How to Launch an Airway Practice (I just wanted to add- never take a course sponsored by a PRODUCT)
I. Introduction
Dr. Amanda from StraightSmile Solutions, and today I want to dive into the intriguing world of being an “Airway Dentist” or establishing an airway practice. Recently, a fellow practitioner approached me, wanting to launch an airway-focused orthodontics practice. While I can guide you on the orthodontic component, delving into the broader realm of an airway practice remains a mystery to me. Various courses claim to equip practitioners, but without firsthand experience, I can’t vouch for their effectiveness. Let’s focus on the orthodontic aspect – emphasizing non-retractive mechanics, removables over fixed appliances, and the integration of orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT).
II. Understanding Airway Dentistry
A. Definition of Airway Dentist
B. Distinction between Airway-focused Orthodontics and an Airway Practice
C. Limitations in Dr. Amanda’s expertise – unable to guide the launch of a complete airway practice
D. Mention of various courses available, but Dr. Amanda’s lack of personal experience with them
III. Airway-focused Orthodontics
A. Subcomponent of Airway Practice
B. Dr. Amanda’s expertise in launching Airway-focused Orthodontics
C. Emphasis on not using retractive mechanics and devices like High pull headgear or cervical P headgear
D. Preference for using removables over fixed appliances
E. Integration of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) into orthodontic Airway practice
IV. Components of an Airway Practice
A. Importance of partnering with OMT professionals
B. Collaboration with cervical Chiropractic offices
C. Essential partnership with Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists
D. Necessity of having a CBCT for scanning and analyzing Airways
E. Potential role of companies like Beam Readers in analyzing CBCT scans
V. Challenges and Considerations
A. The complexity of determining treatment sequences (e.g., surgery, expansion, OMT)
B. Importance of addressing mouth breathing and potential diagnostic challenges
C. Exploration of additional diagnostic tools beyond home sleep tests
VI. Lack of Information on Airway Courses
A. Dr. Amanda’s inability to recommend specific courses for launching an airway practice
B. Mention the course as an interesting option
C. Expressing interest in beta-testing courses but unwillingness to pay for them
VII. Research on Airway Practice Components
A. Exploring subjective and objective paperwork
B. Identifying effective ways to diagnose mouth breathing
VIII. Challenges and Uncertainties
A. Patient cooperation and acceptance of additional treatments
B. Diagnosing mouth breathing without home sleep tests
C. The ongoing research on Airway practice components
IX. Conclusion
Dr. Amanda from StraightSmile Solutions emphasizes the complexities of launching a comprehensive airway practice, distinguishing it from the narrower focus of airway-focused orthodontics. While she can assist with the orthodontic component, the broader aspects of an airway practice remain unfamiliar. Dr. Amanda expresses skepticism about various courses claiming to cover the entire scope, highlighting her reluctance to invest without concrete knowledge. She advocates collaboration with professionals such as oral myofunctional therapists (OMTs), cervical chiropractors, and ENT specialists. Integrating CBCT technology, assessing mouth breathing, and addressing sleep concerns are also underscored. Dr. Amanda remains open to exploring courses and sharing valuable insights for those navigating the evolving landscape of airway-focused practices.