and how to revisit and update it as your life evolves.
• Understanding the Role of a Fiduciary Advisor:
  What it means to work with a fiduciary, and why it matters for your financial security.
• Breaking Down Financial Planning by Life Stage:
  Dr. Mike and Erik discuss four key periods:

Early Career (School to 5 Years Out):

• Building an emergency fund
• Managing and understanding debt
• The value of starting to save and invest early (time value of money)
• Basics of insurance and budgeting

Mid-Career (5–20 Years):

• Growing wealth and managing taxes
• Maximizing retirement plans (401k, HSA, backdoor Roth strategies)
• Asset protection, estate planning, and insurance updates
• The importance of accurate bookkeeping and proactive tax planning

Late Career (20 Years to Retirement):

• Increasing complexity: business ownership, real estate, and advanced tax mitigation
• Planning for college expenses and balancing support for children with retirement goals
• Regular estate plan checkups and preparing for the “walkaway” number

Retirement:

• Transitioning from accumulation to distribution
• Managing multiple income streams and ongoing tax mitigation
• Emotional and lifestyle considerations for a fulfilling retirement
• Insurance needs, self-insuring, and long-term care planning

Actionable Advice for Every Listener:

• The value of assembling a trusted advisory team
• Why intentional planning and flexibility are the true keys to building wealth
• How to ask the right questions and be proactive with your advisors

 Resources & Links:

• Get Erik’s Book:
  The Personal CFO Revolution: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Your Retirement
  Visit the link for a free copy and to schedule a no-obligation introductory call with Erik’s team.
• Connect with Dr. Mike DeLuke:
  • Email: drmike@theorthocoach.com
  • The Ortho Coach – CE Courses & Coaching
  • Join the DOC Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/

Special Offer:
Listeners of The DOC Podcast can receive a $500 discount on registration for Airway Palooza 2025 in Fort Lauderdale by using code DOCPALOOZA at checkout. https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza

Thank You for Listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with colleagues, friends, or family who could benefit from these insights. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join us next time for more conversations to help you lead a happier, healthier, and more prosperous life.

Key Topics Covered:

• The science and evidence behind early orthodontic expansion and its impact on long-term health
• The relationship between airway, sleep-disordered breathing, and craniofacial development
• Why traditional orthodontic training often overlooks early intervention—and how to bridge the gap
• The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration with ENTs, pediatricians, sleep specialists, and therapists
• Practical screening tools and questionnaires for identifying pediatric sleep issues
• The role of 3D imaging (CBCT) in modern orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning
• Addressing common misconceptions and stigma around Phase I treatment
• How early intervention can help prevent surgery and improve quality of life for children

Actionable Takeaways:

• Early orthodontic evaluation is about more than just teeth—it's about whole-body health.
• Orthodontists can play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing pediatric airway issues.
• Collaboration and ongoing education are key to advancing patient care and professional growth.

Resources & Links:

• Airway Palooza 2025: An upcoming conference focused on airway health, with a special $500 discount code for listeners (DOCPALOOZA) - https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza
• Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Pediatric-Sleep-Questionnaire_fig1_347054293
• Ferris 6 Sleep Study: https://www.fairest.org/tools/
• Rethinking Rhinoplasty – Howard Stupak: https://www.amazon.com/Rethinking-Rhinoplasty-Facial-Surgery-Re-Analysis/dp/3030446751
• DeLuke Orthodontic Coaching Website:  www.theorthocoach.com

Tune in for an inspiring and practical conversation that challenges the status quo and empowers clinicians to make a lasting impact on their patients’ lives.

Key Topics Covered:

• Dr. Recine’s background and what inspired his career in physical therapy
• The prevalence and impact of TMJ/TMD pain in the U.S.
• Comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans for pain, dysfunction, and performance
• The connection between airway health, sleep, and orofacial pain
• Collaboration between physical therapists and dental professionals to improve patient outcomes
• The importance of considering orofacial musculature in malocclusion and TMD
• Strategies for staying healthy and pain-free, especially for those with sedentary or repetitive work (e.g., dental professionals)
• The value of proactive, diagnostic-focused care over symptom-based treatment
• Advice for clinicians on being open-minded, self-reflective, and collaborative

Actionable Takeaways:

• Seek comprehensive evaluations that look beyond symptoms to root causes
• For providers: invest time in diagnostics and patient education for better outcomes
• Don’t hesitate to reach out to specialists or collaborate across disciplines
• Move regularly and find ways to incorporate “exercise snacks” throughout your day
• Prioritize sleep, hydration, and nutrition as foundational to healing and performance

Resources & Mentions:

• Airway Palooza 2025: An upcoming conference focused on airway health, with a special $500 discount code for listeners (Enter: DOCPALOOZA at checkout) - https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza
• The Ortho Coach CE Course: A comprehensive course on interceptive orthodontic treatment and airway-focused care. (https://theorthocoach.com/courses/phase-i-arch-development/?portfolioCats=99)
• Article on postural adaptations in rats: https://www.felicefesta.it/document/The%20Influence%20of%20an%20Experimentally%20Induced%20Malocclusion%20On%20Vertebral%20Alignment.pdf
• Article on Dental Distress Syndrome: https://stamforddentist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ddsquantified.pdf

Connect with Dr. Recine:

• DM on Instagram: @primephysio_ 
• Website: https://www.prime-physio.net/
• Open to questions from both patients and professionals

Contact the Show:

• Email Dr. Mike DeLuke: drmike@theorthocoach.com
• Join the DOC Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19conYSiL6/

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with your colleagues and friends.

Dr. Evans and I discuss:

• Why and how she decided to open her own practice from scratch in 2011, and how it’s going now.
• Her educational background, including why she decided to obtain degrees in both orthodontics and periodontics, and how it has helped her be a better orthodontist.
• How she developed an interest in, and eventually a passion for, anthropology by studying the Morton Skull Collection while at UPenn.
• The problem with using transverse norms based on post-industrial skulls.
• Why humans today can no longer accommodate 32 teeth, and why that is a bigger problem than we may realize.
• How diet and obstructed nasal breathing are turning malocclusion into a pandemic.
• The role of the orthodontist’s ego in the prevention of the advancement of our profession.
• Marianna’s advice to residents and young docs regarding questioning what they learn in their orthodontic residency.
• What the research says about providing orthodontic treatment to patients in the primary dentition.
• How the refusal of orthodontists to treat patients at a younger age will lead to the death of our specialty.
• The thinning of the alveolar bone that inevitably occurs during all orthodontic tooth movement.
• Why we should be more focused on developing the jaws in the primary dentition to allow the teeth to erupt into the center of the ridge.
• The need for orthodontists to look at their cases 20 years after treatment, and how that could change their perspective.
• The numerous flaws with the literature stating that early treatment is not effective.
• How to communicate to parents that their young child is in need of orthodontic treatment.
• Why we should be referring to the orthodontic treatment of younger patients as “preventative,” not “early.”
• The story of how she got connected with James Nestor and what it was like to be featured in his bestselling book, Breath.
• And much, much more!!

LINKS:
-Airway Palooza 2025: An upcoming conference focused on airway health, with a special $500 discount code for listeners (DOCPALOOZA) - https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza

-Email Dr. Evans: mevans@infinitiorthoperio.com 

-Email Dr. Mike:  drmike@theorthocoach.com

-Breath by James Nestor: https://a.co/d/1JGxJa8 

Key Topics Discussed:

• Raising awareness about airway health and its role in craniofacial and neurocognitive development.
• The journey of airway health in dentistry: where the field started, current challenges, and future goals.
• The importance of collaboration between general dentists, orthodontists, pediatric dentists, and medical professionals.
• Barriers to change in dental and orthodontic practice, including education gaps, workflow challenges, and financial considerations.
• The role of evidence-based medicine in airway dentistry and the limitations of current research.
• The need for respectful dialogue and teamwork across specialties to improve patient outcomes.
• Empowering parents and patients to advocate for airway health and seek the right care.
• The value of community, ongoing education, and practice-based research networks.

Special Mentions:

• Airway Palooza 2025: An upcoming conference focused on airway health, with a special $500 discount code for listeners (DOCPALOOZA) - https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza
• The Ortho Coach CE Course: A comprehensive course on interceptive orthodontic treatment and airway-focused care. (https://theorthocoach.com/courses/phase-i-arch-development/?portfolioCats=99)
• Contact information for research collaboration: michelle@asappathway.com

Resources & Links:

• TheOrthoCoach.com – For CE courses and coaching
• ASAP Pathway – Educational resources and community.
• DOC Podcast Facebook Community – For ongoing discussion and support.

Calls to Action:

• Share the episode with colleagues and friends interested in airway health.
• Consider attending Airway Palooza or enrolling in the Ortho Coach CE course.
• Reach out to the hosts or guests for collaboration or to share your story.

Closing Thoughts:
The episode wraps up with a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about the realities of changing dental practice, the importance of humility and open-mindedness, and the power of community in driving progress for airway health.

Thank you for listening to The DOC Podcast! For guest suggestions or to connect, email Dr. Mike at drmike@theorthocoach.com.

Key Topics Covered:

• Dr. Boyd’s unique career journey: from cardiology research to pediatric dentistry and anthropology
• The historical divide between orthodontic and pediatric dental departments
• The critical role of behavioral sciences in treating young patients
• Why many orthodontists are hesitant to treat children under age 8, and how training and practice models contribute to this reluctance
• The impact of early intervention on long-term oral health and overall well-being
• The evolutionary and anthropological perspective on malocclusion: why it’s a modern problem
• The role of diet, breastfeeding, and environmental factors in craniofacial development
• The importance of collaborative, multidisciplinary care (including ENTs, pediatricians, myofunctional therapists, and more)
• Addressing common myths: genetics vs. environment, and the evidence for early treatment
• How to advocate for proactive, patient-centered care and overcome resistance within the profession

Notable Quotes:

• “We are hardwired to have the capability of epigenetically producing a beautiful craniofacial structure—if we get the right environmental inputs.”
• “You don’t have to treat every child, but you do have to perform a validated risk assessment.”
• “It only takes one case to see the life-changing impact of early intervention.”

Resources & Links:

• Airway Palooza 2025 – [https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza] - Use code DOCPALOOZA for $500 off registration
• TheOrthoCoach.com – Free educational content, CE courses, and coaching
• DOC Community on Facebook – Search “DOC Community” to join
• Recommended reading: “Ultra-Processed People” by Chris van Tulleken, “The Human Respiratory Apparatus” (1953), and works by Melvin Moss, Enlow, and others
• Harvard study by Silver: Silver EI. American Journal of Orthodontics and Oral Surgery. 1994;30(12):635:659.
• Link to AADSM Article: https://aadsm.org/journal/special_article_1_issue_112.php
• Dunedin Study: Richmond-Rakerd LS et al. PNAS. 2021;118(3):1-12
• Ultra-Processed People by VanTullican:  https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Processed-People-Science-Behind-Food/dp/1324036729/ref=asc_df_1324036729/?gad_source=1&hvadid=693449522341&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl&hvlocint&hvlocphy=9012267&hvnetw=g&hvpone&hvpos&hvptwo&hvqmt&hvrand=12253883059461682792&hvtargid=pla-1960574051028&linkCode=df0&mcid=f479b78a5ba03190bbb7f73789672dc7&psc=1&tag=hyprod-20
• Email Dr. Mike (drmike@theorthocoach.com) to get a copy of Dr. Boyd’s letter to the Primary Care Physician

Contact:

• Email Dr. Mike: drmike@theorthocoach.com
• Guest suggestions: Reach out via email or Facebook group

Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with colleagues. Remember, you have the ability to do amazing things!!

Key Topics Discussed:

• Dr. Nahatis’s background, education, and early influences in dentistry.
• The personal story that led her to focus on pediatric airway health.
• The importance of early detection and intervention for airway issues in children.
• How to screen for pediatric sleep-disordered breathing using the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ).
• The challenges and rewards of changing practice models to prioritize airway health.
• Collaboration with ENTs, allergists, myofunctional therapists, and other specialists.
• Diagnostic tools: clinical exams, CBCT imaging, and quality of life questionnaires.
• The role of tongue tie releases and the importance of proper timing and collaboration with therapists.
• Advice for dental and orthodontic colleagues on starting airway-focused care.
• The impact of airway health on children’s overall well-being and family life.
• Balancing professional, personal, and family responsibilities as a healthcare provider.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Dentists should consider screening all pediatric patients for sleep-disordered breathing.
• Use validated tools like the PSQ and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
• Educate parents gently and plant seeds for awareness rather than overwhelming them.
• Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and may reduce the need for complex treatments later.
• Building a supportive team and network of like-minded professionals is key.

Resources & Mentions:

• Airway Palooza conference (October 17–18, Fort Lauderdale, FL) – Use code “DOCPALOOZA” for a $500 discount. [https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza]
• The DOC Community on Facebook for further discussion and resources. [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AwJhusor4/]
• Pacified app for pacifier sizing and guidance. [https://pacifiedapp.com/#/]
• Dr. Loria Nahatis’s Instagram: @beyondpediatricdentistry and @doctorloria

Contact:

• Dr. Mike DeLuke: drmike@theorthocoach.com
• Dr. Loria Nahatis: Instagram handles above

Special Offers:

• $500 off Airway Palooza registration with code “DOCPALOOZA” (link above).

• How Jeff’s background in restorative dentistry helped him gain a better understanding of how orthodontic treatment, especially treatment involving extraction of permanent teeth, led to the breakdown of the dentition and airway issues later in life.
• Why Jeff started doing orthodontics when he was practicing as a general dentist and how that led to an “ortho first” approach to patient care.
• How Jeff developed and the curriculum for airway dentistry at Spear Education.
• Why GPs and prosthodontists are more open to the impact of airway on malocclusion than most orthodontists.
• Why orthodontists are resistant to incorporating airway-focused treatment into their practice (and it has nothing to do with evidence/literature!).
• Jeff’s message to orthos who are opposed to intervening earlier than 7yo to address anatomy that can lead to airway compromise.
• The primary causes of airway obstruction in young children (HINT: It’s not genetics!)
• Why orthodontic residents are not treating young children during their training.
• What recent studies in the otolaryngological literature say is a “normal” palatal width.
• The flaws with the studies that say Phase I is ineffective and often unnecessary.
• What is within the dentist’s/orthodontist’s scope of practice when it comes to airway.
• The role that anatomy plays in obstruction of nasal breathing.
• Why watchful waiting is supervised neglect.
• What orthodontists would learn if they had to look at all their cases 20 years out of treatment.
• Whether or not extractions cause airway issues.
• How heart rate variability can be used to determine sleep-related breathing issues.
• A new referral pattern for the future to help remove some of these obstacles.
• Jeff’s advice to young orthodontists.

LINKS:

-AAO Website on age to begin orthodontic treatment: https://aaoinfo.org/orthodontics-for-children/

Guest Bio: Dr. Daniel Camacho immigrated from Colombia as a child, completed his undergraduate and dental degrees at the University of Connecticut, and earned his orthodontics certificate and master’s from Seton Hill University. He is known for his patient-centered, boutique practice model and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of orthodontists.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Dr. Camacho’s journey from immigrant to orthodontist and practice owner
• The decision-making process behind buying vs. starting a practice
• The impact of mentorship and residency experiences on career direction
• Financial literacy for dentists: lessons from "Rich Dad, Poor Dad"
• Good debt vs. bad debt, and leveraging business ownership for financial growth
• The importance of building assets, not just income
• Work-life balance and the “three cups” analogy: health, happiness, and money
• Building a strong practice culture, leadership, and team management
• The value of private practice in a corporatized dental world
• Differentiation through customer service and patient care
• The need for modernizing orthodontic education and embracing new technologies
• Early intervention in orthodontics and the importance of airway health

Takeaways:

• Private practice ownership is still viable and rewarding for new orthodontists.
• Financial discipline and asset-building are key to long-term success.
• Leadership and culture are the foundation of a thriving practice.
• Embrace change, invest in education, and always strive to improve patient care.

Special Mentions:

• Airway Palooza 2025: Oct 17-18, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Use code DOCPALOOZA for $500 off! (https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza)
• More resources & CE: https://theorthocoach.com

📧 Contact Dr. Mike: drmike@theorthocoach.com
 👥 Join the DOC Community on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16n4MR78DP/

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on practice management, financial tips, and clinical excellence in orthodontics!

Thank you for listening!