Making the World a Better Place, One Child at a Time (w/Dr. Loria Nahatis) [Ep.116]

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: [e-mail]
• Dr. Loria Nahatis: Instagram handles above

Special Offers:

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

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 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.

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 at Nova Southeastern University in the Department of Orthodontics.

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!