Growing Healthy Kids: Pediatric Metabolic & Airway Health

Imagine a future where every dental team plays a key role in protecting the airway and metabolic health of children from birth to age six. These early years are critical for identifying breathing disturbances and metabolic concerns that can impact a child’s lifelong health. In this course, Dr. Susan Maples will teach you how to screen for and recognize early signs of airway dysfunction, sleep and breathing issues, and metabolic health risks. You’ll learn to take an airway-focused health history, spot physical indicators in the face, mouth, and nose, and evaluate breathing and swallowing function in young patients. You’ll also gain strategies for guiding sensitive conversations with parents and building strong referral networks with pediatric health professionals. With the tools and skills you’ll take away, your team will be ready to integrate airway and metabolic screenings into daily practice—helping children thrive from their very first dental visits.

• Screen for airway and metabolic risk factors using parent-reported histories and clinical exams. • Identify early signs of airway dysfunction and breathing disturbances in children under six. • Recognize physical indicators in the face, mouth, and pharynx that signal dysfunction. • Strengthen communication skills to guide families and collaborate with pediatric health professionals. • Explore treatment options, including myofunctional therapy, tongue and lip release, and early expansion techniques.