Knox Area 2026 Fall Symposium

PROGRAM CONTENT

6.5 HOURS CEU

Morning Session with Dr. Kyla Swearingen

• Examine current literature surrounding airway-focused orthodontic treatment and early intervention.
• Review the relationship between craniofacial growth, airway development, and orthodontics.
• Identify signs of mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, and altered oral function in growing patients.
• Discuss how tongue posture, arch form, and facial development influence occlusion and airway health.
• Review the role of CBCT imaging and digital technology in diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Exploring timing and treatment approaches for orthopedic expansion and growth modifications.
• Present clinical cases that demonstrate changes in transverse development, facial growth, and airway measurements following treatment.
• Discuss growth-guided orthodontic philosophy that looks beyond straight teeth to long-term health, function, and stability.

  SPECIAL LUNCH GUEST:  MS. ALICIA AZIMIPOUR, TNDHA PRESIDENT

Afternoon Session with Ms. Bethany Roth, RDH

• Airway Health for the Dental Hygienist
• The role of Myofunction Therapy in Modern Dentistry
• Identifying Airway Dysfunction during hygiene appointments
• Airway “Red Flags”
• Oral Habits and Craniofacial development
• Tongue-Ties: Recognition and Referral pathways
• Collaborative care between Hygienists, Orthodontists, and Myofunctional Therapists
• Hands-On Airway screening techniques for the Dental Team