Episode Description
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Susan Maples, a pioneering general dentist who has practiced in Holt, Michigan, for over 40 years. Dr. Maples shares her revolutionary approach to dentistry, which goes far beyond traditional "drill and fill" methods, focusing on total health, the oral-systemic connection, and empowering patients (especially children) to take control of their own health journey.

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: [email protected]
• Phone: (517) 819-6330
• Website: DrSusanMaples.com

Subscribe & Follow
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General Summary

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 [email protected]

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.

Episode Overview

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:

• [email protected]
• 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.

Episode Overview
In this episode, I welcome Dr. Svitlana Koval, an orthodontist based in Boca Raton, Florida, renowned for her expertise in airway-focused orthodontics and the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing in both children and adults. The conversation explores Dr. Koval’s professional journey, her clinical protocols, and the broader implications of airway health in orthodontics.

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/

Episode Summary

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 [email protected].

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

Episode Overview

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: [email protected]
• Website: macro-wealth.com
• Phone (text): (847) 363-5502

 Connect with Dr. Mike DeLuke

• Email: [email protected]
• 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!

Episode Overview

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: [email protected] 
  (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.

Episode Summary:
In this episode, I welcome neurologist Dr. Stasha Gominak for a deep dive into the critical, but often misunderstood, role of sleep, sunlight, and vitamins in our overall health. Dr. Gominak shares her journey from traditional neurology to a holistic, proactive approach that addresses the root causes of chronic health issues, especially those related to sleep.

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 [email protected] 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.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Roger Price, a world-renowned expert in airway and breathing science. Dr. Price, with decades of experience in pharmacy, physiology, nutrition, and applied breathing sciences, challenges conventional approaches to health and medicine. The conversation dives deep into the science of breathing, the pitfalls of modern medicine, and the critical role of prevention and early intervention, especially in children.

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: [email protected]
• 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.

Episode Overview

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/ 
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