The DOC Podcast

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Trish and John Hopper, parents of Lauren, to share their family’s transformative journey through airway-focused, proactive orthodontic care. Discover how early intervention not only changed Lauren’s smile but also dramatically improved her sleep, health, and confidence.

⏰ 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.

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What is The DOC Podcast?

The DOC Podcast brings you unique educational content taught by Dr. Mike DeLuke, a Board Certified Orthodontist with over 20 years of clinical and academic experience. Dr. DeLuke built his orthodontic practice from scratch in the early 2000s and grew it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise in less than 10 years. He was able to retire from his private practice at the age of 46 years old, and now devotes his energy to teaching his colleagues how to succeed both personally and professionally. He also provides locum tenens coverage for colleagues in South Florida.

Dr. DeLuke has served as a faculty member at numerous hospitals and orthodontic residency programs around the country, including as the cleft craniofacial orthodontist at Albany Medical Center in New York, and as a clinical professor at The University of Connecticut in the Department of Orthodontics. He is presently an adjunct professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Healthcare Network and a Visiting Professor in the Department of Orthodontics at Montefiore Einstein Hospital in the Bronx.

The DOC Podcast will bring you in-depth discussions and interviews with industry leaders and experts on a variety of topics, including clinical excellence, practice management, finance and wealth creation, health and wellness, taxes and accounting, fitness, and much more!