How can dentists help kids breathe, sleep, and grow better—even if the problem isn’t the teeth?
When should you refer, and what tools can you use right now in your practice?
In this AES special episode, Jaz Gulati is joined by Dr. Liz Turner and Dr. Meggie Graham—general dentists who have evolved their practice with a deep passion for airway and whole-child health.
They walk us through five real patients, including Jaz’s own son, to show what airway dentistry looks like in the real world. From growth appliances and myofunctional therapy to inflammation control and ENT collaboration, this episode connects the dots between breathing and behavior, development, and even dental crowding.
Protrusive Dental Pearl: “Don’t stay stagnant—keep learning, keep growing, and reinvent yourself every 5–10 years.” Think of your dental career in seasons—explore new areas, refine your interests, and let go of what no longer brings you joy. This keeps your passion for dentistry alive and evolving.
Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!
Key Takeaways
Highlights of this episode:
🎓 Join the world’s leading organization dedicated to occlusion, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and restorative excellence — the American Equilibration Society (AES).
🗓️ AES Annual Meeting 2026 – “The Evolution of the Oral Physician”
📍 February 18–19, 2026 · Chicago, Illinois
Don’t miss Dr. Jaz Gulati and Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim as featured speakers, presenting on “Occlusion Basics and Beyond.”
🎓 Learn more about airway and breathing issues with Dr. Liz and Dr. Meggie on The Untethered Airway — and stay tuned for their first course, launching soon! – Waitlist for course and email list
Enjoyed this episode? You will also enjoy exploring the world of OSA with Prof. Ama Johal in PDP033: “Airway – Dentistry’s Elephant in the Room.”
#PDPMainEpisodes #CareerDevelopment #BreadandButterDentistry
This episode is eligible for 1 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.
This episode meets GDC Outcomes A, B and C.
AGD Subject Code: 730 ORAL MEDICINE, ORAL DIAGNOSIS, ORAL PATHOLOGY (Sleep medicine)
Aim: To enhance the general dentist’s ability to recognize, evaluate, and initiate management of patients with airway-related dysfunctions across all age groups.
Dentists will be able to –
1. Identify common dental signs of airway-related disorders in infants, children, and adults.
2. Understand the systemic impact of airway dysfunction, including its behavioral, developmental, and physiological consequences.
3. Describe the role of early intervention, including tongue-tie releases and palatal expansion.