Episode 722

722: How Airway, Jaw Joints, & Autonomic Nervous System Issues Are Creating Today’s Orthodontic Patients – Dr. Drew McDonald

Published on: 22nd April, 2024

Today, orthodontics goes beyond just straight teeth. With better technology and better imaging, we can now include joints and airway for more comprehensive care. To highlight the importance of imaging in the future of orthodontics, Kirk Behrendt brings back Dr. Drew McDonald, instructor from the Chicago Study Club, who explains how it leads to better outcomes, especially for Class II patients. Stop going in blind into orthodontic cases! To learn how imaging drives treatment and what you could be missing without it, listen to Episode 722 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Dr. McDonald:

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

Episode Resources:

Main Takeaways:

  • Imaging drives treatment.
  • Never go into orthodontic cases blindly.
  • Orthodontics is more than about straight teeth.
  • Rethink symptoms you consider “incidental” findings.
  • Dentists and other specialists can't treat these patients alone.
  • Always do imaging before sending patients to the orthodontist.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

3:48 Why this is an important topic.

5:40 Nothing is an “incidental” finding.

13:06 The need to evolve as a profession.

15:12 GPs are the front line.

19:51 Autonomic nervous system issues, explained.

25:43 The importance of sleep on growth.

28:07 Imaging drives treatment.

35:09 Final thoughts.

37:50 About Chicago Study Club and Pediatric TMJ Study Club.

Dr. Drew McDonald Bio:

Dr. Drew McDonald is a board-certified orthodontic specialist with a strong focus on airway and temporomandibular joint-focused treatment planning, surgically facilitated orthodontic treatment, and providing complex interdisciplinary care for patients. He lectures internationally on these topics and has contributed to literature and textbooks in these areas. He is dedicated to advancing the profession of orthodontics and dentistry as a whole.

Dr. McDonald attended dental school at the prestigious Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and intense clinical training, he received many academic accolades while at Creighton, including inductions into Omicron Kappa Upsilon (National Dental Honor Society) and Alpha Sigma Nu (Honor Society of Jesuit Universities). He also served in leadership positions as class president and student body president, and on alumni relations committees.

After graduating cum laude from Creighton, Dr. McDonald was accepted as one of only three residents nationwide into the University of Missouri-Kansas City Orthodontics program, a renowned two-and-a-half-year, full-time residency known for its clinical excellence. He graduated in December of 2016 with his certificate in orthodontics and master’s degree in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences.

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About the Podcast

The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt
Elevate Your Dental Practice: Insights & Strategies from Industry Leaders
Welcome to The Best Practices Show, hosted by Kirk Behrendt, founder of ACT Dental (https://www.actdental.com/) and a leader in dental practice coaching. This podcast is your gateway to discovering the hidden gems and tactics used by the most successful dental practices worldwide.

At ACT Dental, we have meticulously curated strategies that have consistently proven effective in elevating dental practices. Our podcast, The Best Practices Show, extends our commitment to sharing this wealth of knowledge. Each episode features interviews with renowned dental professionals and industry leaders who have made significant strides in their practices. They share their experiences, insights, and the challenges they've overcome, offering a unique perspective that you won't find anywhere else.

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Kirk Behrendt, a respected figure in the dental community, brings his vast experience and infectious enthusiasm to each episode, making complex topics both understandable and engaging. As the CEO of ACT Dental, Kirk has helped countless dental practices thrive by focusing on holistic development - professionally, personally, and within their community.

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