Are you REALLY an AIRWAY DENTIST?
Introduction:
● Dr. Amanda introduces the importance of airway health in dentistry.
● The significance of being an airway-focused dentist in today’s informed patient population.
● Overview of the five key questions to determine if a dentist is truly airway-focused.
1. Do You Screen for Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB) and Oral Habits?
● Explanation of the importance of thorough screening for SDB and oral habits.
● Emphasis on providing parents with screening forms to observe their child’s behavior.
● Recommendation of specific screening tools such as the FARES form.
● Importance of actively engaging parents in the screening process.
2. Do You Routinely Refer to ENT When Needed?
● Discussion on the necessity of collaborating with Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists.
● Criteria for determining when referrals to ENT are necessary.
● Importance of building relationships with like-minded ENT specialists.
● Consideration of alternative diagnostic tools such as cephalometric analysis.
3. Do You Have a Certified Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist (OMT) on Your Team?
● Explanation of the role of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in airway-focused dentistry.
● Benefits of having a certified OMT on the dental team.
● Alternatives such as working with virtual OMTs.
● Strategies for integrating myofunctional therapy into dental treatment plans.
4. Do You Refer Out or Treat Orthodontics In-House Before Age Seven?
● Explanation of the importance of early orthodontic intervention for airway health.
● Discussion on the limitations of waiting until age seven for orthodontic assessment.
● Strategies for early intervention including monitoring, habit cessation, and referral to specialists.
● The importance of educating parents about the significance of early orthodontic treatment.
5. Do You Provide or Refer for Tongue Tie Releases When Needed?
● Overview of the role of tongue ties in airway health.
● Discussion on the judicious approach to diagnosing and treating tongue ties.
● The importance of offering or referring for tongue tie releases when appropriate.
● Consideration of alternative treatments and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Conclusion:
● Recap of the importance of airway-focused dentistry in promoting overall health.
● Encouragement for dentists to reflect on their practice’s approach to airway health.
● Reminder of the five essential questions to ensure a practice is truly airway-focused.
● Call to action for dentists to prioritize airway health in their practice for the benefit of their patients’ well-being.