Ep.82,The Oral Physician: Redefining the Role of Dentistry, Dr. Kimberly Santiago

What if Dentists are uniquely positioned to identify chronic disease before symptoms ever appear? In this conversation, Dr. Stacy Becker welcomes fellow ASAP Pathway member, educator and airway pioneer Dr. Kimberly Santiago for a deep dive into the evolving role of dentistry in airway health, craniofacial development, sleep medicine, and whole-body wellness.

From breastfeeding struggles and tongue-tie misconceptions to cranial development, TMJ health, pediatric airway intervention, and the future of diagnostic technology, this episode challenges traditional silos in healthcare and asks an important question: What if dentistry has always been medicine — we just forgot?

Dr. Santiago shares her journey from traditional restorative dentistry to becoming a craniofacial respiratory orthopedist focused on optimizing nasal breathing, jaw development, and sleep quality beginning as early as infancy — and even before birth. Together, Drs. Becker and Santiago discuss:

Why adult sleep apnea often begins in childhoodThe difference between making room for teeth and making room for breathingWhy early intervention may protect neurocognitive developmentThe relationship between oral health and cardiovascular diseaseHow dentists and hygienists can become frontline healthcare screenersWhy anatomy alone is not enough and function matters just as muchThe emerging technologies helping clinicians better understand nasal physiology and airway functionWhy comprehensive treatment planning requires collaboration across disciplinesThis conversation isn't simply about dentistry. It's about changing the trajectory of health before disease ever has the chance to take hold.

Dr. Kimberly Santiago Website

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TIkTok:  @airsyncwellness

Email:  Drkimblery@airsyncwellness.com

CHAPTERS 📖

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kimberly Santiago

02:15 Buying a Practice at 25 and Building a Vision