An Interdisciplinary Continuum — From TMJ Health to Airway Function

Overview

The face is more than its parts. TMJ health, airway function, craniofacial growth, orofacial musculature, and dental occlusion are deeply interconnected — yet rarely addressed together in clinical practice.

Face First 2026 brings together restorative dentists, orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and myofunctional therapists to explore this relationship and the collaborative care models needed to serve patients more completely.

Seminar Objectives

• Describe the interdependence of temporomandibular joint health, airway function, craniofacial growth, and orofacial muscle function, as components of an integrated physiologic system and occlusal stability.

• Identify the core and extended team members required to deliver integrated TMJ, craniofacial, and airway-focused care, and outline a practical framework for interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Apply interdisciplinary principles from this seminar to evaluate current practice patterns and identify opportunities for integrating TMJ, airway, craniofacial, and orofacial muscle function-focused care into clinical workflow.

Seminar Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST

Dates: November 20-21, 2026

Location: St. Petersburg, FL

CE Credits: 12

CE Codes: #182

Speakers:

Dr. Brian Shah
Dr. Drew McDonald
Dr. Jeff Rouse
Dr. George Mandelaris
Dr. Claire Ferrari
Dr. James Otten
Dr. Bill Robbins
Dr. Curt Ringhofer
Dr. Peter Lemieux
Dr. James McKee
Sandraluz Gonzalez, RDH

Target Audience: Restorative Dentists, Specialists, Myofunctional Therapists, Physical Therapists, Lab Technicians

Recommended Prerequisites: None