{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The DOC Podcast","title":"Changing Lives Early: The Power of Airway-Aware Orthodontics (w/Dr. Lauren Ballinger) [Ep 131]","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":4583,"description":"Episode Overview\nIn 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.\nAbout the Guest\nDr. 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.\nKey Topics & Discussion Highlights\nDr. Ballinger’s Journey:\nHow her personal experiences as a mother and clinician led her to question traditional approaches and embrace airway-focused pediatric dentistry.\nTransitioning to Airway-Focused Care:\nThe 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.\nCollaborative Care:\nThe importance of building networks with ENTs, allergists, myofunctional therapists, and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care for pediatric patients.\nCommunicating with Parents and Patients:\nStrategies for discussing airway issues and treatment recommendations with families, including the need for sensitivity, education, and involving children in their own care.\nBehavior Management in Pediatric Dentistry:\nInsights into the unique skills pediatric dentists bring to managing young patients, and how these can benefit interdisciplinary teams.\nAccess to Care & Systemic Challenges:\nThe difficulties families face in finding...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/Wf6VIMhB_ulpfJzsJlix0BOF0i4W9yk8xxJ6-5X1Y6E/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzQxOTI3LzE2OTg2/MzExNDktYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}