A Course Dedicated to Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children
Who is this for?
Dental and craniofacial healthcare providers (DCHP) caring for paediatric patients with sleep-disordered breathing. DCHP includes general dentists, paediatric dentists, orthodontists, myofunctional therapists, speech-language pathologists, and oral surgeons. Paediatricians and ENT surgeons who seek collaborative, airway-focused sleep care with DCHP are welcome.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to
- Understand the foundational concepts and pathophysiology of paediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).
- Define the role of dental and craniofacial healthcare providers in the early recognition, risk stratification, and management of paediatric SDB.
- Comprehend airway anatomy and craniofacial growth and development from infancy through adolescence.
- Apply age-specific diagnostic frameworks and treatment strategies across key developmental stages.
- Effectively utilize functional appliances, expansion techniques, clear aligner therapy, and myofunctional interventions in the management of paediatric SDB.
- Diagnose and manage tongue-tie and lip-tie within an interdisciplinary, growth-oriented care model.
- Implement a multidisciplinary treatment approach integrating allergy management, adenotonsillar surgery, DOME4Kids-guided care, and orthognathic surgery when indicated to optimize long-term airway, sleep, and craniofacial outcomes..
WEBINAR SCHEDULE
Webinar 1: Aug 15th 2026
Foundations of Paediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing
- Overview of paediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB): scope, impact, and clinical relevance
- The role of dental and craniofacial providers in early identification and prevention
- Why a multidisciplinary, growth-guided approach is essential for optimal long-term outcomes
Webinar 2: Sep 5th 2026
Growth and Development
- Craniofacial and airway development from infancy through adolescence
- Oral, facial, and airway functional milestones
- Early clinical indicators and warning signs of paediatric SDB
Webinar 3: Sep 26th 2026
Diagnosis and Early Intervention
- Step-by-step airway assessment and diagnostic workup across developmental stages
- ENT and oral and maxillofacial surgery perspectives on nasal obstruction, tonsils, adenoids, and maxillary development
- Introduction to DOME4Kids principles in early treatment planning
Webinar 4: Oct 17th 2026
Functional and Orthopaedic Interventions
- Management of paediatric SDB using functional appliances, expansion strategies, myofunctional therapy, and clear aligner systems
- Evidence-based indications for tongue-tie and lip-tie diagnosis and treatment
- Clinical decision-making on the timing and extent of expansion in the primary and mixed dentitions
Webinar 5: Nov 7th 2026
Case Integration and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Comprehensive case presentations and guided clinical decision-making
- Integrating orthodontic, surgical, ENT, and myofunctional perspectives
- Building collaborative care pathways to achieve durable clinical outcomes
Bonus Session (Date to be announced soon)
Case Integration and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Imaging protocols for paediatric airway evaluation
- Digital workflows, treatment planning, and emerging diagnostic technologies
- Future directions in paediatric sleep-breathing care
Dome4kidz Hands-On Workshop:
Functional Paediatric Airway Orthodontics and Myofunctional Integration
Day 1, Nov 21st 2026
Clinical Foundations, Assessment, and Functional Interventions
Session 1 – Live Patient Experience (3 hours)
Objectives:
- Observe and understand the step-by-step workflow from initial assessment to treatment planning.
- Learn how to document key diagnostic features in paediatric airway and myofunctional cases.
- Participate interactively in myofunctional assessment, identifying tongue posture, lip seal, and nasal breathing patterns.
Topics Covered:
- Clinical examination and record taking Interpretation of facial form, breathing pattern, and dental arch morphology
- Expander delivery and removal demonstration
- Chairside communication strategies with parents and young patients
Learning Outcome:
Participants will gain a working knowledge of the diagnostic and procedural flow for airway-oriented paediatric cases.
Session 2 – Clinical Assessment Tools (2 hours)
Objectives:
- Master digital modalities for airway and craniofacial analysis.
- Learn how to integrate home sleep testing with clinical evaluation.
- Develop fluency in discussing diagnostic reports with caregivers.
Tools & Techniques:
- Digital intraoral scanning and CBCT image interpretation
- Airway segmentation using SICAT Air software
- Overview and comparative understanding of home sleep tests (Belun Ring, TipTraq, SleepImage)
- Translating polysomnography and home sleep data into clinical language
Learning Outcome:
Participants will understand how to integrate multi-modal diagnostic data into an interdisciplinary treatment plan.
Session 3 – Appliance Techniques – Practical Demonstration (2 hours)
Objectives:
- Understand the principles and activation protocols of different appliances.
- Learn hands-on troubleshooting and adjustment techniques.
Appliances Reviewed:
- Fixed and removable expanders
- Myobrace and MyoMunchee systems
- Functional appliances and Planas Direct Tracks
- Early-stage clear aligner therapy in airway-focused paediatric care
Learning Outcome:
Participants will be able to select and implement appropriate appliances for different craniofacial and functional profiles.
Session 4 – Myofunctional Therapy for Clinicians (2 hours)
Facilitator: Ms. Goldie Wong (Speech Language Pathologist, Certified Myofunctional Therapist)
Objectives:
- Recognize oral habits that contribute to dysfunctional breathing and craniofacial growth patterns.
- Learn key myofunctional therapy exercises and how to integrate them into clinical care.
- Practice effective communication and motivational strategies for families.
Format:
- Case demonstrations with clinical videos
- Role-play scenarios for patient and parent engagement
- Interdisciplinary discussion of therapy sequencing
Learning Outcome:
Participants will gain confidence in prescribing and monitoring basic myofunctional exercises and integrating them into orthodontic care.
Session 5 – Collaborative Case Discussions (1 hour)
Format: Small group sessions (4–6 participants per team)
Objectives:
- Apply diagnostic reasoning to real or submitted cases.
- Develop multi-disciplinary treatment plans with peers.
- Receive feedback from faculty mentors.
Learning Outcome:
Participants will refine their case analysis and presentation skills, preparing them for real-world interdisciplinary collaboration.
Evening Program: Dinner & Networking Session (Optional)
A social forum to exchange ideas, build collaborations, and explore ongoing mentorship opportunities.
Day 2, Nov 22nd 2026
Advanced Clinical Practice and Integration
Session 6. Live Demonstration: Laser Frenectomy (Waterlase) (3 hours)
Objectives:
- Understand the indications, contraindications, and protocols for infant and toddler frenectomy.
- Observe pre- and post-operative assessments and parent counselling.
- Learn how laser technology improves precision and healing outcomes.
Format:
- Live patient demonstration with step-by-step commentary
- Review of postoperative care and wound management
- Discussion of feeding, speech, and functional rehabilitation post-release
Learning Outcome:
Participants will gain confidence in identifying candidates for
Session 7. Advanced Clinical Insights (2 hours)
Topics and Guest Faculty: Bonus Lecture: Dr. Stanley Liu
Integrating Surgical and Orthodontic Airway Solutions: From Paediatric Foundations to Adult Care
Expert Session: ENT/Paediatric Respiratory Medicine/Allergy – Interdisciplinary Management of Paediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Objectives:
- Appreciate cross-disciplinary collaboration among ENT, orthodontics, and sleep medicine.
- Learn to recognize when to refer, co-manage, or escalate treatment.
- Gain perspective on global research trends in paediatric airway health.
Learning Outcome:
Participants will develop a holistic framework for interdisciplinary management of pediatric sleep and airway disorders.
Session 8. Faculty Panel Q&A (1 hour)
An open session for learners to ask case-specific and clinical workflow questions.
Learning Outcome:
Clarification of clinical concepts and best practices through expert dialogue.
Session 9. Hello Smile Talk (30 minutes)
Presented by: Hello Smile HK Foundation
Objectives:
- Understand the mission and community outreach model of Hello Smile HK.
- Learn how clinical practice and social health advocacy intersect.
- Explore how to participate in outreach, mentorship, and collaborative research.
Learning Outcome:
Participants will appreciate the role of social responsibility and education in advancing paediatric sleep and airway health.
Post-Workshop Support and Continuing Learning
Included Benefits:
- Access to digital resources, lecture notes, and recorded demonstrations
- Follow-up webinar for post-course case review
- Optional mentorship or case-based consultation program with faculty
Expected Competencies After Completion:
- Perform comprehensive functional and airway assessments in pediatric patients.
- Implement expansion and myofunctional protocols with confidence.
- Interpret and integrate sleep and imaging data into treatment plans.
- Collaborate effectively with medical and allied professionals.
- Communicate clearly with parents about the rationale and expectations of treatment.
