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 (drmike@theorthocoach.com) to get a copy of Dr. Boyd’s letter to the Primary Care Physician
Contact:
- Email Dr. Mike: drmike@theorthocoach.com
- Guest suggestions: Reach out via email or Facebook group
Thank you for listening!
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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 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!