Growing Faces, Growing Airways: The Pediatric Dentist's Guide to Sleep and Development

Speaker:  Audrey Yoon, DDS – Clinical Professor, Stanford University; jungdds@gmail.com

Pediatric dentists are in a unique position to recognize the earliest signs of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) — often more frequently than any other healthcare professional. We see children regularly during critical growth periods and have the opportunity to influence their craniofacial growth trajectory before irreversible changes occur.
This lecture highlights how airway development, facial growth, and sleep physiology are closely interconnected — and how pediatric dentists can apply this knowledge in daily practice.
Dr. Audrey Yoon will present clinically applicable methods for screening and demonstrate simple, step-by-step applications of the “Roadmap of Growth Modification”, an evidence-based framework for guiding early interventions.
Through real clinical cases and current research, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to identify, manage, and prevent growth and airway problems from infancy through adolescence — transforming pediatric dentistry into a gateway for healthier breathing, sleep, and development.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how craniofacial growth and airway development are linked to pediatric sleep and overall health.
• Recognize early dental and facial indicators of sleep-disordered breathing during routine pediatric visits.
• Apply the “Roadmap of Growth Modification” to identify the right timing and approach for airway-focused interventions.

Ability to earn CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content expires on May 24, 2031.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze current evidence supporting the use of fluoride in various forms to prevent dental caries in children and apply complementary preventive measures, including sealants, dietary counseling, and caregiver education, to enhance fluoride-based caries prevention programs.
• Identify evidence-based strategies for preventing dental caries in children.
• Describe the clinical decision-making process for diagnosing pulp conditions and selecting appropriate treatment options and medicaments.

Enhance your clinical skills with evidence-based strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This session covers pediatric caries prevention—including fluoride use, sealants, and caregiver education—as well as pulp therapy essentials such as diagnosis, treatment options, and medicament selection. Designed for all dental team members, this course offers practical, research-driven insights to support effective, patient-centered care and improve oral health outcomes.

Speakers:

Elise W. Sarvas, DDS, MSD, MPH: elise.sarvas@gmail.com
Juan F. Yepes, DDS, MD, MPH, MS, DrPH: jfyepes@iu.edu
Vineet Dhar, BDS, MDS, PhD: vdhar@umaryland.edu

Ability to earn CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content expires on May 24, 2031.

Speaker: 

Kathleen M. Schultz, DMD: kmschultz1988@gmail.com

Navigate the complexities of pediatric oral pathology with confidence! This session delves deep in the perplexing world of enigmatic bony diseases, developmental tooth disorders and challenging soft tissue lesions. Diagnostic strategies and evidence based treatment plans will be reviewed, empowering you to handle even the most daunting and dramatic cases with clarity.

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate between various etiologies (ie: infectious, developmental, traumatic, neoplastic) of unexplained oral swellings in pediatric patients.
• Formulate a comprehensive differential diagnosis and appropriate diagnostic workup including biopsy and imaging, for common and challenging pediatric lesions.
• Recognize the clinical and radiographic characteristics of developmental and inherited tooth disorders.

Ability to earn CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content expires on May 24, 2031.

Speaker:

Bobak Ghaheri, MD: drghaheri@gmail.com

Pediatric dentists play a pivotal role in identifying the early signs of airway dysfunction that can influence craniofacial growth, oral function, and sleep quality. This presentation examines the anatomical and functional relationships among oral restrictions, adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and sleep-disordered breathing in children. Attendees will explore how these factors contribute to altered oral posture, compensatory growth patterns, and airway compromise. Current evidence on diagnostic tools, functional assessments, and referral pathways will be discussed, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration among dental, ENT, and sleep medicine professionals to support optimal airway development and long-term health outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key anatomical and functional features of oral restrictions in infancy and how they can influence airway development.
• Explain how altered oral and craniofacial growth patterns contribute to airway obstruction and sleep-disordered breathing in pediatric.
• Recognize the clinical signs and symptoms that may suggest maladaptive airway compromise in children.

Ability to earn CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content expires on May 24, 2031.

Join 4 speakers as they give 45 minute presentations about their topic at AAPD 2026.

Speakers:

Jay Shirley, DMD,MS,MSc:  jcshirleydmd@gmail.com / Maintaining Oral Health in Children with Cleft and Craniofacial Disorders

Mark L. Cannon, DDS: markcannon@northwestern.edu / Microbiomes, Mothers, and Minds: The Diet–Gut–Brain Axis

Mala Desai, BDSc, GradDipClinDent, MDSc: mala@drmala.com.au / Scrolls to Smiles: How Social Media Shapes Parental Expectations in Pediatric Dentistry

Oshmi Dutta, DDS, MS,FRCD, FAAPD: oshmi@yahoo.com / Using Agentic AI in the Pediatric Dental Practice

Ability to earn CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content expires on May 24, 2031.

Speaker:

David Meinz, MS, RDN, FAND, CSP: david@davidmeinz.com

Heart disease kills more dental professionals than any other cause. An increasing number are dying in their 40’s and 50’s. Surprising to many, it now claims a higher percentage of women than men. The traditional approach of cholesterol control and statin therapy is inadequate for many people. Join us as international health promotion expert David Meinz shows us how to add years to your life and life to your years. You’ll also discover the latest on vitamin supplements, the truth about Omega-3’s, and more! New information that your physician probably doesn’t even know! Really! Plus, everyone in attendance will have an opportunity for a CIMT test to measure their current cardiovascular status. A FUN, interactive program you will enjoy!

Learning Objectives:

• Grasp the concept of lumenology vs arteriology in cardiovascular disease prevention.
• Understand the limitations of current medical technology.
• Differentiate between basic vitamin supplement needs and marketing claims.

Ability to earn CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content expires on May 24, 2031.

Speakers:

Ana Daniela Najera Bonilla, DDS, MS: anadanielanb3@gmail.com / The Power of Sleep: A Key to the Pediatric Patient's Healthy Oro-facial Development

Muthu MS, PhD: muthumurugan@gmail.com / Interproximal Contact Morphology: A Neglected Risk Factor for Early Childhood Caries?

Sara Abdelkhalek Younes, Doctor Degree of Dental Science in Pediatric Dentistry: sarayounes87@gmail.com / Evaluation and Comparison Between CAD/CAM Zirconia Versus Conventional Metal and and Loop Space Maintainer

Morteza Banakar, DDS, MPH, MSc, PhD: Dr.mbanakar@gmail.com / Personalized Pediatric Dentistry: The Future of Pediatric Dentistry with Artificial Intelligence

Mats Bågesund, DDS, PhD: mats.bagesund@regionostergotland.se / Reduced Salivary Secretion Rate in Children and Young Adults with Oligodontia

Ashima Goyal, MDS: ashimapgi@yahoo.in /Remineralization of MIH - Experience and Possibilities

Hanadi A. Alwafi, BDS, CAGS, MSc, DScD, Dip. ABPD, FRCD(C), N/A: hanadi.alwafi@bmc.edu.sa / Digital Technologies in Pediatric Dentistry: Expanding Access and Shaping the Future

Are you interested in what's happening globally with pediatric dentistry? Listen to this session and hear from experienced international pediatric dentists. Join 13 international dentists as they share their presentations at AAPD 2026.

Ability to claim CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content available to view until May 24, 2031.

Join 4 speakers as they give 45 minute presentations about their topic at AAPD 2026.

Speakers:

Juan F. Yepes, DDS, MD, MPH, MS, DrPH:  jfyepes@iu.edu / The Diagnostic Challenge in Pediatric Dentistry

Alexandra B. Otto, DDS, FAGD, FACD, FPFA, FICD: dralex@kidstoothteam.com / Unleashing the Power of AI in Dentistry

Randa Soussou, BDS, MSc, FRCDC, ABPD: soussouranda@gmail.com / Transforming Anxiety into Engagement: Clinical Hypnosis for Positive Pediatric Visits

Conway F. Jensen, DDS: bestpedo@yahoo.com / Pediatric Laser Assisted Airway: Less Snoring and Less Behavior Issues

Ability to claim CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content available to view until May 24, 2031.

Speakers:

Sarat Thikkurissy, DDS, MS, MA: sarat.thikkurissy@cchmc.org
Thomas Tanbonliong, DDS: tanbonli@uw.edu
Anthony C. Caputo: anthony@swdas.com
Hector Vila, MD, Jr.: drvila@pediatricsedation.com
Brian Schloss, MD: brian.schloss@offorhealth.com

This three-part program provides a practical overview of current approaches to pediatric dental sedation and in-office anesthesia. The course begins with an updated look at long-used anesthetic medications—such as ketamine and propofol—and their safety, pharmacokinetics, and emerging use in moderate procedural sedation.
The second session focuses on evidence-based office protocols, including patient assessment, preparation, monitoring, documentation, and commonly used sedation regimens for minimal and moderate sedation.
The program concludes with an expert panel discussion on the growing use of independent and mobile anesthesia providers in dental offices. Using AAPD guidelines and current safety data, the panel will address provider selection, shared liability, safeguards across practice models, and criteria for determining which patients are appropriate for in-office anesthesia.
Together, these sessions offer streamlined, real-world insights to help pediatric dentists deliver safe, effective, and compliant sedation care.

Learning Objectives:

• Review the pharmacology, safety considerations, and clinical applications of commonly used pediatric sedation medications, including emerging routes and regimens.
• Identify key components of safe and effective office-based sedation protocols, including patient selection, preparation, monitoring, and documentation
• Evaluate commonly used sedation regimens in pediatric dentistry and understand their indications, limitations, and potential risks.
• Assess the role, responsibilities, and safeguards associated with independent or mobile anesthesia providers, including liability considerations and criteria for determining patient suitability for in-office anesthesia services

Ability to earn CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content expires on May 24, 2031.

Speakers:

Vineet Dhar, BDS, MDS, PhD: VDhar@umaryland.edu
Elizabeth Shin Perry, D.MD; Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics: drperry@perryendo.com

Pediatric dentists always strive to provide the best care for their patients, but navigating treatment options in pulp therapy can get tricky! This session brings together the expertise of both pediatric dentists and endodontists to discuss the management of these teeth. It is designed to give practitioners confidence in navigating the best treatment options for their patients.

We will discuss the rationale and interpretation of the AAPD’s latest evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on vital pulp therapies in permanent teeth (2025), building its portfolio from guidelines on vital pulp therapies in primary teeth (2024) and non-vital pulp therapies in primary teeth (2020). These guidelines are based on systematic reviews that assess the certainty of evidence, balance benefits and risks, and consider patients’ and families’ values and preferences. The session will culminate in a thorough review of clinical cases from a high-volume endodontic practice, demonstrating how careful decision-making can lead to optimal treatment outcomes for your pediatric patients. This collaborative approach and teamwork across pediatric dentistry and endodontics is crucial to provide the best care for children.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the evidence-based recommendations supporting vital pulp therapy in primary and permanent teeth, as well as non-vital pulp therapy in primary teeth.
• Discuss the complementary perspectives of pediatric dentistry and endodontics in the application of evidence-based vital pulp therapy for permanent teeth.
• Explain the purpose, process of development, and interpretation of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.

Ability to earn CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content expires on May 24, 2031.