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Start Date: 2026-08-15
Speaker:
Dr. Steffen Decker, Dr. Irene Lau, Dr. Stanley Liu

A Course Dedicated to Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children

Course Highlight:

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

1.      Understand the foundational concepts and pathophysiology of paediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).

2.      Define the role of dental and craniofacial healthcare providers in the early recognition, risk stratification, and management of paediatric SDB.

3.      Comprehend airway anatomy and craniofacial growth and development from infancy through adolescence.

4.      Apply age-specific diagnostic frameworks and treatment strategies across key developmental stages.

5.      Effectively utilize functional appliances, expansion techniques, clear aligner therapy, and myofunctional interventions in the management of paediatric SDB.

6.      Diagnose and manage tongue-tie and lip-tie within an interdisciplinary, growth-oriented care model.

7.      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:

1.      Observe and understand the step-by-step workflow from initial assessment to treatment planning.

2.      Learn how to document key diagnostic features in paediatric airway and myofunctional cases.

3.      Participate interactively in myofunctional assessment, identifying tongue posture, lip seal, and nasal breathing patterns.

Topics Covered:

1.      Clinical examination and record taking Interpretation of facial form, breathing pattern, and dental arch morphology

2.      Expander delivery and removal demonstration

3.      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:

1.      Master digital modalities for airway and craniofacial analysis.

2.      Learn how to integrate home sleep testing with clinical evaluation.

3.      Develop fluency in discussing diagnostic reports with caregivers.

Tools & Techniques:

1.      Digital intraoral scanning and CBCT image interpretation

2.      Airway segmentation using SICAT Air software

3.      Overview and comparative understanding of home sleep tests (Belun Ring, TipTraq, SleepImage)

4.      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:

1.      Understand the principles and activation protocols of different appliances.

2.      Learn hands-on troubleshooting and adjustment techniques.

         Appliances Reviewed:

1.      Fixed and removable expanders

2.      Myobrace and MyoMunchee systems

3.      Functional appliances and Planas Direct Tracks

4.      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:

1.      Recognize oral habits that contribute to dysfunctional breathing and craniofacial growth patterns.

2.      Learn key myofunctional therapy exercises and how to integrate them into clinical care.

3.      Practice effective communication and motivational strategies for families.

Format:

1.      Case demonstrations with clinical videos

2.      Role-play scenarios for patient and parent engagement

3.      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:

1.      Apply diagnostic reasoning to real or submitted cases.

2.      Develop multi-disciplinary treatment plans with peers.

3.      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:

1.      Understand the indications, contraindications, and protocols for infant and toddler frenectomy.

1.      Observe pre- and post-operative assessments and parent counselling.

2.      Learn how laser technology improves precision and healing outcomes.

Format:

1.      Live patient demonstration with step-by-step commentary

2.      Review of postoperative care and wound management

3.      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:

1.      Appreciate cross-disciplinary collaboration among ENT, orthodontics, and sleep medicine.

2.      Learn to recognize when to refer, co-manage, or escalate treatment.

3.      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:

1.      Understand the mission and community outreach model of Hello Smile HK.

2.      Learn how clinical practice and social health advocacy intersect.

3.      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:

1.      Access to digital resources, lecture notes, and recorded demonstrations

1.      Follow-up webinar for post-course case review

2.      Optional mentorship or case-based consultation program with faculty

Expected Competencies After Completion:

1.      Perform comprehensive functional and airway assessments in pediatric patients.

2.      Implement expansion and myofunctional protocols with confidence.

3.      Interpret and integrate sleep and imaging data into treatment plans.

4.      Collaborate effectively with medical and allied professionals.

5.      Communicate clearly with parents about the rationale and expectations of treatment.

 

 






Course Information: 

Point Accreditation:

Pending CME/CPD Points

 

Format:

Webinar, Lecture, Hands-on, Live Patient Experience

 

Organizer:

 

Co-organizer:

         

 

Sponsor:

 

  • DATE
    Webinar 1: 2026-08-15(Sat)
    Webinar 2: 2026-09-05(Sat)
    Webinar 3: 2026-09-25(Fri)
    Webinar 4: 2026-10-17(Sat)
    Webinar 5: 2026-11-07(Sat)

    Hands-on Day 1: 2026-11-21(Sat)
    Hands-on Day 2: 2026-11-22(Sun)
  • TIME
    GMT +8
    8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • LOCATION
    Hands-on: T.O.P Dental by Family Smile (1901-1906 T.O.P, 700 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Kowloon)
  • Registration Fee
    Webinar only: USD750
    Hands-on ony: USD3,250
    Webinar and Hands-on: USD4,000

    Click below link for registration
    https://hellosmilehk.org/en/course-apply/1