Link to join the meeting will be sent to registrants ONE WEEK prior to meeting date

*This event is open to hospital residents and new dentists ONLY. New dentists are dentists who graduated from dental school within the last 10 years. Registrations from dentists who are NOT hospital residents/new dentists will be cancelled.


Featured Clinician:
Lucas W. Shapiro, D.D.S.
Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics

Synopsis:
Sleep-disordered breathing and airway compromise are increasingly recognized as major contributors to a range of dental, skeletal and systemic health problems. This lecture provides a clear and practical overview of how orthodontic development, facial growth and oral habits influence airway function —starting in childhood and progressing into adulthood. We will review a framework for screening patients of all ages for airway-related concerns, including tongue posture, narrow arches, mouth breathing and retrognathia. You'll learn how orthodontic interventions like expansion, mandibular advancement and habit correction can support airway health, as well as how to integrate interdisciplinary collaboration into your workflow. 

Key topics include:

• The fundamentals of sleep-disordered breathing: from snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Oral and skeletal signs of airway compromise in children and adults
• How orthodontic development is affected by nasal breathing, tongue posture and airway volume
• The role of myofunctional therapy, ENT referral and other allied professionals
• Early interceptive orthodontics and airway-focused treatment planning

Upon successful completion of this course, attendees will learn about the newest technology available in orthodontics and how to better diagnose and treatment plan cases by having a better understanding of orthodontics. Participants will also: 

• Recognize key clinical signs of airway obstruction and poor sleep in dental patients.
• Understand how craniofacial growth and orthodontic treatment impact the airway.
• Learn practical screening tools and communication strategies to integrate airway assessment into your dental exams.
• Identify when to treat, when to refer and how to collaborate with specialists such as ENTs, sleep physicians and myofunctional therapists.

MCEU - 1 HOUR

Tuition:
SDDS Members:* $20 | Non-SDDS Members: $30

LUCAS W. SHAPIRO, D.D.S. is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. He completed his post-doctoral orthodontic training at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He is certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Shapiro bought his own practice, Wall Street Orthodontics, in February 2025 and he runs the New York Airway Club.

Unless otherwise stated, all featured speakers have disclosed that they do not have any relevant financial arrangements or affiliations with any corporate organizations that would constitute a conflict of interest concerning the continuing education activities stated herein.