Should 3D/CBCT Imaging be the Standard of Care in Orthodontics? (w/Dr. Dania Tamimi) [Ep.158]
The DOC PodcastShow Notes
In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Dania Tamimi, an oral and maxillofacial radiologist, Harvard-trained dental educator, and holistic health advocate, for a wide-ranging conversation on why diagnosis must come first in dentistry, and why 3D CBCT imaging is no longer optional for orthodontists who want to truly serve their patients. Dr. Tamimi brings a uniquely multidisciplinary perspective, weaving together radiology, yoga therapy, kinesiology, and craniofacial anatomy to make the case that the mouth and the airway cannot be treated in isolation. Together, we challenge the "tooth straightener" mindset still dominant in orthodontics, break down the science of nasal breathing and its profound impact on facial development, and take a critical look at recent AAO position statements on airway and CBCT. Whether you're a seasoned clinician, a young provider, or a curious parent, this episode will change the way you think about dental imaging, airway, and what it means to truly diagnose. Timestamps: 0:00 — Introduction & Meet Dr. Dania Tamimi 4:01 — Dr. Tamimi's background: oral & maxillofacial radiology explained 4:46 — A parallel career in fitness and why it matters for TMJ 6:55 — "It's all connected" - the TMJ, airway, and the whole body 10:01 — Dr. Mike's airway awakening: how getting a CBCT in 2014 changed everything 12:37 — Why we image: diagnosis is the single most important step 18:38 — CT vs. CBCT: what's the actual difference and why does it matter? 21:58 — Cone beam CT explained: lower dose, dental-specific, and what it can (and can't) show 25:52 — Why is 3D CBCT adoption still debated in orthodontics? 30:09 — Fear, comfort zones, and the cost of not knowing 36:07 — "Knowledge gives you power, fear takes it away" 38:59 — "I don't want to be responsible for what's on the scan" - the liability fear no one talks about 44:07 — Should orthodontists rename themselves craniofacial orthopedists? 52:00 — No such thing as a routine X-ray: why clinical exam must come first 1:13:34 — The science of nasal breathing: nitric oxide, filtration, and why mouth breathing changes your face 1:14:35 — How mouth breathing narrows jaws, crowds teeth, and displaces the tongue into the airway 1:19:01 — Challenging the AAO white paper: "No craniofacial phenotypes can identify airway problems"? 1:23:25 — Can orthodontists read their own scans? How to know when to refer LINKS Register for the In-person Early Treatment Comprehensive:https://www.earlyorthotreatment.com/ Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/ Check out the DOC CE Courses: https://theorthocoach.com/ce-courses/ Enroll in one-on-one coaching w/Dr. Mike: https://theorthocoach.com/doc-coaching/ Link to Dr. Mike’s review of the AAO White Paper Update on SDB: https://youtu.be/pKSD_PVO4G0?si=CSxQy4V6tZoe551t Dr. Tamimi TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/zlYuHwqrsPo?si=30NiJu_UiuPeKRlX Contact Dr. Tamimi: https://inspire-imaging.com/
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