The Society for Dentofacial Growth & Function
Diagram kindly shared by Dr David McIntosh, Paediatric ENT.
This society focuses on diagnosis in the first decade using the FairEST 6 screening tool.
Mission Statement: Our mission is to significantly increase paediatric health potential by promoting early screening and integrative treatment approaches in order to optimise children’s structural and functional development. We aim to fully develop the structure and function of children’s airways, faces and jaws. This includes optimising the oral functions of chewing, swallowing, speech, breathing, sleep, whilst also developing the biomechanics of the whole body. By addressing these critical areas, we strive to optimise future health outcomes in the population at large. We feel there are many opportunities that can be optimised from taking this broader clinical perspective.
Through a collaborative network of healthcare professionals, we are dedicated to learning how we can work together to provide, comprehensive care. We recognises the interdependent relationship of structure and function and with this perspective we aim to address the root cause of a child’s presenting challenges.
We commit to advancing research, education and clinical practice to empower children and families with the foundation for a lifetime of well-being.
Our Membership Directory is a useful source for referrals, connecting Myofunctional Therapists, Cranial Osteopaths, Orthodontists, Dentists, Speech & Language Therapists, Oral Surgeons (tongue tie), ENTs, GPs, Allergists, Lactation Consultants, Infant Feeding Support, Clinicians with a special interest in Dental Sleep Medicine & Early Intervention, Nutritionists and any other health professional who is passionate about optimising the growth and development of our children.
Membership application can be made through our Facebook group or the Contact Form on this website. Please leave a message with your job title, qualification, special interests, location/ address, email address and mobile number.
Current membership is 374, of which 190 are dental and 103 are internationals covering 31 countries.
Our Membership Directory (password protected) lists members in the UK & Ireland, 16 European countries, Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, India, Iraq, Israel, Mexico, Oman, Philippines, South Africa, UAE & USA. This is a useful source for referrals.
Website stats for November 880 visitors & 1,970 views.
See new courses posted in the website section.
The Six Red Flags Exam Findings for Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing are a set of signs that may indicate a child is at risk for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). These findings are evaluated utilizing this assessment tool. FairEST6.
FairEST 6 Assessment for Sleep-Disordered Breathing.
The 6 signs it evaluates are:
- Nasal Breathing – Being able to breathe through the nose comfortably for 3 minutes or more
- Mentalis Strain – being able to close the lips without straining the muscles of the chin
- Tonsil Size – enlarged tonsils make the upper airway smaller and create resistance to nasal breathing
- Tongue Tie – a tie restricts movement of the tongue and its ability to rest in the roof of the mouth
- Grinding or Bruxism – this is a sign of muscular dysfunction and tension within the mouth
- Narrow Palate – this creates difficulty for the tongue to rest due to inadequate space
The Children’s Airway First Foundation – CAFF
This collaborative society has the exact same aims as our Society for Dentofacial Growth and Function. It concentrates on prevention and early intervention. This group being interviewed are putting together a parents guide for home observation of their growing child. The intention is to provide parents with the knowledge to recognise certain signs and symptoms so that they can seek out the appropriate clinician/clinicians for their child. At the same time, this panel is aware that these parents can raise awareness for the various health providers. “Consumers drive the Demand Curve”! It is the public and not the profession who will bring about the change. There is a wealth of information for parents on their website: https://www.childrensairwayfirst.org/
Dr Simon Wong’s 135 consecutive cases – Postural Orthodontics.
Healthier Children Better Growth Straighter Teeth
Early Intervention Postural Orthodontics
https://naturalsmilescentre.com.au/#our-work__sec
Just click on the link to see the cases.
Welcome to Good to Grow
New England’s only pediatric dentistry fully dedicated to airway, early ortho and frenectomy.
Dr Lauren Ballinger, Pittsfield, Ma., has this to say:
Our patients come to us for sleep disordered breathing, teeth grinding, early airway orthodontics, braces, Invisalign®, myofunctional therapy, tongue ties and lip ties (frenectomy), dental wellness check-ups and cleanings, and cavity prevention.
Good to Grow’s mission is to help children thrive during their main development years. We do this by screening children earlier. Why wait to fix problems when they’re older and done growing when you can prevent their suffering altogether? It’s time for traditional dental thinking to evolve.
Breathe, Sleep, Thrive: Discover how airway health can unlock your child’s greater health, learning, and potential – Dr Shereen Lim
Did you know that the way a child breathes will impact every aspect of their development including their sleep quality, learning, behaviour, jaw and facial development, speech, and future health? This book explains how an integrated approach to treating breathing problems brings about an optimal outcome for patients.
The ‘unnecessary’ NHS teeth extractions that led to lifetimes of pain
Dr Jeevanan Jahendran, ENT Kuala Lumpur
Dr Jahendran talks about the importance of an integrated approach to treatment and makes the point that there is no physiological function that is more important than breathing!
Connecting Heads 