I am SO EXCITED to bring you today’s guest, Dr. Tom Pitts. Dr. Pitts is a true legend in the field of orthodontics who has been practicing and educating for over 50 years. We have an amazing discussion about a variety of topics, including: How Art Dugoni influenced Dr. Pitts’ career from the very beginning. What Dr. Pitts learned from industry legends such as Ricketts, Harvold, Roth, Damon, and others. How Ricketts approach to slow maxillary expansion changed Dr. Pitts’ perspective on early trea...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 111
In this episode of the DOC Podcast, I welcome Dr. Mark Cruz, a dentist with a distinguished career, including serving as assistant director at the UCLA Center for Aesthetic Dentistry and on the editorial board for the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice. We delve into an evidence-based discussion about the etiology of malocclusion, exploring whether it is determined by genetics, environment, or both, the evolution of craniofacial growth and development, the impact of modern lifestyle on he...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 110
In this episode of the DOC podcast, I am joined by Dr. David McIntosh, an ENT specialist, and Dr. Bill Harrell, an orthodontist. We delve into the topics of evidence-based medicine, the significance of CBCT imaging, the challenges with pediatric sleep studies, and the critical role of identifying and treating mouth breathing in young children. Drs. McIntosh and Harrell share insights on how early detection and management of sleep-disordered breathing by the dental professional can prevent long-t...
Jun 19, 2025•2 hr 6 min•Ep. 109
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I dive into a fascinating discussion with Dr. Barry Raphael, an esteemed orthodontist who has revolutionized treatments to address airway-centered dysfunctions. Together, we explore the importance of early intervention in pediatric airway health, the critical role of soft tissue function in malocclusion, and how multidisciplinary approaches can enhance patient outcomes. The conversation touches upon the resistance within the profession to embrace new paradigms...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 108
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Jack Fisher, an esteemed orthodontist with decades of experience in both clinical practice and education. Dr. Fisher shares his journey, from overcoming dyslexia and ADD to becoming a pioneer in the use of temporary skeletal anchorage devices (TSADs) and CBCT imaging for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment. The discussion dives into various topics, including the future of orthodontic education, the necessity of early intervention, the use of ...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 107
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, my guest is Dr. Dave McCarty, a board-certified expert in internal and sleep medicine. Dr. McCarty discusses his journey from a primary care internist to an innovator in sleep medicine. He sheds light on the complexities of sleep apnea, the importance of nasal breathing, and the shortcomings of the current treatment protocols. Dr. McCarty introduces his Empowered Sleep Apnea Project and the innovative integrated multidisciplinary ecosystem at Rebis, designed t...
May 29, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 106
In this episode, I welcome Dr. German Ramirez, an expert in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics with a PhD in oral biology. We discuss Dr. Ramirez's career journey from Colombia to Canada and his unique approach to early orthodontic intervention. The conversation delves into the importance of functional appliances, the role of pediatric airway-focused therapy, the interplay between genetics and environment in craniofacial growth, and the significance of collaboration between medical professiona...
May 22, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 105
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I welcome Dino Watt to discuss personal and professional development. We dive into Dino's background, exploring how his diverse experiences in acting, DJing, and business have shaped his expertise as a business relationship trainer. Dino shares insights into effective team management, the importance of knowing your 'why,' and strategies for maintaining work-life balance, especially in marriage. The episode emphasizes the need for clear communication, understan...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 104
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I’m joined by Doctors Claire Ferrari and Allie Larios of Ferrari Larios Orthodontics in Kensington, California. Together, they discuss transforming patient care through a proactive, whole-body approach to orthodontics. Topics include the need to integrate overall health into orthodontic residency programs, early diagnostic and treatment for pre-adolescent patients, the benefits of CBCT imaging, the relationship between tooth extraction and airway issues, build...
May 08, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 103
On this episode of The DOC Podcast, I sit down with Dr. George Mandelaris, a leading expert in periodontology and dental implant surgery. Dr. Mandelaris shares his extensive journey from Flint, Michigan, to becoming a thought leader in the dental community, highlighting his work on surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy (SFOT), guided implantology, and the use of CBCT imaging. We discuss the importance of proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and interdisciplinary approaches to improving pat...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 102
In recent years, more non-orthodontists have begun doing interceptive orthodontics. Why is that, and what role are orthodontists playing in this shift? I discuss that and much more with Dr. Jenna Schwibner, owner of Dental Partners of Vero Beach. Dr. Schwibner is an amazing practitioner who focuses on the intersection of oral and total body health through airway-focused dentistry. She shares her journey from traditional dentistry to a holistic approach that diagnoses and assists with the managem...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 101
In this milestone 100th episode of The DOC Podcast, I am joined by Drs. Lynda and Krystle Dean Duru, a mother-daughter team of board-certified pediatric dentists in Ashburn, Virginia. They discuss their holistic approach to pediatric dentistry that focuses on understanding the root causes of oral health issues and preventing disease by linking oral health to overall well-being. They emphasize the importance of early intervention, nasal breathing, and comprehensive integrative care. The episode h...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 100
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I interview Tim “Jai” Baker, a seasoned financial advisor with a unique focus on integrating personal wellness and professional success. Jai shares his life story, tracing his journey from a golf scholarship at the University of South Carolina to his successful career in financial planning and wealth management, emphasizing the importance of being the best version of oneself and maintaining a balance between personal fulfillment and professional achievement. J...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 99
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, Melissa Mugno shares her journey from dental assistant to dental hygienist, to orofacial myofunctional therapist, delving into the complexities and benefits of myofunctional therapy. She discusses the various appliances like Myobrace, MyoMunchie, and the importance of integrating these tools into dental practices. Melissa emphasizes the need for collaboration between dentists and myofunctional therapists and provides practical advice for implementing airway-fo...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 98
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Skye Zeller, a distinguished dentist and expert in airway health. The conversation delves into Dr. Zeller's unique journey from studying molecular biology to becoming a dentist with a special focus on sleep medicine. We discuss her comprehensive new patient examination process, tips on coordinating care with medical and OMT colleagues, and how she handles professional criticism. Dr. Zeller shares personal stories about h...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 97
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I host Dr. Steve Lamberg, a renowned dentist and airway management expert. Dr. Lamberg shares his journey from entering his father's dental practice to becoming a leading figure in dental sleep medicine. We discuss innovative diagnostic approaches, the challenges of integrating airway-focused treatments into dental practices, and the evolution of the field in recent years. The episode offers insights into preventing airway issues through early dental intervent...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 96
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Roger Price, a world-renowned expert in airway and breathing. Our discussion dives deep into the importance of correct breathing, both at rest and during exertion, and the consequences of improper breathing. Topics include the essential role of nasal breathing, the balance of oxygen and CO2, thoughts on various breathing methods, and the intersection of epigenetics with breathing and malocclusion. Dr. Price also critiques Western medicine’s ...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 95
In this episode of 'Airway Conversations,' Nicole and I dive deep into the nuances of airway health to explore the intricate connections between breathing, sleep, facial development, and overall wellness. This episode features expert insights on topics ranging from early intervention in orthodontics, to the reasons why many orthodontists will only expand the upper jaw if the patient has a posterior crossbite, to the numerous issues with pediatric sleep studies and why children can have an AHI of...
Mar 10, 2025•59 min
In this insightful episode of The DOC Podcast, I chat with my colleague Dr. Paul Henny about the multi-faceted nature of the dental profession, emphasizing the importance of looking at dentistry from clinical, philosophical, financial, and behavioral standpoints. Dr. Henny shares his personal journey in the dental field, detailing his family background in dentistry, his challenges, and eventual success in developing a thriving, patient-centered practice. The discussion delves into the potential ...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 94
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Maria Sokolina, a dentist with a fascinating journey from Russia to the U.S. Hear her struggles and successes in integrating airway, health, wellness, and myofunctional therapy into her dental practice. Discover how early challenges in restorative dentistry and orthodontics led her to dive deep into sleep medicine and its impacts on dental health. Dr. Sokolina shares inspiring patient stories, her collaboration with medical professionals, a...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 93
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I have the pleasure of hosting Brittny Murphy, a registered dental hygienist and certified orofacial myologist. Brittny shares her journey into the field of orofacial myology and her experiences as an educator and mentor. The discussion covers a comprehensive overview of orofacial myofunctional therapy, its benefits, diagnostic and treatment protocols, and the importance of collaborative care. Brittny also provides insights into the implications of oral habits...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 92
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Svitlana Koval, an orthodontist from Boca Raton, Florida, whose practice focuses on detecting and treating patients with sleep-disordered breathing. The discussion covers Dr. Koval’s groundbreaking work in airway-focused orthodontics and the treatment of temporomandibular disorders, the various factors impacting jaw development in children, the need for better education in orthodontic training programs regarding airway h...
Feb 13, 2025•55 min•Ep. 91
In this episode, I bring you a deep dive into sleep and airway disorders with two leading experts in the field, Dr. Jerry Simmons, a neurologist with a passion for sleep medicine, and Dr. Steve Carstensen, a renowned dentist who focuses on airway management in his patients. Join us as we explore their sleep and airway medicine journeys, discuss the complexities and spectrum of sleep-related breathing disorders, and highlight the importance of dental and medical collaboration. We delve into the e...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 90
In this episode, I have a fascinating and thought-provoking conversation with real estate investor David Valley about financial freedom and personal transformation through real estate and self-development. David outlines his journey from modest means to becoming a multimillionaire in commercial real estate. He shares insights about overcoming challenges, leveraging opportunities, and the importance of mindset in achieving success. The discussion covers practical steps for investing in real estat...
Jan 30, 2025•58 min•Ep. 89
Don’t miss this episode of The DOC Podcast as we delve into the revolutionary approach of functional pediatric dentistry with Dr. Pia Gandhi. You’ll learn about Dr. Gandhi's inspiring journey, her pioneering work in early airway intervention, and how she's transforming lives by addressing the root causes of pediatric sleep and breathing disorders. You’ll also discover the challenges and rewards of going beyond traditional dental care, and gain insights into the importance of educating both pract...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 88
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Andrew Leland, an orthodontist from Reno, Nevada, to discuss the journey from traditional orthodontic techniques to modern, proactive treatments that focus on the etiology of malocclusion. Dr. Leland shares insights into his unique career path, the importance of evaluating airway issues in younger patients using CBCT imaging, and his approach to early interceptive orthodontic treatment. We delve into the complexities of balancing life as a pa...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 87
Today’s guest is Dr. Amanda Vanderstelt, a renowned orthodontist from Denver, Colorado. Known for her holistic approach to orthodontics, Amanda delves into the root causes and etiology of orthodontic issues, prioritizing overall facial health over merely straightening teeth. In this episode, Amanda shares her fascinating journey to becoming an orthodontist, the importance of understanding the etiology of malocclusion, and her passion for airway-focused orthodontics. Learn about her protocols, th...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 86
In this episode, Dr. Mike and Nicole Goldfarb, an orofacial myofunctional therapist, dive deep into pediatric airway health and sleep-disordered breathing. This is the first episode in a collaborative series called Airway Conversations which has the goal of spreading awareness and educating providers and parents on the topic of pediatric airway health. This episode emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing, challenges the notion that ortho...
Jan 02, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 85
Earlier this year, I got to sit on the other side of the microphone and be interviewed by my daughter, Kendall! As part of her ACE General Paper class, Kendall had to select someone to interview to learn more about their live story and journey and she chose me! So we figured we’d record it and let everyone hear our conversation! With the Holidays upon us, I figured it was a good episode to repost as a reminder to focus on family, faith, and constantly working to grow and become your best self. I...
Dec 26, 2024•58 min•Ep. 84
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I get to talk with Dr. Maz Moshiri, a visionary orthodontist and educator known for pioneering clear aligner therapy. We discuss Dr. Moshiri's journey into orthodontics, the bridging of the clinical-academic divide, and his groundbreaking work with clear aligners. We delve into the importance of breaking professional dogmas, persevering through challenges, the need for orthodontists to embrace proactive patient care, and transformative developments in early or...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 83
