How to Help Children Become Smarter, Faster, and Better Looking Using Oral Appliances

Presented by: Mike Czubiak, DDS

Original Publication Date: January 16, 2026 (Midwinter Virtual Institute 2026)

Course Description:

The consequences of an underdeveloped airway in children are well-studied. Unfortunately, most modern developing child in the US are not reaching their genetic potential, leaving their craniofacial anatomy narrow, asymmetric, and inadequate to maintain a healthy flow of air to their lungs. We can help!

Learning Objectives:

• Understand why modern children struggle to grow
• Identify the anatomical and behavioral signs of a compromised airway
• Know what tools are available to us to affect growth and development

Practical Applications:

1. Screen pediatric patients for airway compromise by observing facial development, oral posture, breathing patterns, and sleep-related symptoms during routine visits.
2. Collaborate with dental and airway-focused providers to refer children early for oral appliance therapy when growth, sleep, or behavioral concerns suggest airway restriction.
3. Educate parents on how airway development impacts cognition, behavior, sleep quality, and long-term health, empowering them to pursue preventive, growth-guided interventions.

Method: Lecture

Location: Online (Zoom)

AGD Course Code: 430 (Pediatric Dentistry)

Credit Hours: 1

Speaker's Bio:

Dr. Mike Czubiak is a general dentist, author, and podcaster. He graduated from UCLA in 1984 with a BS in Psychobiology and then continued to the UCLA School of Dentistry, where he graduated in 1988. He moved to Camarillo, California, in 1989 to start his practice, and after decades of just "fixing things," he got introduced to AAOSH. The practice started focusing on root causes, and a complete health practice was born.

He founded Camarillo Smiles, the California Academy of Dental Assisting, Lotus Leadership for Dentists, the Nano Podcast Alliance, Nanoverse Media, and the Sleep and Breathing Institute. He wrote the book Hygiene Superstar to illuminate the connection between oral and overall health. He loves talking about inflammation reduction, airway, culture, and leadership. He can be heard hosting 3 podcasts– Uncomfortable Dental Conversations, Hygiene Superstar, and the Camarillo Smiles Dental Podcast.

When Dr Mike doesn’t have a microphone in front of him, he enjoys his three kids with his wife, Mindy. Together, they love to play tennis, hike, camp, scuba dive, snowboard, travel, and do just about anything that involves the arts. He continues to play in a band, write books, make short films, take photographs, and be creative.

Conflict of Interest: N/A