5 Airway Patients In Your Dental Practice Right Now with Dr Liz Turner – PDP226
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.
https://youtu.be/Y6EfufPd98E
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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
Airway dentistry is a growing field that emphasizes prevention.
Understanding airway issues can lead to better health outcomes.
Dentists can play a crucial role in optimizing health through airway management.
Health optimization is a key focus in modern dentistry.
Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for effective patient care.
Functional dentistry addresses the root causes of dental issues.
Children's airway health can significantly impact their development.
Dentists should feel empowered to make positive changes in their patients' lives. Facial aesthetics can significantly impact self-esteem and health.
Nasal breathing is crucial for overall health and well-being.
Quality of life can be improved through better patient care.
Breastfeeding plays a vital role in a child's development.
Addressing sleep issues in children is essential for their growth.
Understanding the connection between breathing and systemic health is vital.
Highlights of this episode:
02:04 Protrusive Dental Pearl
04:08 Interview with Dr. Liz Turner
06:18 Interview with Dr. Meggie Graham
07:43 Personal Journeys into Airway Dentistry
16:26 ENT Referrals
21:55 Understanding Airway Symptoms and Treatment
26:10 Patient Case Studies and Treatment Approaches
36:46 The Importance of Nasal Breathing
45:30 Pediatric Airway Concerns and Solutions
55:09 Educational Resources and Final Thoughts
🎓 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,
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