Episodes

  • The Evolution of Airway Dysfunction, Malocclusion, & Chronic Disease (w/Dr. Mark Cruz) [Ep.110]
    Jun 26 2025

    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 health and malocclusion, the importance of early intervention in patients suffering from sleep-disordered breathing, and the multitude of comorbidities associated with airway obstruction.

    Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that bridges the gap between medicine and dentistry, highlighting the significant role of airway and breathing in overall health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the dental or medical professions interested in airway health and early intervention.

    02:23 Dr. Cruz's Early Career and Challenges

    03:21 Connecting the Dots: From Full Mouth Rehabs to Airway

    04:25 The Evolution of Airway Focus in Dentistry

    08:00 A Personal Story: Dr. Cruz's Son and Airway Issues

    09:13 Collaborations and Mini Residencies

    11:46 The Wild West of Airway Dentistry

    13:09 Evidence-Based Dentistry and Orthodontics

    16:14 The Importance of Interdisciplinary Collaboration

    33:47 Historical Perspectives on Medical and Dental Education

    41:16 The First Thousand Days: Impact on Life Expectancy

    41:46 Dental Crowding and Jaw Development

    42:07 The Role of Dentistry in Global Health

    42:34 Historical Perspectives on Craniofacial Growth

    43:33 Genetics vs. Environment in Orthodontics

    46:45 Bio Regulatory Systems Medicine

    49:10 Impact of Early Breathing Issues on Development

    59:57 The Evolution of Human Facial Structure

    01:03:18 The Industrial Revolution and Modern Health Issues

    01:08:42 Debating the Impact of Tooth Extraction on Airway

    01:17:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    LINKS:

    -Mini-Residency: http://airwayfocuseddentistry.com/airway-mini-residency/

    -Contact Mark - markcruz@markacruzdds.com

    -Orthotown Article Part I: https://www.orthotown.com/magazine/digital/649/march-2025

    -Orthotown Article Part II: https://www.orthotown.com/magazine/digital/652/may-2025

    -Phase I Early Treatment Course: https://theorthocoach.com/courses/phase-i-arch-development/?portfolioCats=99

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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Evidence-Based Practice, CBCT, Mouth Breathing, & Sleep Studies (w/Drs. Harrell & McIntosh) [Ep.109]
    Jun 19 2025

    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-term health issues, highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in promoting pediatric health, and dispel many of the myths surrounding the impact of mouth breathing on craniofacial and neurocognitive growth and development.

    This episode offers invaluable knowledge for medical and dental professionals, as well as lay persons.

    01:30 Episode Overview and Topics
    02:55 Starting the Discussion: Evidence-Based Medicine
    03:48 Medical Perspective on Evidence-Based Medicine
    06:40 Ethics and Practicality in Medical Trials
    14:39 Orthodontic Perspective on Evidence-Based Medicine
    17:13 Challenges in Evidence-Based Orthodontics
    25:35 CBCT Imaging in Orthodontics and ENT
    45:01 Understanding Cancer Risks from Ionizing Radiation
    45:37 Unexpected Benefits of CBCT Scans
    46:46 Prevalence of Airway Problems in Orthodontics
    50:13 Orthodontic Practices and Resistance to Change
    55:27 Historical Perspectives on 2D vs 3D Imaging
    01:03:38 Early Intervention in Pediatric Orthodontics
    01:18:53 Health Implications of Mouth Breathing
    01:27:33 Impact of Mouth Breathing on Overall Health
    01:28:10 Negligence in Treating Mouth Breathing
    01:28:31 The Importance of Airway Screening
    01:30:28 Orthodontic Residencies and Early Treatment
    01:40:13 Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Orthodontics
    01:44:09 Challenges in Diagnosing Sleep Apnea in Children
    01:47:12 The Flaws in Sleep Study Metrics
    01:59:13 The Need for Early Orthodontic Intervention
    02:00:07 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    LINKS:
    -Episode #w/Dr.45 Harrell: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/integrating-medicine-dentistry-to-improve-breathing/id1689703392?i=1000651408695
    -Episode #w/Dr.75 McIntosh: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-ents-perspective-on-airway-orthodontic-treatment/id1689703392?i=1000674427240
    -Contact Dr. McIntosh: https://www.facebook.com/david.mcintosh.180
    -Contact Dr. Harrell: drharrell@aol.com; https://www.facebook.com/bill.harrell.31

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    2 hrs and 6 mins
  • Beyond Straight Teeth: Rethinking Orthodontic Orthodoxy (w/Dr. Barry Raphael) [Ep.108]
    Jun 12 2025

    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 and offers insights into how orthodontists and other dental professionals can evolve their practices to better serve patients holistically.

    00:23 Meet Dr. Barry Raphael: Orthodontics and Airway Health

    03:46 Dr. Raphael's Journey: From Music to Orthodontics

    06:18 Orthodontic Techniques and Early Influences

    11:18 The Evolution of Orthodontic Practices

    14:04 Challenging Orthodontic Orthodoxy

    17:30 The Role of Dentists in Treating Sleep Apnea

    26:59 The Importance of Airway and Breathing Patterns

    40:26 Reflecting on Missed Diagnoses

    41:03 Shifting Perspectives in Dentistry

    41:57 The Rise of Chronic Diseases in Children

    43:01 Personal Wake-Up Calls

    44:11 Understanding Soft Tissue Dysfunction

    45:46 Genetics vs. Environment in Malocclusion

    52:31 The Role of Airflow in Sleep Apnea

    56:51 The Importance of Early Intervention

    01:03:24 Collaborating with Other Healthcare Providers

    01:07:36 The Need for Holistic Orthodontic Care

    01:13:19 Conclusion and Call to Action

    LINKS:

    Website: https://www.morethanstraightteeth.com/

    Online Course: https://sites.google.com/alignmine.com/pediatricamr/home

    Contact Dr. Raphael: drbarry@alignmind.com

    DOC Ph I Comprehensive Course: https://theorthocoach.com/courses/phase-i-arch-development/?portfolioCats=99

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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • A Focus on Diagnosis & Preventative Care in Orthodontics (w/Dr. Jack Fisher) [Ep.107]
    Jun 5 2025

    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 3D imaging, evidence-based practice, and the importance of addressing the why in orthodontics. Dr. Fisher emphasizes the need for the orthodontic community to adopt new technologies and approaches to truly improve patients' health, rather than just straightening teeth.

    00:27 Meet Dr. Jack Fisher: Orthodontic Pioneer

    02:56 Dr. Fisher's Early Life and Challenges

    05:14 The Journey to Orthodontics

    08:23 Innovations in Orthodontics

    12:34 The Importance of CBCT Imaging

    16:44 Orthodontic Education and Challenges

    24:55 The Future of Orthodontics

    40:28 The Financial Realities of Orthodontic Practice

    40:45 Critique of Orthodontic Organizations

    41:43 Orthodontic Residency Programs and Their Shortcomings

    43:24 The Importance of CBCT in Orthodontics

    45:28 Aligners and Their Limitations

    48:08 The Role of Early Intervention in Orthodontics

    49:32 Challenges in Orthodontic Research and Evidence-Based Practice

    53:04 The Future of Orthodontics and Patient Care

    59:38 The Importance of Nasal Breathing in Orthodontics

    01:12:10 Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action

    LINKS:

    Dr. Mike’s Orthotown Articles:

    -Part I: https://www.nxtbook.com/farran/orthotown/orthotown-march-2025/index.php?startpage=36#/p/34

    -Part II: https://www.orthotown.com/magazine/article/9575/beyond-osapart-2

    Sleep Breathe and Thrive: https://www.drshereenlim.com.au/book/

    Howard Stupak’s Book: https://a.co/d/iPD8SUt

    Contact Dr. Fisher: Jack.fisher@mac.com

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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • A Holistic Approach to the Management of Sleep Apnea (w/Dave McCarty, MD) [Ep.106]
    May 29 2025

    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 to democratize complexity and improve patient outcomes. The discussion also highlights the need for collaboration between the dental and medical communities to address sleep-related disorders effectively.

    00:23 Meet Dr. Dave McCarty

    02:32 Dr. McCarty's Journey into Sleep Medicine

    03:03 Discovering Sleep Apnea

    04:05 Training and Early Career Challenges

    06:15 Advanced Training and Fellowship

    08:39 Innovations in Sleep Medicine

    11:58 Collaborations and Multidisciplinary Approaches

    17:09 The Empowered Sleep Apnea Project

    25:02 The Evolution of Sleep Apnea Understanding

    36.53-The 5 Reasons to Treat Sleep Apnea

    43:49 Posture and Sleep Apnea

    44:17 Diagnostic Challenges and Communication Issues

    44:41 The Efficiency Machine and CPAP

    45:11 Empowering Patients in Sleep Apnea Treatment

    48:19 The Importance of Nasal Breathing

    51:25 The Role of Nasal Breathing in Development

    54:59 Historical Perspective: Ignaz Semmelweis

    01:02:03 Orthodontic Practices and Airway Health

    01:06:33 The Need for Evidence-Based Orthodontics

    01:11:10 Complexity in Sleep Apnea Treatment

    01:16:55 Introducing the Rebis Project

    01:26:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    LINKS:

    Rebis: https://www.rebishealth.org/

    Contact Dr. McCarty: https://www.empoweredsleepapnea.com/

    Beyond OSA: https://www.nxtbook.com/farran/orthotown/orthotown-march-2025/index.php?startpage=36#/p/34;

    Articles Referenced by Dr. McCarty: email Dr. DeLuke (drmike@theorthocoach.com)

    Phase I CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/courses/phase-i-arch-development/?portfolioCats=99

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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • The Importance of Normalizing Craniofacial Growth (w/Dr. German Ramirez) [Ep.105]
    May 22 2025

    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 professionals in treating sleep and breathing disorders.

    Dr. Ramirez also emphasizes the need for effective communication with young patients and their parents to ensure successful treatment outcomes.

    00:27 Meet Dr. German Ramirez

    02:23 Dr. Ramirez's Educational Journey

    04:00 Early Orthodontic Interventions

    04:29 Functional Appliances and Early Intervention

    06:33 Advanced Studies and Research

    10:56 Breathing and Functional Disorders

    29:39 Collaborating with Medical Professionals

    46:14 Understanding Sleep Disorders in Children

    47:40 The Link Between Bruxism and Airway Issues

    51:40 Challenges in Orthodontic Training and Practice

    56:02 The Role of Genetics and Environment in Craniofacial Development

    01:00:56 The Importance of Muscle Stimulation in Growth

    01:09:47 Effective Communication with Pediatric Patients

    01:18:53 Conclusion and Future Directions

    LINKS:

    Airway videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h0JgmmLj_Q&ab_channel=TMJ%26SleepTherapyCentre

    Dr. Ramirez’ website: https://www.kidsmalocclusions.com/

    Pediatric Airway-focused Myofunctional Orthodontics: https://a.co/d/b1wQhD9

    Dr. DeLuke’s Early Treatment Course: https://theorthocoach.com/courses/phase-i-arch-development/?portfolioCats=99

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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Mastering Personal & Professional Growth (w/Dino Watt) [Ep.104]
    May 15 2025

    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, understanding individual motivations, and fostering a supportive work environment.

    Dino also discusses the changing landscape of the dental industry, including the rise of corporate dentistry, and offers practical advice for both new and established professionals.

    00:33 Meet Dino Watt: Business Relationship Trainer

    02:34 Dino's Journey: From Performer to Business Mentor

    08:54 The Importance of Early Jobs and Skills

    15:06 Analyzing and Improving Practice Dynamics

    19:15 Understanding Your 'Why' and Personal Fulfillment

    27:48 The Shift in Professional Mindset

    35:40 Struggles with Perfectionism

    36:47 Balancing OCD and Professional Life

    37:15 Team Dynamics and Expectations

    38:31 Recognizing Achievements and Setting Goals

    40:15 Understanding and Supporting Team Members

    42:00 Effective Communication and Acknowledgment

    44:06 The Importance of Regular Check-Ins

    53:22 Conducting Productive Reviews

    01:01:51 Compensation and Bonuses

    01:08:07 The Power of Bonuses in Business

    01:08:58 The Importance of Positive Reinforcement

    01:10:00 Managing Expectations with Bonuses

    01:11:23 Effective Bonus Strategies

    01:13:54 Hiring the Right Talent

    01:18:35 Corporate Dentistry: Pros and Cons

    01:24:47 Balancing Professional and Personal Life

    01:29:27 Marriage Mastermind: Strengthening Relationships

    01:34:19 Conclusion and Contact Information

    LINKS:

    Contact Dion: dino@dinowatt.com

    Dino’s websites: https://www.dinowatt.com/; https://www.dinowattconsulting.com/

    The Practice Rx: https://a.co/d/bHcyFO2

    The One Minute Manager: https://a.co/d/btNeAig

    I Love It Here: https://a.co/d/2uzJZOb

    The Gap in the Gain: https://a.co/d/9I0JHVs

    The Road Less Stupid: https://a.co/d/5UWd0o3

    Link to DOC Phase I CE Course: https://theorthocoach.com/courses/phase-i-arch-development/?portfolioCats=99

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    1 hr and 36 mins
  • Orthodontists Can Be So Much More Than Tooth Straighteners (w/Drs. Ferrari & Larios) [Ep.103]
    May 8 2025

    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, building a trusted medical network, and the impact of corporate entities in dentistry. We also delve into the future of orthodontics and their decision to pursue a traditional business model to better serve their patients.

    Don't miss this insightful conversation on advancing orthodontic care. Enjoy the show!

    00:27 Meet the Guests: Dr. Claire Ferrari and Dr. Allie Larios

    03:06 Dr. Ferrari’s Early Influences and Mentorship

    04:14 Educational Path and Career Decisions

    07:14 The Importance of CBCT Imaging

    13:40 Dr. Larios' Experience and Insights

    18:10 Holistic Approach in Orthodontics

    19:44 Challenges and Rewards of Early Treatment

    21:36 The Future of Orthodontics

    30:33 Addressing Airway Issues in Orthodontics

    34:30 Treating Young Patients: A New Perspective

    42:36 Challenges in Pediatric Dental Diagnostics

    43:52 Approaching Treatment for Young Children

    44:40 Parental Involvement and Patient Management

    46:34 The Importance of Early Intervention

    48:41 Debating Traditional vs. Modern Orthodontic Practices

    50:44 Evidence-Based Medicine in Dentistry

    01:06:57 The Business of Orthodontics: Corporate vs. Private Practice

    01:19:50 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    LINKS:

    Dr. Mike’s Orthotown Article on Pediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing: https://www.nxtbook.com/farran/orthotown/orthotown-march-2025/index.php?startpage=36#/p/34

    Dr. Claire Ferrari’s email: claire@ferrariortho.com
    Dr. Allie Larios' email: drlarios@ferrariortho.com

    Practice Website: www.FerrariOrtho.com

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    1 hr and 22 mins