In this episode of the DOC Podcast, I welcome Dr. Mark Cruz, a dentist with a distinguished career, including serving as assistant director at the UCLA Center for Aesthetic Dentistry and on the editorial board for the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice.  

We delve into an evidence-based discussion about the etiology of malocclusion, exploring whether it is determined by genetics, environment, or both, the evolution of craniofacial growth and development, the impact of modern lifestyle on health and malocclusion, the importance of early intervention in patients suffering from sleep-disordered breathing, and the multitude of comorbidities associated with airway obstruction.  

Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that bridges the gap between medicine and dentistry, highlighting the significant role of airway and breathing in overall health.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the dental or medical professions interested in airway health and early intervention.

02:23 Dr. Cruz's Early Career and Challenges

03:21 Connecting the Dots: From Full Mouth Rehabs to Airway

04:25 The Evolution of Airway Focus in Dentistry

08:00 A Personal Story: Dr. Cruz's Son and Airway Issues

09:13 Collaborations and Mini Residencies

11:46 The Wild West of Airway Dentistry

13:09 Evidence-Based Dentistry and Orthodontics

16:14 The Importance of Interdisciplinary Collaboration

33:47 Historical Perspectives on Medical and Dental Education

41:16 The First Thousand Days: Impact on Life Expectancy

41:46 Dental Crowding and Jaw Development

42:07 The Role of Dentistry in Global Health

42:34 Historical Perspectives on Craniofacial Growth

43:33 Genetics vs. Environment in Orthodontics

46:45 Bio Regulatory Systems Medicine

49:10 Impact of Early Breathing Issues on Development

59:57 The Evolution of Human Facial Structure

01:03:18 The Industrial Revolution and Modern Health Issues

01:08:42 Debating the Impact of Tooth Extraction on Airway

01:17:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

LINKS:

-Mini-Residency: http://airwayfocuseddentistry.com/airway-mini-residency/

-Contact Mark -  markcruz@markacruzdds.com

-Orthotown Article Part I: https://www.orthotown.com/magazine/digital/649/march-2025

-Orthotown Article Part II: https://www.orthotown.com/magazine/digital/652/may-2025

-Phase I Early Treatment Course: https://theorthocoach.com/courses/phase-i-arch-development/?portfolioCats=99