Open AirWaves Episode 10: Structure Meets Function: Synergizing MAD Therapy and OMT

Guest: Susan Falardo Ramos, DMD, MSc, PhD
Aired: October 2, 2026

Overview

This podcast episode explores the union between oral appliances and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is transforming the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring. Discover the science behind tongue posture, the impact on childhood development, and the essential clinical strategies to achieve therapeutic success

Objectives

At the conclusion of this podcast episode, attendees will be able to:

Combine oral appliances with Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) and how it provides a highly effective approach to sleep apnea and snoring by merging mechanical jaw stabilization with active muscle rehabilitation.
Understand the crucial role of tongue posture and proper tongue posture against the palate is vital for healthy pediatric development, as it promotes nasal breathing, drives correct craniofacial growth, and is closely linked to neurophysiological brain activity.
Personalize successful treatment and how it relies on customized oral devices and exercises tailored to specific areas of airway collapse, backed by steady interdisciplinary teamwork and regular follow-ups to maintain long-term patient compliance.

Target Audience

Dentists screening or treating patients with sleep-related breathing disorders.

Guest

Dr. Susana Falardo Ramos, DMD, MSc, PhD, is an internationally recognized leader in dental sleep medicine and serves as President of the European Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (EADSM) and Chair of the AADSM Scientific Committee. She is an Invited Assistant Professor and Co-Coordinator of the Postgraduate Program in Sleep Medicine at the Catholic Medical School of the Catholic Portuguese University and is also a PhD researcher affiliated with Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium.

With advanced training in sleep medicine, chronobiology, myofunctional therapy, temporomandibular disorders, and pediatric sleep dentistry, Dr. Falardo has completed specialized education and clinical training throughout Europe and the United States, including programs at Harvard Medical School, Tufts University, the University Hospital Antwerp, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

An internationally board-certified sleep dentist, Dr. Falardo serves on the Board of Directors of the International Pediatric Sleep Association and is Associate Clinical Editor of the Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2025 AADSM Pierre Robin Award, the 2025 APDSM Recognition Award, and the 2024 SEMDES Gold Pin Award.

Host

Tanya DeSanto, DDS is a graduate from Northwestern University Dental School. She has been practicing dentistry in Springfield, IL for 30 years and dental sleep medicine for the last several years. Dr. DeSanto is a Diplomate of the ABDSM and member of the AADSM, AASM, and SRS. She has lectured at the AADSM Annual Meeting and co-chaired the AADSM Breaking Down Barriers for a Successful Practice Course. She is an adjunct faculty member at the SIU School of Medicine where she enjoys teaching medical residents the importance of dental sleep medicine. She currently serves as chair of the AADSM Education Committee.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Dr. Falardo has no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

Dr. DeSanto has no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

Additional Information

Content for this podcast episode was last reviewed and approved by the AADSM on October 2, 2026.

Original release date: October 2, 2026

Expiration date: None*

*Course content is reviewed every 3 years to ensure it is current and accurate. Should it be determined that course content is no longer current or accurate, content will expire. The AADSM will communicate that information to all registered attendees and course access will be removed.

This educational offering was funded exclusively by the AADSM. For questions regarding the content of this program or for technical assistance, contact the AADSM at info@aadsm.org or 630-686-9875.

Continuing Education

The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at www.ADA.org/cerp. The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine designates this activity for 0.75 continuing education credit(s).

Topic/Guest Suggestions

Have an idea for a topic or guest that you think would make an interesting podcast episode? Submit your idea(s) to info@aadsm.org.

Summary

Availability:

On-Demand

Cost:

FREE

Credit Offered:

0.75 CE Credit