Episode Summary:
In this episode, I welcome Dr. Kevin Boyd, a renowned pediatric dentist and expert in early orthodontic intervention, anthropology, and evolutionary oral medicine. Together, we explore the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of malocclusion, the interplay between genetics and environment, and the need for a paradigm shift in orthodontic education and practice.

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 ([email protected]) to get a copy of Dr. Boyd’s letter to the Primary Care Physician

Contact:

• Email Dr. Mike: [email protected]
• 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!!

Episode Overview: In this episode, I welcome Dr. Loria Nahatis, a board-certified pediatric dentist with a passion for pediatric airway health. Dr. Nahatis shares her journey from traditional pediatric dentistry to becoming an advocate for early airway intervention, inspired by her own daughter’s health challenges.

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: [email protected]
• Dr. Loria Nahatis: Instagram handles above

Special Offers:

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

Dr. Jeff Rouse is an educator and clinician who has practiced with the likes of Drs. Frank Spear and Gregg Kinzer.  He is now a Resident Faculty Member at Spear Education and maintains a private practice in prosthodontics in San Antonio, TX.  He has a unique professional journey and understands more about airway and orthodontics than many orthodontists.  We discuss that and much more, including:

• 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/

Episode Overview: In this episode, I welcome Dr. Daniel Camacho, a board-certified orthodontist and owner of Forever Smiles Orthodontics in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Together, we dive deep into the realities of private practice ownership, financial independence, work-life balance, and the evolving landscape of orthodontics and dental education.

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: [email protected]
 👥 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!

Don’t miss this fascinating conversation with the amazing and world-renowned Dr. Audrey Yoon!  

We discuss:

• How Audrey’s journey in sleep medicine began and the role her training at UCLA played in that journey.
• The role that Dr. Stanley Liu played in Audrey’s passion for airway-focused orthodontic treatment.
• How an interaction with Dr. Christian Guilleminault (“CG”) changed Audrey’s life and launched her into a career focused on airway adult and pediatric airway. 
• How Audrey and Mike were both inspired by medical colleagues to go out and teach about airway orthodontics.
• The challenges associated with using polysomnography and AHI classification for diagnosis of pediatric sleep apnea, and why CG expressed regret for creating an AHI scale for pediatric patients.
• The potential for a blood test that determines if a child has sleep apnea.
• Why it is logistically challenging and medically unethical to conduct a double-blinded RCT on the effects of with treatment and control groups.
• The plethora of literature that exists demonstrating the positive impact of expansion on airway patency.
• The difference between anatomical and neuromotor factors in the etiology of OSA/SDB.
• The role the dentist/orthodontist can play in the correction of anatomical factors that contribute to OSA/SDB.
• The recent position statement of the AADSM regarding the impact of different treatment modalities on OSA.
• The reason why many orthodontists remain reluctant to incorporate airway-centered treatment into their practices.
• Audrey’s message to the people who say that it is inappropriate or even malpractice to treat children under the age of 6yo.
• The fact that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry lists growth disturbances and airway problems as some of the considerations for treatment at any age that the issue is detected.
• Why Audrey sees a number of referrals from her medical colleagues seeking assistance with sleep-related breathing issues.
• What Audrey is working on now to advance the role of orthodontists in sleep medicine, including forming the World Dentofacial Sleep Society.

And much, much more!!

In this enlightening episode of The DOC Podcast, I welcome Beth Lambert, a prominent advocate for addressing the root causes of chronic childhood conditions. Beth, the founder and executive director of Documenting Hope, shares her extensive research on the escalating rates of chronic illnesses in children, such as autism, ADHD, and autoimmune diseases.

With a focus on personalized and systems-based treatments, Beth discusses the potential environmental stressors contributing to these conditions and emphasizes the importance of holistic healing approaches. This episode delves into the complexities of modern healthcare, the significance of the gut microbiome, the controversial effects of vaccines and fluoride, and the potential of emerging treatments such as photobiomodulation and stem cell therapy. Don't miss this vital conversation that aims to reshape our understanding of health and healing for the next generation.

00:27 Meet Beth Lambert: Advocate for Children's Health
03:42 Beth's Personal Journey into Health Advocacy
07:44 Challenges with Conventional Medicine
12:26 The Broken Healthcare System
19:38 The Rise of Chronic Diseases in Children
24:29 Exploring the Total Load Hypothesis
35:58 The Vaccine Debate and Health Policies
45:56 The Altruistic Nature of Healthcare Providers
46:37 The Broken Healthcare System
47:07 The Importance of Diagnostic Time in Orthodontics
49:02 Fluoride Debate: Safety and Efficacy
50:14 Public Health Policy and Fluoride
51:42 Personal Experiences with Fluoride
53:18 Diet and Oral Health
55:09 The Role of Sealants in Dental Health
59:08 Historical Perspectives on Tooth Decay
01:04:13 The Gut Microbiome and Overall Health
01:08:34 Sleep and Pediatric Health
01:16:28 The Future of Regenerative Medicine
01:21:56 Partnerships in Healthcare
01:23:38 Conclusion and Resources

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  

I am SO EXCITED to bring you today’s guest, Dr. Tom Pitts.  Dr. Pitts is a true legend in the field of orthodontics who has been practicing and educating for over 50 years.  We have an amazing discussion about a variety of topics, including: 

• How Art Dugoni influenced Dr. Pitts’ career from the very beginning.
• What Dr. Pitts learned from industry legends such as Ricketts, Harvold, Roth, Damon, and others.
• How Ricketts approach to slow maxillary expansion changed Dr. Pitts’ perspective on early treatment and arch development.
• Possible reasons why residents aren’t learning about the benefits of early treatment.
• Why general and pediatric dentists are more open to the benefits of early treatment.
• How to successfully achieve and maintain Class II correction in the mixed dentition.
• How to best retain Phase I arch development.
• The amazing benefits of disocclusion in both interceptive and comprehensive treatment.
• How the use of light, short Class II elastics is a complete game changer to achieve early and predictable sagittal correction.
• The 5 key components to Dr. Pitts’ vision for orthodontic treatment.
• How Dr. Pitts is treating full comprehensive cases in 9-13 months.
• The impact of extractions on lip fullness over time.
• The benefits of using square (versus rectangular) wires.
• Which arch forms to use to develop/expand the arches.
• The reason why Dr. Pitts developed an .021 x .026 bracket (versus the standard .022 x .028).
• The dates and locations of upcoming Pitts 21 Seminars.
• What Dr. Pitts sees as his legacy in the profession of orthodontics.

*We also review various cases treated with the Pitts philosophy, so be sure to check out the YouTube link to this episode!

LINKS:

• VISIT OUR EPISODE SPONSOR – Retainers for Life!  Visit www.AfterOrthoRevenue.com and use code ‘DOC2024’ to get $2500 off your enrollment fee!
• Link to Video on DOC YouTube Channel (to view Dr. Pitts cases): https://youtu.be/NyLDNqGIsp0?si=Briqt0ud379_NcGl
• Link to enroll in the Pitts Seminars: [email protected]
• Links to the DOC courses on Phase I: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/
• Links to the YouTube videos on Ph I:
• -Part I: https://youtu.be/AsqQDiwVn0Y?si=-glbQCLg0gnj-a73
• -Part II: https://youtu.be/kXZxuMiO3iE?si=YBbG1N56F6VrBbPS
• Links to OrthoTown articles:
• -Part I: https://www.nxtbook.com/farran/orthotown/orthotown-june-2023/index.php?startid=54#/p/54
• -Part II: https://www.nxtbook.com/farran/orthotown/orthotown-november-2023/index.php?startid=52#/p/52

In this episode of the DOC Podcast, I welcome Dr. Mark Cruz, a dentist with a distinguished career, including serving as assistant director at the UCLA Center for Aesthetic Dentistry and on the editorial board for the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice.  

We delve into an evidence-based discussion about the etiology of malocclusion, exploring whether it is determined by genetics, environment, or both, the evolution of craniofacial growth and development, the impact of modern lifestyle on health and malocclusion, the importance of early intervention in patients suffering from sleep-disordered breathing, and the multitude of comorbidities associated with airway obstruction.  

Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that bridges the gap between medicine and dentistry, highlighting the significant role of airway and breathing in overall health.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the dental or medical professions interested in airway health and early intervention.

02:23 Dr. Cruz's Early Career and Challenges

03:21 Connecting the Dots: From Full Mouth Rehabs to Airway

04:25 The Evolution of Airway Focus in Dentistry

08:00 A Personal Story: Dr. Cruz's Son and Airway Issues

09:13 Collaborations and Mini Residencies

11:46 The Wild West of Airway Dentistry

13:09 Evidence-Based Dentistry and Orthodontics

16:14 The Importance of Interdisciplinary Collaboration

33:47 Historical Perspectives on Medical and Dental Education

41:16 The First Thousand Days: Impact on Life Expectancy

41:46 Dental Crowding and Jaw Development

42:07 The Role of Dentistry in Global Health

42:34 Historical Perspectives on Craniofacial Growth

43:33 Genetics vs. Environment in Orthodontics

46:45 Bio Regulatory Systems Medicine

49:10 Impact of Early Breathing Issues on Development

59:57 The Evolution of Human Facial Structure

01:03:18 The Industrial Revolution and Modern Health Issues

01:08:42 Debating the Impact of Tooth Extraction on Airway

01:17:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

LINKS:

-Mini-Residency: http://airwayfocuseddentistry.com/airway-mini-residency/

-Contact Mark -  [email protected]

-Orthotown Article Part I: https://www.orthotown.com/magazine/digital/649/march-2025

-Orthotown Article Part II: https://www.orthotown.com/magazine/digital/652/may-2025

-Phase I Early Treatment Course: https://theorthocoach.com/courses/phase-i-arch-development/?portfolioCats=99

In this episode of the DOC podcast, I am joined by Dr. David McIntosh, an ENT specialist, and Dr. Bill Harrell, an orthodontist.  We delve into the topics of evidence-based medicine, the significance of CBCT imaging, the challenges with pediatric sleep studies, and the critical role of identifying and treating mouth breathing in young children.

Drs. McIntosh and Harrell share insights on how early detection and management of sleep-disordered breathing by the dental professional can prevent long-term health issues, highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in promoting pediatric health, and dispel many of the myths surrounding the impact of mouth breathing on craniofacial and neurocognitive growth and development.

This episode offers invaluable knowledge for medical and dental professionals, as well as lay persons.

01:30 Episode Overview and Topics
02:55 Starting the Discussion: Evidence-Based Medicine
03:48 Medical Perspective on Evidence-Based Medicine
06:40 Ethics and Practicality in Medical Trials
14:39 Orthodontic Perspective on Evidence-Based Medicine
17:13 Challenges in Evidence-Based Orthodontics
25:35 CBCT Imaging in Orthodontics and ENT
45:01 Understanding Cancer Risks from Ionizing Radiation
45:37 Unexpected Benefits of CBCT Scans
46:46 Prevalence of Airway Problems in Orthodontics
50:13 Orthodontic Practices and Resistance to Change
55:27 Historical Perspectives on 2D vs 3D Imaging
01:03:38 Early Intervention in Pediatric Orthodontics
01:18:53 Health Implications of Mouth Breathing
01:27:33 Impact of Mouth Breathing on Overall Health
01:28:10 Negligence in Treating Mouth Breathing
01:28:31 The Importance of Airway Screening
01:30:28 Orthodontic Residencies and Early Treatment
01:40:13 Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Orthodontics
01:44:09 Challenges in Diagnosing Sleep Apnea in Children
01:47:12 The Flaws in Sleep Study Metrics
01:59:13 The Need for Early Orthodontic Intervention
02:00:07 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

LINKS:
-Episode #w/Dr.45 Harrell: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/integrating-medicine-dentistry-to-improve-breathing/id1689703392?i=1000651408695
-Episode #w/Dr.75  McIntosh: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-ents-perspective-on-airway-orthodontic-treatment/id1689703392?i=1000674427240 
-Contact Dr. McIntosh: https://www.facebook.com/david.mcintosh.180
-Contact Dr. Harrell:  [email protected]; https://www.facebook.com/bill.harrell.31

In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I dive into a fascinating discussion with Dr. Barry Raphael, an esteemed orthodontist who has revolutionized treatments to address airway-centered dysfunctions.  

Together, we explore the importance of early intervention in pediatric airway health, the critical role of soft tissue function in malocclusion, and how multidisciplinary approaches can enhance patient outcomes. 

The conversation touches upon the resistance within the profession to embrace new paradigms and offers insights into how orthodontists and other dental professionals can evolve their practices to better serve patients holistically.

00:23 Meet Dr. Barry Raphael: Orthodontics and Airway Health

03:46 Dr. Raphael's Journey: From Music to Orthodontics

06:18 Orthodontic Techniques and Early Influences

11:18 The Evolution of Orthodontic Practices

14:04 Challenging Orthodontic Orthodoxy

17:30 The Role of Dentists in Treating Sleep Apnea

26:59 The Importance of Airway and Breathing Patterns

40:26 Reflecting on Missed Diagnoses

41:03 Shifting Perspectives in Dentistry

41:57 The Rise of Chronic Diseases in Children

43:01 Personal Wake-Up Calls

44:11 Understanding Soft Tissue Dysfunction

45:46 Genetics vs. Environment in Malocclusion

52:31 The Role of Airflow in Sleep Apnea

56:51 The Importance of Early Intervention

01:03:24 Collaborating with Other Healthcare Providers

01:07:36 The Need for Holistic Orthodontic Care

01:13:19 Conclusion and Call to Action

LINKS:

Website: https://www.morethanstraightteeth.com/

Online Course: https://sites.google.com/alignmine.com/pediatricamr/home 

Contact Dr. Raphael: [email protected]

DOC Ph I Comprehensive Course: https://theorthocoach.com/courses/phase-i-arch-development/?portfolioCats=99