Episode Overview:
In this episode, I’m joined by three leaders in dentistry and airway health—Drs. Stacy Becker, Tracey Nguyen, and Michelle Weddle, founders of the ASAP Pathway. Together, we discuss the evolution of airway-focused dental care, the importance of nasal breathing, and the challenges and progress in integrating airway health into mainstream dental and orthodontic practice.
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:
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.
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!