Physiological

Learn About the Physiologic and Pathologic Processes of Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy, Restless Leg Syndrome, and More!

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SEC Sleep Conference by the Numbers:

  • 22 Years of Event Educational Opportunities
  • 3 Days of Hands-on and Speaker-led Educational and Networking Opportunities
  • 17 of the Top Dental and Medical Faculty/Speakers
  • ABOUT THE DENTAL SLEEP CONFERENCE

    The 22nd Annual Sleep Education Consortium Sleep Conference emphasizes the expanding connection between dentistry and sleep medicine, highlighting the crucial role dentists can play in the overall health of their patients. Learn how integrating sleep medicine into your dental practice can lead to better patient outcomes and a more collaborative healthcare approach.

    Participants can explore new developments in research on Sleep-Related Disorders, advanced treatment methods, and innovative techniques for remotely monitoring patients’ nightly sleep patterns. The conference is a unique opportunity to learn about the dentists’ role in sleep medicine beyond placing an oral appliance in a patient.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
    ABOUT THE DENTAL SLEEP CONFERENCE

    GAIN THE KNOWLEDGE YOU NEED

    Join us for this three-day comprehensive conference designed specifically for dental professionals looking to enhance their practices in the dynamic field of sleep and airway dentistry. This course will provide essential knowledge and skills, focusing on fostering collaboration between dental and medical professionals through both didactic and clinical educational methods.

    Gain valuable insights into the diagnosis and management of patients with sleep and airway disorders.

    DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
    GAIN THE KNOWLEDGE YOU NEED
    Jerald H. Simmons, MDSTANFORD TEAM OF EXPERTS

    Jerald H Simmons, MD, a pioneer in sleep medicine since 1991, is the Founding Director of The Sleep Education Consortium (SEC) and Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates, PA (CSMA), he is Triple Board-Certified by the American Board of: Psychiatry and Neurology, Sleep Medicine and Clinical Neurophysiology. He graduated from medical school at Ohio State University, then trained in Neurology at Washington University, afterwards training in Sleep Medicine at Stanford University, and then Epilepsy at the University of California. Beginning his professional career as Assistant Professor of Neurology at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) while codirecting the UCLA Sleep Disorders Center and directing the Clinical Neurophysiology Lab at Olive View UCLA. In 1999, he relocated to Texas, establishing the Sadler Clinic Sleep Disorders Center, in 2001 he founded REST Technologies, Inc., and in 2006 he founded Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates, PA which has four Texas locations.

    With his academic mindset, research has always been part of his professional activities. Recent research involves new technologies to monitor patients during sleep remotely; using simplified, wearable devices to enhance patient management. He was awarded a grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH), as principal investigator, on a study monitoring pregnant women throughout gestation, capturing the onset of obstructive sleep apnea using wearable technology. He is also the chairman of a task force sanctioned by the American Dental Association (ADA), Children's Airway Screen Taskforce (CAST), directed to develop a new protocol for screening young children for sleep-related breathing disturbances, Children's General Airway Screen Protocol (CGASP), for the detection of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) allowing for early intervention in young children, focusing on reducing the burden of obstructive sleep apnea in future generations.

    He trained under the mentorship of the “father of sleep” William Dement, MD, PhD and sleep medicine pioneer who discovered the Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, Christian Guilleminault, MD, while at Stanford University. Dr. Simmons is an early pioneer in the study and education of enhancing awareness of the important relationship between—clenching/sleep bruxism/TMJ disorder with OSA, as well as the relationship between ADHD and disturbances of sleep, having lectured to the healthcare community on these topics for approximately 30-years.

    Also, education is an important aspect of his career, by training medical students, residents, and fellows in sleep medicine. Then establishing the SEC as an outreach to educate the healthcare community. He was instrumental in guiding the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, leading to the new rules requiring dentists to obtain specific education in sleep medicine to provide appliance therapy to patients with OSA.

    Collaboration has been a central theme for Doctor Simmons throughout the years, having worked closely with dentists since the mid-1990s and other types of healthcare professions, and he sits on the board of many organizations, including the American Academy of Physiologic Medicine and Dentistry, which promotes an annual Collaboration Cures conference.

    Jerald H. Simmons, MDSTANFORD TEAM OF EXPERTS

    Jerald H Simmons, MD, a pioneer in sleep medicine since 1991, is the Founding Director of The Sleep Education Consortium (SEC) and Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates, PA (CSMA), he is Triple Board-Certified by the American Board of: Psychiatry and Neurology, Sleep Medicine and Clinical Neurophysiology. He graduated from medical school at Ohio State University, then trained in Neurology at Washington University, afterwards training in Sleep Medicine at Stanford University, and then Epilepsy at the University of California. Beginning his professional career as Assistant Professor of Neurology at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) while codirecting the UCLA Sleep Disorders Center and directing the Clinical Neurophysiology Lab at Olive View UCLA. In 1999, he relocated to Texas, establishing the Sadler Clinic Sleep Disorders Center, in 2001 he founded REST Technologies, Inc., and in 2006 he founded Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates, PA which has four Texas locations.

    With his academic mindset, research has always been part of his professional activities. Recent research involves new technologies to monitor patients during sleep remotely; using simplified, wearable devices to enhance patient management. He was awarded a grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH), as principal investigator, on a study monitoring pregnant women throughout gestation, capturing the onset of obstructive sleep apnea using wearable technology. He is also the chairman of a task force sanctioned by the American Dental Association (ADA), Children's Airway Screen Taskforce (CAST), directed to develop a new protocol for screening young children for sleep-related breathing disturbances, Children's General Airway Screen Protocol (CGASP), for the detection of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) allowing for early intervention in young children, focusing on reducing the burden of obstructive sleep apnea in future generations.

    He trained under the mentorship of the “father of sleep” William Dement, MD, PhD and sleep medicine pioneer who discovered the Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, Christian Guilleminault, MD, while at Stanford University. Dr. Simmons is an early pioneer in the study and education of enhancing awareness of the important relationship between—clenching/sleep bruxism/TMJ disorder with OSA, as well as the relationship between ADHD and disturbances of sleep, having lectured to the healthcare community on these topics for approximately 30-years.

    Also, education is an important aspect of his career, by training medical students, residents, and fellows in sleep medicine. Then establishing the SEC as an outreach to educate the healthcare community. He was instrumental in guiding the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, leading to the new rules requiring dentists to obtain specific education in sleep medicine to provide appliance therapy to patients with OSA.

    Collaboration has been a central theme for Doctor Simmons throughout the years, having worked closely with dentists since the mid-1990s and other types of healthcare professions, and he sits on the board of many organizations, including the American Academy of Physiologic Medicine and Dentistry, which promotes an annual Collaboration Cures conference.

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    Rob Veis, DDS

    Rob W. Veis, DDS is the President and CEO of Space Maintainers Laboratories. He served as a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Southern California for more than a decade, he lectures internationally on topics ranging from the application of appliance therapy dental techniques to dental economics and practice building.

    He is the co-author of the Manual of Appliance Therapy for Adults and Children, author of The Practice Building Bulletin, and the co-author of the Treatment of Snoring and Sleep Apnea for the General Dentist. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Academy of Gnathologic Orthodontics, and the Academy of Sports Dentistry.

    He currently maintains a private practice in Los Angeles.

    Rob Veis, DDS

    Rob W. Veis, DDS is the President and CEO of Space Maintainers Laboratories. He served as a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Southern California for more than a decade, he lectures internationally on topics ranging from the application of appliance therapy dental techniques to dental economics and practice building.

    He is the co-author of the Manual of Appliance Therapy for Adults and Children, author of The Practice Building Bulletin, and the co-author of the Treatment of Snoring and Sleep Apnea for the General Dentist. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Academy of Gnathologic Orthodontics, and the Academy of Sports Dentistry.

    He currently maintains a private practice in Los Angeles.

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    Kevin Boyd, DDS
    Kevin Boyd, DDS

    Dr. Kevin Boyd is a board-certified Pediatric Dentist in Chicago who holds an M.Sc. degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. He teaches in the Pediatric Dentistry residency training program at Lurie Children’s Hospital and also serves as a dental consultant to the Lurie Sleep Medicine service.

    Dr. Boyd is an adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Arkansas mentoring PhD research, and also serves as a Visiting Consulting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania’s Museum of Archeology and Anthropology where he is collaboratively exploring a hypothetical relationship between changed dietary practices since the Industrial Revolution and diminished human dentofacial development.

    He lectures worldwide on the topics of Early Childhood Malocclusion (under age 72 months), pediatric sleep-breathing hygiene, and Evolutionary Oral Medicine/Darwinian Dentistry.

    Kevin Boyd, DDS
    Kevin Boyd, DDS

    Dr. Kevin Boyd is a board-certified Pediatric Dentist in Chicago who holds an M.Sc. degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. He teaches in the Pediatric Dentistry residency training program at Lurie Children’s Hospital and also serves as a dental consultant to the Lurie Sleep Medicine service.

    Dr. Boyd is an adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Arkansas mentoring PhD research, and also serves as a Visiting Consulting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania’s Museum of Archeology and Anthropology where he is collaboratively exploring a hypothetical relationship between changed dietary practices since the Industrial Revolution and diminished human dentofacial development.

    He lectures worldwide on the topics of Early Childhood Malocclusion (under age 72 months), pediatric sleep-breathing hygiene, and Evolutionary Oral Medicine/Darwinian Dentistry.

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    Ahmet Keles, DDS, DMScNEW ADDITION to 2026 ROSTER

    After graduating from Istanbul University Faculty of Dentistry in 1989, he started his specialization in orthodontics and doctoral training at Harvard School of Dental Medicine as a scholarship student. He completed his doctorate degree in 1994 and won 2 prestigious awards: "Thomas Graber Awards of Special Merit” given by the American Association of Orthodontists and "The Moorrees Award of Excellence" from the Harvard Society for the Advancement of Orthodontics to honor his doctorate degree research during his postdoctoral orthodontic training at Harvard.

    After completing his studies in US, he was appointed as a faculty to the Department of Orthodontics at Marmara University in Istanbul. After receiving associate professorship in 2002, he served as the clinical director of the Department of Orthodontics at University of Connecticut until 2005. Afterwards he started working as a part-time faculty member at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

    In 2017 he received his professorship for his academic achievements. Ahmet Keles has many patents. His inventions “Keles Keyless Expander”, “Keles Slider” and “Keles Face Mask” are widely used in the United States. He gives many courses and seminars in the field of orthodontics and has over 30 scientific publications and served as referee for many orthodontic journals and he was the former abstract and review editor of World Journal of Orthodontics.

    Currently, he serves his patients in his private practice in Istanbul and teaches postdoctoral students at Harvard. He is the international vice president of the Harvard Dental Alumni for the Advancement of Orthodontics.
    He has a DMSc degree in Orthodontics from Harvard University, where he received multiple awards for his thesis project, including the Thomas M. Graber Award of Special Merit and the Coenraad Morrees Research Award. Dr. Keles also developed and patented three innovative orthodontic appliances: the Keles Keyless Expander, the Keles Slider, and the Keles Face Mask, which have been widely used and recognized in the industry. He has authored more than 50 scientific publications and many orthodontic textbook chapters, and has been invited to give courses and seminars around the world. Additionally, he also has been the abstract and reviews editor of the World Journal of Orthodontics.

    Dr. Keles is passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of orthodontists, and enjoys working with a diverse and talented team of colleagues and students at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

    Ahmet Keles, DDS, DMScNEW ADDITION to 2026 ROSTER

    After graduating from Istanbul University Faculty of Dentistry in 1989, he started his specialization in orthodontics and doctoral training at Harvard School of Dental Medicine as a scholarship student. He completed his doctorate degree in 1994 and won 2 prestigious awards: "Thomas Graber Awards of Special Merit” given by the American Association of Orthodontists and "The Moorrees Award of Excellence" from the Harvard Society for the Advancement of Orthodontics to honor his doctorate degree research during his postdoctoral orthodontic training at Harvard.

    After completing his studies in US, he was appointed as a faculty to the Department of Orthodontics at Marmara University in Istanbul. After receiving associate professorship in 2002, he served as the clinical director of the Department of Orthodontics at University of Connecticut until 2005. Afterwards he started working as a part-time faculty member at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

    In 2017 he received his professorship for his academic achievements. Ahmet Keles has many patents. His inventions “Keles Keyless Expander”, “Keles Slider” and “Keles Face Mask” are widely used in the United States. He gives many courses and seminars in the field of orthodontics and has over 30 scientific publications and served as referee for many orthodontic journals and he was the former abstract and review editor of World Journal of Orthodontics.

    Currently, he serves his patients in his private practice in Istanbul and teaches postdoctoral students at Harvard. He is the international vice president of the Harvard Dental Alumni for the Advancement of Orthodontics.
    He has a DMSc degree in Orthodontics from Harvard University, where he received multiple awards for his thesis project, including the Thomas M. Graber Award of Special Merit and the Coenraad Morrees Research Award. Dr. Keles also developed and patented three innovative orthodontic appliances: the Keles Keyless Expander, the Keles Slider, and the Keles Face Mask, which have been widely used and recognized in the industry. He has authored more than 50 scientific publications and many orthodontic textbook chapters, and has been invited to give courses and seminars around the world. Additionally, he also has been the abstract and reviews editor of the World Journal of Orthodontics.

    Dr. Keles is passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of orthodontists, and enjoys working with a diverse and talented team of colleagues and students at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

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    David Alfi, MD, DDS

    Dr. David Alfi is a board-certified, dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in craniofacial and orthognathic surgery and rehabilitation. Originally from Los Angeles, CA, he attended Columbia University dental school, where there is a heavy emphasis on the academics of oral surgery. While earning his dental degree, in addition to oral surgery, he took a special interest in radiology, anesthesia, and medical management.

    Following residency, Dr. Alfi joined Houston Methodist and Texas Children’s Hospital, working as an academic professor and full-scope surgeon. He then wanted to expand beyond the basics and became involved with researching innovative surgical techniques, improving patient care, and educating future surgeons.

    More recently, Dr. Alfi has started his own private practice with the vision to excel in surgical outcomes and advance the field with research and development of surgical techniques. He takes pride in making his patients feel calmer and more comfortable by them knowing that the care they are receiving is without compromise. To do this, he remains at the forefront of new techniques and technology. Dr. Alfi is grateful for every opportunity to help someone achieve happiness through better health.

    David Alfi, MD, DDS

    Dr. David Alfi is a board-certified, dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in craniofacial and orthognathic surgery and rehabilitation. Originally from Los Angeles, CA, he attended Columbia University dental school, where there is a heavy emphasis on the academics of oral surgery. While earning his dental degree, in addition to oral surgery, he took a special interest in radiology, anesthesia, and medical management.

    Following residency, Dr. Alfi joined Houston Methodist and Texas Children’s Hospital, working as an academic professor and full-scope surgeon. He then wanted to expand beyond the basics and became involved with researching innovative surgical techniques, improving patient care, and educating future surgeons.

    More recently, Dr. Alfi has started his own private practice with the vision to excel in surgical outcomes and advance the field with research and development of surgical techniques. He takes pride in making his patients feel calmer and more comfortable by them knowing that the care they are receiving is without compromise. To do this, he remains at the forefront of new techniques and technology. Dr. Alfi is grateful for every opportunity to help someone achieve happiness through better health.

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    Bruno Frazao Gribel, DDSNEW ADDITION to 2026 ROSTER

    Dr. Bruno Frazão Gribel is an orthodontist based in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, known for his contributions to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. For the past twenty years, he has been at the forefront of integrating advanced 3D technologies into dental practice, improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and the digital fabrication of orthodontic appliances. In 2005, Dr. Gribel introduced the first 3D cephalometric analysis for cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, incorporating both traditional two-dimensional measurements and new craniofacial metrics. This innovation allowed for accurate assessments of occlusal plane inclinations and facial asymmetries. In 2006, he developed an algorithm that transformed 2D cephalometric patterns into three-dimensional analyses, paving the way for virtual 3D planning of orthodontic treatments. His expertise also extends to the development of 3D printed surgical guides, which have been instrumental in more than 7,000 orthognathic surgeries since 2007.

    In 2011, he launched the first Brazilian orthodontic aligner system, offering complete solutions for various types of malocclusion. His research includes: - Digital indirect bonding techniques; - Use of clear aligners for pre-surgical pediatric orthopedics in patients with cleft lip and palate; - Direct 3D printing of orthodontic appliances.

    In addition to his clinical and research activities, Dr. Gribel is CEO/FOUNDER of COMPASS 3D, a company specializing in advanced dental technologies. He is also affiliated with the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (PUC-Minas), contributing to the academic community through research and mentoring. His professional trajectory reflects a strong commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into patient-centered care, positioning him as a leader in modern orthodontics.

    Bruno Frazao Gribel, DDSNEW ADDITION to 2026 ROSTER

    Dr. Bruno Frazão Gribel is an orthodontist based in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, known for his contributions to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. For the past twenty years, he has been at the forefront of integrating advanced 3D technologies into dental practice, improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and the digital fabrication of orthodontic appliances. In 2005, Dr. Gribel introduced the first 3D cephalometric analysis for cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, incorporating both traditional two-dimensional measurements and new craniofacial metrics. This innovation allowed for accurate assessments of occlusal plane inclinations and facial asymmetries. In 2006, he developed an algorithm that transformed 2D cephalometric patterns into three-dimensional analyses, paving the way for virtual 3D planning of orthodontic treatments. His expertise also extends to the development of 3D printed surgical guides, which have been instrumental in more than 7,000 orthognathic surgeries since 2007.

    In 2011, he launched the first Brazilian orthodontic aligner system, offering complete solutions for various types of malocclusion. His research includes: - Digital indirect bonding techniques; - Use of clear aligners for pre-surgical pediatric orthopedics in patients with cleft lip and palate; - Direct 3D printing of orthodontic appliances.

    In addition to his clinical and research activities, Dr. Gribel is CEO/FOUNDER of COMPASS 3D, a company specializing in advanced dental technologies. He is also affiliated with the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (PUC-Minas), contributing to the academic community through research and mentoring. His professional trajectory reflects a strong commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into patient-centered care, positioning him as a leader in modern orthodontics.

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    Stephen Carstensen, DDS

    Stephen Carstensen, DDS, is a skilled dentist serving patients in Bellevue, Washington. He also serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association for sleep-related breathing disorders and co-author of a textbook for dentists treating the disease.

    In 1983, Dr. Carstensen graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in Houston, Texas. Afterward, he and his wife, Midge, a dental hygienist, started a private general dentistry practice in Texas before moving to native Seattle in 1990.

    In 1996 he achieved a fellowship in the Academy of General Dentists in recognition of over 3000 hours of advanced education in dentistry, with an increasing amount of time in practice and classwork devoted to sleep medicine.

    A lifelong educator, Dr. Carstensen is currently the sleep education director for both Pankey Institute and Spear Education, recognized as among the finest places for dentists to further their education.

    As a volunteer leader for the American Dental Association, he was a program chairman and general chairman for the Annual Session, the biggest educational event the association sponsors.

    For the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, he’s been a board member, secretary-treasurer, and president-elect. In 2006 he achieved certification from the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.

    Stephen Carstensen, DDS

    Stephen Carstensen, DDS, is a skilled dentist serving patients in Bellevue, Washington. He also serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association for sleep-related breathing disorders and co-author of a textbook for dentists treating the disease.

    In 1983, Dr. Carstensen graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in Houston, Texas. Afterward, he and his wife, Midge, a dental hygienist, started a private general dentistry practice in Texas before moving to native Seattle in 1990.

    In 1996 he achieved a fellowship in the Academy of General Dentists in recognition of over 3000 hours of advanced education in dentistry, with an increasing amount of time in practice and classwork devoted to sleep medicine.

    A lifelong educator, Dr. Carstensen is currently the sleep education director for both Pankey Institute and Spear Education, recognized as among the finest places for dentists to further their education.

    As a volunteer leader for the American Dental Association, he was a program chairman and general chairman for the Annual Session, the biggest educational event the association sponsors.

    For the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, he’s been a board member, secretary-treasurer, and president-elect. In 2006 he achieved certification from the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.

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    Louise M O'Brien, PhD, MSNEW ADDITION to 2026 ROSTER

    Dr. Louise O'Brien has a unique expertise in the field of sleep and maternal/infant health since having been involved in women’s health research (including prenatal, maternal, fetal, and infant health research) since 1992 and in sleep research since 2001. One of my main areas of investigation is the impact of sleep disruption on adverse pregnancy outcomes. She was responsible for developing collaborations between the Sleep Disorders Center and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Michigan Medicine, which has resulted in multiple successful studies, including NIH-funded, foundation-funded, and privately-funded work. She also direct many other studies of the impact of sleep disruption in non-pregnant women, infertile women, pregnant/postpartum women, and in the health of the fetus/infant/child, as well as maintaining active work in pediatric sleep research and the impact of poor sleep on childhood learning and behavior.

    She has given multiple invited lectures both nationally and internationally and has built numerous collaborations around the world. In addition, Dr. O'Brien has significant experience and commitment to training the next generation of clinical researchers and physician-scientists; having trained numerous undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and clinical fellows as well as junior faculty.

    Louise M O'Brien, PhD, MSNEW ADDITION to 2026 ROSTER

    Dr. Louise O'Brien has a unique expertise in the field of sleep and maternal/infant health since having been involved in women’s health research (including prenatal, maternal, fetal, and infant health research) since 1992 and in sleep research since 2001. One of my main areas of investigation is the impact of sleep disruption on adverse pregnancy outcomes. She was responsible for developing collaborations between the Sleep Disorders Center and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Michigan Medicine, which has resulted in multiple successful studies, including NIH-funded, foundation-funded, and privately-funded work. She also direct many other studies of the impact of sleep disruption in non-pregnant women, infertile women, pregnant/postpartum women, and in the health of the fetus/infant/child, as well as maintaining active work in pediatric sleep research and the impact of poor sleep on childhood learning and behavior.

    She has given multiple invited lectures both nationally and internationally and has built numerous collaborations around the world. In addition, Dr. O'Brien has significant experience and commitment to training the next generation of clinical researchers and physician-scientists; having trained numerous undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and clinical fellows as well as junior faculty.

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    Maggie G. Lavender MSN, RN, FNP-C

    Maggie Lavender is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner licensed in Texas with specialization in Sleep Disorders Medicine and Neurology. She attended Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She began her career working in a pediatric intensive care and burn unit. She later moved to Houston, Texas and continued her career in a neuroscience intensive care unit at a level one trauma center. She then completed her Master of Science in Nursing and Post-Master’s Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certificate simultaneously at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Her Nurse Practitioner career began in Houston, Texas at Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates (CSMA) alongside Dr. Jerald Simmons, beginning in 2012. Maggie has evolved to be a recognized Nurse Practitioner specialist on a national level, and currently functions as a consultant and lecturer on the management of narcolepsy patients.

    She is currently practicing again at CSMA and is specializing in comprehensive sleep disorders, neurology, and epilepsy.

    Maggie’s passion for nursing and caring for people began in early childhood. She has always been driven to provide exceptional care to every one of her patients, not only treating symptoms, but also by educating and providing preventative medical care to promote healthy lifestyles. Maggie is forever grateful for the blessing and opportunity to care for and help individuals regain their happiness in life.

    Maggie and her husband reside in Montgomery, Texas with their daughter and son. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending quality time with her family.

    Maggie G. Lavender MSN, RN, FNP-C

    Maggie Lavender is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner licensed in Texas with specialization in Sleep Disorders Medicine and Neurology. She attended Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She began her career working in a pediatric intensive care and burn unit. She later moved to Houston, Texas and continued her career in a neuroscience intensive care unit at a level one trauma center. She then completed her Master of Science in Nursing and Post-Master’s Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certificate simultaneously at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Her Nurse Practitioner career began in Houston, Texas at Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates (CSMA) alongside Dr. Jerald Simmons, beginning in 2012. Maggie has evolved to be a recognized Nurse Practitioner specialist on a national level, and currently functions as a consultant and lecturer on the management of narcolepsy patients.

    She is currently practicing again at CSMA and is specializing in comprehensive sleep disorders, neurology, and epilepsy.

    Maggie’s passion for nursing and caring for people began in early childhood. She has always been driven to provide exceptional care to every one of her patients, not only treating symptoms, but also by educating and providing preventative medical care to promote healthy lifestyles. Maggie is forever grateful for the blessing and opportunity to care for and help individuals regain their happiness in life.

    Maggie and her husband reside in Montgomery, Texas with their daughter and son. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending quality time with her family.

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    Stanley Liu, MD, DDS, FACSSTANFORD TEAM OF EXPERTS

    With over 10 years of experience as a sleep surgeon and researcher, Dr. Liu is committed to improving the wellness of patients with sleep breathing disorders. He currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at Nova Southeastern University, where he leads a team of faculty and residents in providing high-quality care and education. The program, in transition from a 4 year to a 6 year-MD track, is well-known for strengths in head and neck cancer and facial trauma.

    Dr. Liu has a strong academic and clinical background in sleep surgery, having trained and taught at Stanford University School of Medicine (Associate Professor of Otolaryngology and Fellowship Director of Sleep Surgery), published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, held board positions at the California Sleep Society and the World Dentofacial Sleep Society, and has given keynotes at conferences including APSS and WSS.

    In addition to his clinical and academic roles,Dr. Liu advises and consults for Medtech startups, such as Revery, a digital health company that delivers cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) on a mobile gaming platform.

    He is passionate about advancing sleep and airway health with timely interventions during developmental milestones of the face and airway. He believes that innovation in the field of sleep and breathing will come from integration of medicine, surgery, dentistry, functional exercises, and wearable technology.

    Stanley Liu, MD, DDS, FACSSTANFORD TEAM OF EXPERTS

    With over 10 years of experience as a sleep surgeon and researcher, Dr. Liu is committed to improving the wellness of patients with sleep breathing disorders. He currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at Nova Southeastern University, where he leads a team of faculty and residents in providing high-quality care and education. The program, in transition from a 4 year to a 6 year-MD track, is well-known for strengths in head and neck cancer and facial trauma.

    Dr. Liu has a strong academic and clinical background in sleep surgery, having trained and taught at Stanford University School of Medicine (Associate Professor of Otolaryngology and Fellowship Director of Sleep Surgery), published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, held board positions at the California Sleep Society and the World Dentofacial Sleep Society, and has given keynotes at conferences including APSS and WSS.

    In addition to his clinical and academic roles,Dr. Liu advises and consults for Medtech startups, such as Revery, a digital health company that delivers cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) on a mobile gaming platform.

    He is passionate about advancing sleep and airway health with timely interventions during developmental milestones of the face and airway. He believes that innovation in the field of sleep and breathing will come from integration of medicine, surgery, dentistry, functional exercises, and wearable technology.

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    Dave McCarty, MD, FAASMNEW ADDITION to 2026 ROSTER

    Dr. Dave McCarty is a board-certified specialist in Sleep Medicine and a pioneer in the practice of patient-centered care for those who suffer from sleep disorders. An award-winning educator, he is passionate about empowering individuals with knowledge that restores confidence and personal agency, as each patient navigates the landscape of disease and wellness, within an increasingly fragmented healthcare system.

    He is the co-creator of the Empowered Sleep Apnea project…

    …an innovative cross-platform educational project combining storytelling, cartooning, scientific rigor, and quite a bit of fun, all in the name of helping individuals (and providers) navigate the fascinating but complex disorder known as “Sleep Apnea.” In 2025, the project comprises a website, a book (Empowered Sleep Apnea: A Handbook for Patients and the People Who Care About Them, co-authored with Ellen Stothard, PhD), a blog (Dave’s Notes), a podcast (Empowered Sleep Apnea: THE PODCAST), National and International speaking engagements, and cartoons and Op-Eds published in print media.

    He is the Chief Medical Officer of Rebis Health, a future-facing Sleep Medicine ecosystem that empowers the provider-patient partnership to co-discover Sleep Health, together.

    Dave McCarty, MD, FAASMNEW ADDITION to 2026 ROSTER

    Dr. Dave McCarty is a board-certified specialist in Sleep Medicine and a pioneer in the practice of patient-centered care for those who suffer from sleep disorders. An award-winning educator, he is passionate about empowering individuals with knowledge that restores confidence and personal agency, as each patient navigates the landscape of disease and wellness, within an increasingly fragmented healthcare system.

    He is the co-creator of the Empowered Sleep Apnea project…

    …an innovative cross-platform educational project combining storytelling, cartooning, scientific rigor, and quite a bit of fun, all in the name of helping individuals (and providers) navigate the fascinating but complex disorder known as “Sleep Apnea.” In 2025, the project comprises a website, a book (Empowered Sleep Apnea: A Handbook for Patients and the People Who Care About Them, co-authored with Ellen Stothard, PhD), a blog (Dave’s Notes), a podcast (Empowered Sleep Apnea: THE PODCAST), National and International speaking engagements, and cartoons and Op-Eds published in print media.

    He is the Chief Medical Officer of Rebis Health, a future-facing Sleep Medicine ecosystem that empowers the provider-patient partnership to co-discover Sleep Health, together.

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    Ronald S. Prehn, ThM, DDSNEW ADDITION to 2026 ROSTER

    Ronald S. Prehn, ThM, D.D.S. is a third-generation dentist who focuses his practice on complex medical management of Facial Pain conditions (TMD and Headache) and Sleep Disordered Breathing. He received his degree at Marquette School of Dentistry in 1981 and post graduate education at the Parker Mahan Facial Pain Center at the University of Florida and the LD Pankey Institute in the years to follow.

    He is double Board-Certified Diplomat of both the American Board of Orofacial Pain and American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, of which he is President. While being an adjunct professor at the University of Texas Dental School in Houston, he is involved in research in sleep and TMJ, and published in several journals on the subject of combination therapy for the treatment of obstructive is sleep apnea.

    He is a sought-after speaker on dental sleep and TMJ at the national level. He currently limits his practice to management of TMJ disorders and facial pain at the Szmanda Dental Center in Wausau, Wisconsin; while enjoying with his wife Linda, the outdoor life style and people of North Central Wisconsin.

    Ronald S. Prehn, ThM, DDSNEW ADDITION to 2026 ROSTER

    Ronald S. Prehn, ThM, D.D.S. is a third-generation dentist who focuses his practice on complex medical management of Facial Pain conditions (TMD and Headache) and Sleep Disordered Breathing. He received his degree at Marquette School of Dentistry in 1981 and post graduate education at the Parker Mahan Facial Pain Center at the University of Florida and the LD Pankey Institute in the years to follow.

    He is double Board-Certified Diplomat of both the American Board of Orofacial Pain and American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, of which he is President. While being an adjunct professor at the University of Texas Dental School in Houston, he is involved in research in sleep and TMJ, and published in several journals on the subject of combination therapy for the treatment of obstructive is sleep apnea.

    He is a sought-after speaker on dental sleep and TMJ at the national level. He currently limits his practice to management of TMJ disorders and facial pain at the Szmanda Dental Center in Wausau, Wisconsin; while enjoying with his wife Linda, the outdoor life style and people of North Central Wisconsin.

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    Mike DeLuke, DDS, MDSNEW ADDITION to 2026 ROSTER

    Dr. Michael DeLuke was born and raised in Upstate NY and represents the third generation of DeLuke’s entering the dental profession. His grandfather, the late Dominick DeLuke, was a prominent oral surgeon whose four sons all became dentists. In addition, Dr. Mike’s two cousins also became dentists making it 8 dentists spanning three generations in the DeLuke family!

    Dr. DeLuke attended Villanova University and graduated cum laude in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science and a Minor in Spanish. He then went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the SUNY Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine where he was class Valedictorian and the recipient of fourteen academic and clinical awards at graduation, including the award for obtaining the highest score on the National Board Examination. He was also one of only two graduates inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the prestigious national dental honor society that acknowledges outstanding academic achievement and high moral character.

    He went on to obtain his Certificate of Proficiency in Orthodontics and Master of Dental Science (MDS) from the University of Connecticut, where he was Co-Chief Resident of the Orthodontic Program in his final year. Dr. DeLuke is a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics and has served as the orthodontist on the prestigious Cleft Craniofacial Team at Albany Medical Center and as a clinical professor at both Ellis Hospital and the University of Connecticut Health Center.

    In addition to running DeLuke Orthodontic Coaching (DOC) and producing The DOC Podcast, Dr. DeLuke sits on the Editorial Board of Orthotown Magazine, and serves as a visiting faculty member in the Department of Orthodontics at Montefiore Einstein in Bronx, NY.

    Mike DeLuke, DDS, MDSNEW ADDITION to 2026 ROSTER

    Dr. Michael DeLuke was born and raised in Upstate NY and represents the third generation of DeLuke’s entering the dental profession. His grandfather, the late Dominick DeLuke, was a prominent oral surgeon whose four sons all became dentists. In addition, Dr. Mike’s two cousins also became dentists making it 8 dentists spanning three generations in the DeLuke family!

    Dr. DeLuke attended Villanova University and graduated cum laude in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science and a Minor in Spanish. He then went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the SUNY Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine where he was class Valedictorian and the recipient of fourteen academic and clinical awards at graduation, including the award for obtaining the highest score on the National Board Examination. He was also one of only two graduates inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the prestigious national dental honor society that acknowledges outstanding academic achievement and high moral character.

    He went on to obtain his Certificate of Proficiency in Orthodontics and Master of Dental Science (MDS) from the University of Connecticut, where he was Co-Chief Resident of the Orthodontic Program in his final year. Dr. DeLuke is a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics and has served as the orthodontist on the prestigious Cleft Craniofacial Team at Albany Medical Center and as a clinical professor at both Ellis Hospital and the University of Connecticut Health Center.

    In addition to running DeLuke Orthodontic Coaching (DOC) and producing The DOC Podcast, Dr. DeLuke sits on the Editorial Board of Orthotown Magazine, and serves as a visiting faculty member in the Department of Orthodontics at Montefiore Einstein in Bronx, NY.

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    Samantha Weaver, M.S. CCC-SLP

    Samantha has been involved with Myofunctional Sciences since 2009 working in two clinics that specialize in breathing remediation and orofacial myofunctional therapy with children and adults.

    In addition to being a therapist, she is a director of the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT), whose curriculum leads the area of myofunctional therapy, helping facilitate the latest evidence based research touching on breathing remediation, sleep disorders, TMJ disorders, posture, fascia-release, and frenulum inspection and surgery. She holds two Bachelors, one in Performance Studies (Northwestern University) and one in Communicative Disorders and Sciences (Utah State University), and a Masters of Science in Communicative Disorders (CSUN). Samantha is a founding board member of the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences (AAMS), is an adjunct professor at Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco and supports research on myofunctional therapy at several universities around the world.

    Samantha is the Media Director for the AAMS 5th Congress and is passionate about telling the stories of patient voices and the stories inside Myofunctional Sciences.

    Samantha Weaver, M.S. CCC-SLP

    Samantha has been involved with Myofunctional Sciences since 2009 working in two clinics that specialize in breathing remediation and orofacial myofunctional therapy with children and adults.

    In addition to being a therapist, she is a director of the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT), whose curriculum leads the area of myofunctional therapy, helping facilitate the latest evidence based research touching on breathing remediation, sleep disorders, TMJ disorders, posture, fascia-release, and frenulum inspection and surgery. She holds two Bachelors, one in Performance Studies (Northwestern University) and one in Communicative Disorders and Sciences (Utah State University), and a Masters of Science in Communicative Disorders (CSUN). Samantha is a founding board member of the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences (AAMS), is an adjunct professor at Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco and supports research on myofunctional therapy at several universities around the world.

    Samantha is the Media Director for the AAMS 5th Congress and is passionate about telling the stories of patient voices and the stories inside Myofunctional Sciences.

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    Rafael Pelayo, MDSTANFORD TEAM OF EXPERTS

    Rafael Pelayo, MD is a clinical professor at Stanford University’s Sleep Medicine division and the author of How to Sleep. Since 1993 he has worked at the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic treating patients of all ages. He teaches the popular Dement’s Sleep and Dreams undergraduate course and co-authored the textbook with Dr. William Dement. He has lectured throughout the country and internationally. He helped lead the effort to delay school start times for adolescents in California. His undergraduate degree is from the University of Puerto Rico.

    His initial exposure to sleep medicine was as a medical student at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and it became the focus of his career. He trained in child neurology as a pathway into sleep medicine. He currently volunteers in leadership positions for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the National Sleep Foundation, Start School Later, and the California Sleep Society.

    Rafael Pelayo, MDSTANFORD TEAM OF EXPERTS

    Rafael Pelayo, MD is a clinical professor at Stanford University’s Sleep Medicine division and the author of How to Sleep. Since 1993 he has worked at the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic treating patients of all ages. He teaches the popular Dement’s Sleep and Dreams undergraduate course and co-authored the textbook with Dr. William Dement. He has lectured throughout the country and internationally. He helped lead the effort to delay school start times for adolescents in California. His undergraduate degree is from the University of Puerto Rico.

    His initial exposure to sleep medicine was as a medical student at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and it became the focus of his career. He trained in child neurology as a pathway into sleep medicine. He currently volunteers in leadership positions for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the National Sleep Foundation, Start School Later, and the California Sleep Society.

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    Emet D. Schneiderman, PhDNEW ADDITION to 2026 ROSTER

    Dr. Emet D. Schneiderman is a nationally recognized researcher and educator with more than 40 years of experience in craniofacial biology, dental research, and sleep-disordered breathing. He is a tenured Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the Texas A&M University College of Dentistry and has served as Director of the Sleep Research Program since 2017.

    Dr. Schneiderman’s work focuses on the interplay between craniofacial form, airway function, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), sleep quality, and brain health. His research has been instrumental in advancing evidence-based oral appliance therapy, particularly in complex and underserved populations—including older adults, individuals with cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease, pregnant women, and patients with atrial fibrillation.

    Under his leadership, the Sleep Research Program has conducted rigorous clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of mandibular repositioning devices, including their potential to improve cognition by enhancing breathing during sleep. His team’s work has helped establish stronger scientific foundations for dental sleep medicine, moving the field beyond anecdotal decision-making toward reproducible, data-driven care.

    Dr. Schneiderman has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, a book, and numerous articles on statistical methodology. His work has been cited over 3,200 times, and he has served as an investigator on grants funded by the NIH, NLM, HRSA, and the State of Texas. He also brings extensive experience with wearable technologies and sleep instrumentation used in clinical research.

    In addition to his research contributions, Dr. Schneiderman has chaired the Texas A&M University Institutional Review Board in Dallas for over 15 years, served as a reviewer for NIH-funded initiatives, and participated in national advisory and accreditation roles. He holds a PhD in Physical Anthropology from the University of Michigan, with undergraduate and master’s degrees from Northwestern University.
    Dr. Schneiderman received his bachelor's and master’s degrees in from Northwestern University and his PhD from the University of Michigan, all in physical anthropology. He currently teaches human anatomy, biostatistics and evidence based practice at TAMU College of Dentistry, and taught at the University of Michigan and University of Detroit Mercy before coming to Texas.

    Other relevant experience includes having served an investigator on NIH, NLM, HRSA and Texas TIF grants, more than 97 publications including a book, and two-dozen computer programs, and a number of articles about statistical methodology. Furthermore, he believes the Sleep Research Program is poised to improve the lives of many individuals with a variety of disorders – that involve airway, oral, brain and heart conditions – by improving sleep quality with oral appliance therapy.

    Emet D. Schneiderman, PhDNEW ADDITION to 2026 ROSTER

    Dr. Emet D. Schneiderman is a nationally recognized researcher and educator with more than 40 years of experience in craniofacial biology, dental research, and sleep-disordered breathing. He is a tenured Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the Texas A&M University College of Dentistry and has served as Director of the Sleep Research Program since 2017.

    Dr. Schneiderman’s work focuses on the interplay between craniofacial form, airway function, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), sleep quality, and brain health. His research has been instrumental in advancing evidence-based oral appliance therapy, particularly in complex and underserved populations—including older adults, individuals with cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease, pregnant women, and patients with atrial fibrillation.

    Under his leadership, the Sleep Research Program has conducted rigorous clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of mandibular repositioning devices, including their potential to improve cognition by enhancing breathing during sleep. His team’s work has helped establish stronger scientific foundations for dental sleep medicine, moving the field beyond anecdotal decision-making toward reproducible, data-driven care.

    Dr. Schneiderman has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, a book, and numerous articles on statistical methodology. His work has been cited over 3,200 times, and he has served as an investigator on grants funded by the NIH, NLM, HRSA, and the State of Texas. He also brings extensive experience with wearable technologies and sleep instrumentation used in clinical research.

    In addition to his research contributions, Dr. Schneiderman has chaired the Texas A&M University Institutional Review Board in Dallas for over 15 years, served as a reviewer for NIH-funded initiatives, and participated in national advisory and accreditation roles. He holds a PhD in Physical Anthropology from the University of Michigan, with undergraduate and master’s degrees from Northwestern University.
    Dr. Schneiderman received his bachelor's and master’s degrees in from Northwestern University and his PhD from the University of Michigan, all in physical anthropology. He currently teaches human anatomy, biostatistics and evidence based practice at TAMU College of Dentistry, and taught at the University of Michigan and University of Detroit Mercy before coming to Texas.

    Other relevant experience includes having served an investigator on NIH, NLM, HRSA and Texas TIF grants, more than 97 publications including a book, and two-dozen computer programs, and a number of articles about statistical methodology. Furthermore, he believes the Sleep Research Program is poised to improve the lives of many individuals with a variety of disorders – that involve airway, oral, brain and heart conditions – by improving sleep quality with oral appliance therapy.

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    NICOLE GOLDFARB M.A., CCC-SLP, COM®
    Nicole Goldfarb M.A., CCC-SLP, COMNEW ADDITION to 2026 ROSTER

    Nicole Goldfarb founded the San Diego Center For Speech Therapy & Myofunctional Therapy (SDCST) in 2003. She is one of only three practicing Certified Orofacial Myologists in San Diego County (as of 2020). Nicole also has the distinction of being one of only three Certified Orofacial Myologists in all of San Diego that also has a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, an unparalleled combination of degrees which allows her to provide the most advanced and comprehensive treatment, as most patients with speech issues also have myofunctional issues. In achieving her orofacial myofunctional therapy certification, Nicole received the highest score ever appointed on the International Association of Orofacial Myology certification exam at that time. She has been practicing speech-language pathology since 2003 and myofunctional therapy since 2008. Nicole has achieved numerous trainings in both speech-language pathology and myofunctional disorders, and she has a special passion and interest in sleep-disordered breathing and diagnosing restricted frenums as they relate to myofunctional disorders. Nicole received intensive and advanced training for over a year with the nationally renowned Certified Orofacial Myologist, Katha Phair. Katha trained Nicole in her unique, specialized, and unmatched techniques that she had developed and refined over the past 40 years. In 2014, Katha Phair selected Nicole to take over her myofunctional therapy practice. Nicole holds a solid foundation in the application of research and clinical knowledge in the fields of Speech-Language Pathology and Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders. Nicole is an extremely thorough clinician, has a profound knowledge-base, and utilizes evidence-based standards which are evident in her detailed assessments, treatment planning, and long-term patient care and follow-up.

    Nicole has presented all around San Diego and internationally on Myofunctional Therapy as it relates to Sleep-Disordered Breathing in both children and adults. Nicole is currently on the Child Airway Initiative Task Force (CAST), a small national team developing the universal screening tool for all dentists to use to screen for sleep disordered breathing (SDB) as per the 10/2017 ADA proposal that all dentists should screen all patients for SDB. As of 2019, Nicole is 1 of 15 people from across the country on this team supported by the American Dental Association (ADA) developing the universal screening tool that all dentists and orthodontists across the United States will use to screen children for sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing, and it is estimated that pediatricians will be using this screening tool for all patients in the upcoming years as well. Having a child with sleep apnea identified at the age of 2 years old sparked Nicole’s passion and special interest in pediatric sleep-disordered breathing. Nicole’s life-long quest is to help in the early identification and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing.

    NICOLE GOLDFARB M.A., CCC-SLP, COM®
    Nicole Goldfarb M.A., CCC-SLP, COMNEW ADDITION to 2026 ROSTER

    Nicole Goldfarb founded the San Diego Center For Speech Therapy & Myofunctional Therapy (SDCST) in 2003. She is one of only three practicing Certified Orofacial Myologists in San Diego County (as of 2020). Nicole also has the distinction of being one of only three Certified Orofacial Myologists in all of San Diego that also has a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, an unparalleled combination of degrees which allows her to provide the most advanced and comprehensive treatment, as most patients with speech issues also have myofunctional issues. In achieving her orofacial myofunctional therapy certification, Nicole received the highest score ever appointed on the International Association of Orofacial Myology certification exam at that time. She has been practicing speech-language pathology since 2003 and myofunctional therapy since 2008. Nicole has achieved numerous trainings in both speech-language pathology and myofunctional disorders, and she has a special passion and interest in sleep-disordered breathing and diagnosing restricted frenums as they relate to myofunctional disorders. Nicole received intensive and advanced training for over a year with the nationally renowned Certified Orofacial Myologist, Katha Phair. Katha trained Nicole in her unique, specialized, and unmatched techniques that she had developed and refined over the past 40 years. In 2014, Katha Phair selected Nicole to take over her myofunctional therapy practice. Nicole holds a solid foundation in the application of research and clinical knowledge in the fields of Speech-Language Pathology and Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders. Nicole is an extremely thorough clinician, has a profound knowledge-base, and utilizes evidence-based standards which are evident in her detailed assessments, treatment planning, and long-term patient care and follow-up.

    Nicole has presented all around San Diego and internationally on Myofunctional Therapy as it relates to Sleep-Disordered Breathing in both children and adults. Nicole is currently on the Child Airway Initiative Task Force (CAST), a small national team developing the universal screening tool for all dentists to use to screen for sleep disordered breathing (SDB) as per the 10/2017 ADA proposal that all dentists should screen all patients for SDB. As of 2019, Nicole is 1 of 15 people from across the country on this team supported by the American Dental Association (ADA) developing the universal screening tool that all dentists and orthodontists across the United States will use to screen children for sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing, and it is estimated that pediatricians will be using this screening tool for all patients in the upcoming years as well. Having a child with sleep apnea identified at the age of 2 years old sparked Nicole’s passion and special interest in pediatric sleep-disordered breathing. Nicole’s life-long quest is to help in the early identification and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing.

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    CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

    Register now for the early bird rates. Early bird rates good through February 6, 2026!

    * Agenda subject to change.

    • Day 1 Thursday, April 23rd
    • Day 2 Friday, April 24th
    • Day 3 Saturday, April 25th
    • SEC Sleep Conference
    08:00 AM - 09:00 AMThe Basics of Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Its Relationship to Dentistry By Jerald H. Simmons, MDMain Auditorium

    09:00 AM - 10:00 AMThe Dentist’s Approach to the Airway Exam and How to Use it to Select the Most Effective therapy for Each Patient By Rob Veis, DDS Main Auditorium
    10:00 AM - 10:15 AMBreak By SEC Sleep ConferenceVendor and Break Hall
    10:15 AM - 11:00 AMTMD/Oral Facial Pain and the Connection with Airway Centric Dentistry By Ronald Prehn, DDSMain Auditorium
    11:00 AM - 11:30 AMThe Intra Oral / Dental TMJ Exam and Myofunctional Exam By TBDMain Auditorium
    11:30 AM - 12:00 PMThe Importance of the Construction Bite for Successful Appliance Therapy By TBDMain Auditorium
    12:00 PM - 01:00 PMLunch By SEC Sleep ConferenceVendor and Break Hall
    01:00 PM - 01:15 PMHead to the 20th Floor to Prepare for the Breakout Sessions By SEC Sleep Conference20th Floor – Breakout Session
    01:15 PM - 04:30 PMFour Breakout Sessions – Each 45 Minutes By SEC Sleep Conference20th Floor – Breakout Session
    1. Making a Construction Bite, and Boil & Bite Appliancesby TBD
    2. Managing Oral Appliances from First Presentation Through the Titration and Making a Morning Re-Aligner Rob Veis, DDS and TBD
    3. Screening Airway Exam from Children to Adultsby Jerald H. Simmons, MD, Maggie Lavender, MSN, RN, FNP-C, and Kevin Boyd, DDS (Loria Nahatis, DDS*)
    4. The Pre-Appliance/TMD and Myofunctional Exams Assessing for Indications & Contradictions for Oral Appliancesby Stephen Carstensen, DDS (William Harrell, DMD*) and Samantha Weaver, MS, CCC-SLP (Susan Quintana, OMT*)

    Special instructions to follow.

    * Special Thanks to those who assisted with the breakout sessions!

    04:30 PM - 04:45 PMBreak By SEC Sleep ConferenceVendor and Break Hall
    04:45 PM - 05:30 PMIdentifying and Managing Complications of Oral Appliances By Steve Carstensen, DDSMain Auditorium
    05:30 PM - 06:00 PMThe Workflow to Achieve Successful OSA Therapy in the Dental Office: From Laboratory Communication to Collaborative Care By Jerald H. Simmons, MD & Rob Veis, MDMain Auditorium
    • SEC Sleep Conference
    08:00 AM - 09:00 AMThe Physiology of Sleep and Its Links to ADD/ADHD, Sleepwalking, Daytime Sleepiness, and More By Jerald H. Simmons, MDMain Auditorium
    09:00 AM - 10:00 AMFull Spectrum of OSA: From Infant to Elderly – Cardiovascular to Neurologic Consequences and The New Approaches to Management By Jerald H. Simmons, MDMain Auditorium
    10:00 AM - 10:30 AMBreak By SEC Sleep ConferenceVendor and Break Hall
    10:30 AM - 11:15 AMNarcolepsy and Central Nervous System Disorders Causing Excessive Daytime Sleepiness By Maggie Lavender, FNPMain Auditorium
    11:15 AM - 12:00 PM“Doc, I Can’t Sleep!” – Unpacking the Complexity of “INSOMNIA” to Understand the Systematic Approaches That Can Lead to a Better Night’s Sleep By Dave McCarty, MD, FAASMMain Auditorium
    12:00 PM - 01:00 PMLunch By SEC Sleep ConferenceVendor and Break Hall
    01:00 PM - 01:45 PMChildhood and Adolescents Sleep Disorders Update By Rafael Pelayo, MDMain Auditorium
    01:45 PM - 02:30 PMMaternal and Fetal Implications of Sleep Disturbances in Pregnancy By Louise O'Brien, PhDMain Auditorium
    02:30 PM - 03:15 PMControversies Surrounding The Significance and Management of Mouth Breathing and Sleep Related Breathing Disturbances in Children By Michael DeLuke, DDSMain Auditorium
    03:15 PM - 03:30 PMBreak By SEC Sleep ConferenceVendor and Break Hall
    Kevin Boyd, DDS
    03:30 PM - 04:15 PMBegin the Fix Before Age 6: Users Guide to Early Intervention Orthodontics / Dentofacial Orthopedics By Kevin Boyd, DDSMain Auditorium
    04:15 PM - 05:00 PM60 Years Journey of Palatal Expansion: Evidence-Based, Data Informed Evolution of Airway, Palatal Expansion Protocols and Future Directions By Ahmet Keles, DDS, DMScMain Auditorium
    05:00 PM - 05:45 PMRestless Legs Syndrome and Sleep Related Movements By Jerald H. Simmons, MDMain Auditorium
    05:45 PM - 06:00 PMQ&A: Panel Session By SEC Sleep Conference FacultyMain Auditorium
    • SEC Sleep Conference
    08:00 AM - 09:00 AMUnderstanding the Results of Sleep Studies From the Home to the Lab, and the Use of Remote Patient Monitoring By Jerald H. Simmons, MDMain Auditorium
    09:00 AM - 09:45 AMUse of Direct Printed Appliances to Treat Pediatric Patients with Sleep-Related Breathing Disturbances By Bruno Frazao Gribel, DDSMain Auditorium
    09:45 AM - 10:30 AMOral Appliance Therapy Overview: Combination Therapy with PAP and the Use of Nightly Monitoring to Optimize Care By Rob Veis, DDSMain Auditorium
    10:30 AM - 10:45 AMBreak By SEC Sleep ConferenceVendor and Break Hall
    10:45 AM - 11:45 AMThe Full Spectrum of ENT Management for OSA: From Implantable Devices to Soft Tissue Reduction – Optimizing Collaborative Care By Stanley Liu, MD, DDSMain Auditorium
    NICOLE GOLDFARB M.A., CCC-SLP, COM®
    11:45 AM - 12:00 PMThe Critical Role of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in the Treatment of Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Thinking Beyond Monotherapy – How Myofunctional Therapy Supports Craniofacial Growth and Integrates with Orthodontics, CPAP, Oral Appliances, Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation, and Comprehensive Airway Care By Nicole Goldfarb M.A., CCC-SLP, COMMain Auditorium
    12:30 PM - 01:30 PMLunch By SEC Sleep ConferenceVendor and Break Hall
    01:30 PM - 02:15 PMMyofunctional Therapy for the Sensitive Patient: Pain Mechanisms, the Sensitization Scale, and Clinical Applications in TMD and Sleep Pathology By Samantha Weaver, M.S. CCC-SLPMain Auditorium
    02:15 PM - 03:00 PMParasomnias Can Kill: The Facts Behind Abnormal Behaviors During Sleep By Jerald H. SimmonsMain Auditorium
    03:00 PM - 03:45 PMOral Surgery for Tx of OSA By David Alfi, MD, DDSMain Auditorium
    03:45 PM - 04:00 PMBreak By SEC Sleep ConferenceVendor and Break Hall
    04:00 PM - 05:00 PMCognitive Impairment from OSA Tx with OAT By Emit Schneiderman, PhDMain Auditorium
    05:00 PM - 05:45 PMNew Medication Management for the Treatment of OSA By Jerald H. Simmons, MDMain Auditorium
    05:45 PM - 06:00 PMQ&A: Panel Session By SEC Sleep Conference FacultyMain Auditorium

    REGISTER NOW!

    Register now for a steep discount. Early bird discount rates valid through February 6, 2026!

    Dentist Registration (Early Bird)

    $1,499(Regularly $1,899)
    • 3-Day Course
    • Includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks during the breaks
    • Clinicians may earn CE credits for reflecting on daily learning experiences relevant to their clinical practice with Learner+ from CMEfy
    • Early Bird rates valid through February 6, 2026

    Non-Dentist Registration (Early Bird)

    $499(Regularly $599)
    • 3-Day Course
    • Includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks during the breaks
    • Refer a dentist and receive a discount (see Registration page for details)
    • Early Bird rates valid through February 6, 2026
    Combo Package

    Dentist + Physician (Early Bird)

    $1800(Regularly $1,899 Dentist and $899 Physician)
    • 3-Day Course Dentist / 2-Day Course Physicians
    • This is a combo package offering a discounted rate for a dentist and physician that register for the conference together.

    Please contact us at (281) 269-7881 or info@sleepeducation.net for group registration discounts. All participants will be required to register within 24-hours for your custom discount code to apply.

    PAT MCBRIDE, PhD
    PAT MCBRIDE, PhDSleep Specialist & Executive Director for Foundation for Airway Health

    "Dr. Simmons brings probably the most comprehensive global sleep medicine approach; which includes, other treatment modalities, without any bias. I think that for entry level, medium level, and advanced level students in this course you'll find that there is something for everybody."

    SHAZAD MALIK, MD
    SHAZAD MALIK, MDCardiologist: Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, President of The Heart Care Group, Founding Member of CardiOralogy®

    "I'm learning about the relationship between the medical aspects of obstructive sleep apnea and it's relationships with the dental aspects of sleep apnea. Every physician in the world should be here listening to this type of conference."

    CANDY SPARKS
    CANDY SPARKSPresident: Children's Airway First Foundation

    "Today we are bringing some of the best minds in the whole country together to talk about all of the latest learning in sleep apnea and how to treat it. Dr. Simmons wants to educate on how to create a multi-disciplinary team, that rarely exists today."

    CYNTHIA GRAVES, DDS
    CYNTHIA GRAVES, DDSDentist: Cynthia Graves Dental Group PLLC

    "I've been to quite a few sleep conferences, and I think this is the best conference by far. The speakers are passionate and they're humble. They are collaborative learners. After attending for more than four years, I know that every time I hear Dr. Simmons speak, I'm going to learn something new."

    Build your knowledge and build your practice!

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    • Are accommodations included in the registration costs?

      Your conference registration costs covers 3-days of hands-on and course education. Hotel accommodations are separate.

      SEC has secured special rates with the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels for conference attendees.

      Visit the Conference Venue page for more details or follow this link to take advantage of our special hotel discounted rates: https://bit.ly/3K6b12l.

    • Can I purchase videos of the event?

      Contact the Sleep Education Consortium at info@sleepeducation.net for more information on event videos.

    • What kind of discounts or packages are available?

      There are discounts available for groups, dentists + physician combo registrations, and non-dentist/non-provider specific offers. Contact us at info@sleepeducation.net for more details.

    • Are there discounts for group registration?

      Yes! Please contact us at info@sleepeducation.net for assistance.

    • What is the cancellation policy?

      A full refund, less a 5% non-refundable administrative fee will apply to cancellations before October 15, 2025. A 50% refund for cancellations after October 31, 2025 but before January 31, 2026. No refund for cancellations after February 1, 2026.

      Cancellation requests must identify the registrant's name, email address, and amount paid. For more information contact the Sleep Education Consortium Conference at (281)-269-7881 or email info@sleepeducation.net.

    CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

    Discover highlights from previous conferences and extras to help enhance this year's conference experience.

    CONFERENCE VENUE

    DoubleTree Hotel Houston, Texas
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