World Dentofacial Sleep Society
Discover the energy, innovation, and global collaboration shaping WDSS 2026. Watch featured highlights and experience the future of dentofacial sleep medicine.
Program Schedule
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Industry Breakfast
Salon 7
8:00 AM – 8:50 AM
Beyond SpO₂: Unlocking Respiratory Intelligence from Fingertip Wearables
Speaker: Hau-Tieng Wu (United States)
Sponsored sessions are not eligible for CE credit.
Session Overview
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For years, fingertip photoplethysmography (PPG) has been clinically restricted to monitoring heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO₂). However, buried within these optical signals and accompanying inertial sensors is a wealth of underutilized physiological data.
This session bridges the gap between signal processing and clinical physiology to reveal how we can reliably extract respiratory information from the fingertip. Through a gentle introduction to mathematical models capturing the physiological dynamics behind respiration-induced PPG variations, attendees will learn to utilize respiratory dynamics from three distinct aspects:
By unlocking these hidden waveforms through advanced digital signal processing (DSP), we can transform a standard wearable into a comprehensive respiratory monitoring tool.
This session bridges the gap between signal processing and clinical physiology to reveal how we can reliably extract respiratory information from the fingertip. Through a gentle introduction to mathematical models capturing the physiological dynamics behind respiration-induced PPG variations, attendees will learn to utilize respiratory dynamics from three distinct aspects:
- Amplitude – amplitudinal modulation
- Frequency – respiratory sinus arrhythmia
- Baseline shifts – venous return changes
By unlocking these hidden waveforms through advanced digital signal processing (DSP), we can transform a standard wearable into a comprehensive respiratory monitoring tool.
Welcome: Opening Remarks
9:00am
Opening Remarks
Audrey Yoon (United States) and WDSS Board Members
K-01: Valerie M. Crabtree - Emotional and Behavioral Aspects of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children
Chair: Stephen Carstensen (United States)
9:15am
Introduction
Stephen Carstensen (United States)
9:17am
Emotional and behavioral aspects of sleep-disordered breathing in children
Valerie M. Crabtree (United States)
S-01: In Class II patients with maxillomandibular deficiency and sleep-disordered breathing: How can we promote favorable growth and respiratory support while awaiting orthognathic surgery?
Chairs: Pilar Santelices (Chile), Audrey Yoon (United States)
10:25am
Introduction, classification, and conceptual framework: The roadmap of craniofacial modification
Audrey Yoon (United States)
10:45am
TAD assisted maxillary expansion in mixed dentition: A fully digital workflow
Pilar Santelices (Chile)
11:05am
Orthodontics and orthopedics during growth and functional re-evaluation
Silvana Palacios (Chile)
11:25am
Modification of functional mandibular dimension in growing class II patients
Hugo DeClerck (Belgium)
S-02: Functional Foundations of Airway Development
Chair: Nerissa Boggan (United States)
10:25am
Introduction
Nerissa Boggan (United States)
10:27am
Nasal resistance and functional resilience: Implications for craniofacial airway physiology and sleep regulation
Karen Parker Davidson (United States)
10:49am
Beyond first latch: Early functional markers to improve airway & craniofacial outcomes in infants and toddlers
Krystle and Lynda Dean-Duru (United States)
11:11am
Myofunctional beginnings: Assessing oral development risks in early childhood
Joy Lantz (United States)
11:33am
Addressing early childhood malocclusion: CBCT-based assessment of structural changes following early expansion in 4–6-year-olds
Loria Nahatis (United States)
Industry Lunch
Salon 7
12:10PM – 1:10PM
Dopamine: Airway Obstruction and Brain Dysfunction
Speaker: Dr. Eric Phelps (United States)
Sponsored sessions are not eligible for CE credit.
Session Overview & Speaker Bio
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Dr. Phelps will discuss the importance of reducing nasal resistance and increasing pharyngeal airway stability. His extensive experience over the last decade with airway interventions distinguishes his approach to dentofacial orthopedics as he uniquely combines deep clinical expertise with an engineering background to advance the state of the art in dentistry.
Speaker Bio
Dr. Eric Phelps is a distinguished orthodontist and co-founder of Phelps & Cohen Orthodontics. He pursued engineering education at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he graduated summa cum laude.
Dr. Phelps earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and a Master's Degree in Oral Biology with an emphasis on bone cell research from the UCLA School of Dentistry as a UC Regent Scholar. He completed the UCLA Orthodontic Residency while furthering his research.
Over the years, Dr. Phelps has amassed thousands of hours of continuing education focusing on craniofacial development, temporomandibular disorders, chronic facial pain, airway obstruction, and sleep-related breathing disorders.
His personal battle with severe sleep apnea in 2018 ignited his commitment to integrating airway analysis into treatment planning. This journey led him to specialize in treating patients with airway obstruction, TMD, and chronic pain, empowering them to achieve optimal airway health and overall well-being.
Triple Board Certified Diplomate
Speaker Bio
Dr. Eric Phelps is a distinguished orthodontist and co-founder of Phelps & Cohen Orthodontics. He pursued engineering education at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he graduated summa cum laude.
Dr. Phelps earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and a Master's Degree in Oral Biology with an emphasis on bone cell research from the UCLA School of Dentistry as a UC Regent Scholar. He completed the UCLA Orthodontic Residency while furthering his research.
Over the years, Dr. Phelps has amassed thousands of hours of continuing education focusing on craniofacial development, temporomandibular disorders, chronic facial pain, airway obstruction, and sleep-related breathing disorders.
His personal battle with severe sleep apnea in 2018 ignited his commitment to integrating airway analysis into treatment planning. This journey led him to specialize in treating patients with airway obstruction, TMD, and chronic pain, empowering them to achieve optimal airway health and overall well-being.
Triple Board Certified Diplomate
- American Board of Orthodontics
- American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
- American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine
S-03: Pediatric OSA: Where Are We in 2026?
Chair: Stephen Carstensen (United States)
1:25pm
Introduction
Stephen Carstensen (United States)
1:27pm
Pediatric OSA: Where are we in 2026?
Ron B. Mitchell (United States)
S-04: Personalizing Treatment for Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders
Chair: Audrey Yoon (United States)
1:55pm
Introduction
Audrey Yoon (United States)
1:57pm
Personalizing treatment for sleep-related breathing disorders
Steven Lamberg (United States)
S-05: Bruxism, Orofacial Pain, and TMD in Dental Sleep Medicine (DSM) Practice
Chair: Cibele Dal Fabbro (Brazil / Canada)
2:35pm
Science behind these associations
Cibele Dal Fabbro (Brazil / Canada)
2:55pm
Orofacial diagnostic and management in DSM
Mariona Mulet Pradera (United States)
3:15pm
OSA, bruxism, orofacial pain & TMD in dental practice: Clinical cases
Ye Hong Chen (Malaysia)
S-06: Functional Integration
Chair: Stephen Carstensen (United States)
2:35pm
From evidence to execution: The role of myofunctional therapy in sleep health
Brittny Murphy (United States)
2:55pm
Reflex-driven orofacial myofunctional therapy
Ranillo Tuazon (Philippines)
3:15pm
Up-lock breathing and valvular therapy: A functional approach using the up-locker
Sandra Kahn (United States)
S-07: From Consultation to Monitoring
Chair: Lilliana Estrada (Costa Rica)
3:45pm
Beyond anatomy: A four-domain framework for structuring the dental sleep consult
Nadia Afzal (United States)
4:05pm
100,000 nights of smart sleep medicine
Ed Sall (United States)
4:25pm
Sleep monitoring using pulse oximeter
Lilliana Estrada (Costa Rica)
S-08: Insomnia
Chair: Ghabi Kaspo (United States)
3:45pm
Introduction
Ghabi Kaspo (United States)
3:47pm
Insomnia and orofacial pain
Ghabi Kaspo (United States)
4:11pm
COMISA
Miriam Jaziri (United States)
4:35pm
Question and Answer
S-09: Sleep behavior and airway treatment
Chair: Stanley Liu (United States)
4:50pm
Introduction
Stanley Liu (United States)
4:52pm
Unrestricted Feeding and Sleep
Gerardo Martinez (United States)
5:07pm
Soft Palate Laser Treatment Protocol Basics
Peter Vitruk (United States)
5:22pm
Question and Answer
S-10: Dental sleep monitoring and muscle activity
Chair: Cibele Dal Fabbro (Brazil / Canada)
4:50pm
Introduction
Cibele Dal Fabbro (Brazil / Canada)
4:52pm
Sensor technology in dental devices: Insights from over 17,000 nights of data collected from a buccal mucosal oximeter
Edward Sall
5:07pm
Rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA) during sleep in edentate elders with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): Role of denture use and arousal instability
Luciano Gasperin Jr
5:22pm
Question and Answer
Program Schedule
Sunday, June 14, 2026
Industry Breakfast
Salon 6
8:00 AM – 8:50 AM
From Diagnosis to Predictable Outcomes: Custom MARPE in a Fully Integrated Digital Workflow
Face4D: Beyond Integrated Digital Solutions and the Importance of Patient Avatarization
Evans Sotiropoulos (Canada)
Ricardo Domingues (Canada)
Ricardo Domingues (Canada)
Sponsored sessions are not eligible for CE credit.
Session Overview
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From Diagnosis to Predictable Outcomes: Custom MARPE in a Fully Integrated Digital Workflow
Lecture Description: This lecture will present our team’s approach to offering custom MARPE services within the Face4D ecosystem, outlining the key clinical information needed from clinicians to process cases successfully and coordinate treatment planning. It will also describe how the workflow connects diagnosis, doctor review, and patient-specific manufacturing to support more predictable and collaborative digital orthodontic care. Backed by our presence and history in the North American dental industry, our Face4D team leaders’ combined 50 years of experience, and insights from technology and experts around the globe, we are committed to helping deliver the best possible outcomes.
Evans Sotiropoulos Bio: Evans Sotiropoulos, MSc, is an internationally recognized expert in advanced technical orthodontics and digital dentistry, with 25 years of experience across leading institutions in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. He obtained 15 years of experience in NHS university dental hospitals in the UK, including the renowned Eastman Dental Hospital (UCL).
An awardwinning innovator and university lecturer, Evans has authored MSc-level curricula and serves as a hands-on instructor in postgraduate pre-clinical orthodontic programs, bridging clinical practice with AI-driven diagnostics, CAD/CAM, and 4D workflows. He has contributed to published research and awardwinning studies. In 2025, Evans joined The Aurum
Face4D: Beyond Integrated Digital Solutions and the Importance of Patient Avatarization
Lecture Decription: This session explores how Face4D is redefining digital dentistry by moving beyond traditional workflows toward full patient avatarization. By combining facial scanning, intraoral data, and advanced digital tools, clinicians can achieve more accurate diagnoses, improved treatment planning, and enhanced patient communication—ultimately delivering superior clinical results.
Ricardo Domingues Bio: With over 20 years in digital dentistry, he is an internationally recognized leader, educator, and innovator. He has completed extensive advanced training worldwide and held senior roles including laboratory owner, General Manager, Department Manager, and Technical Director, giving him a strong grasp of both clinical and lab workflows.
An experienced global speaker, he has contributed to scientific publications and advancements in fully digital workflows. He is currently Director of Digital Dentistry at The Aurum Group and a founding member of the Face4D Project. Previously, he served as Global Digital Advisor at ModJaw until December 2024. He is an Exocad Expert and Trainer (Portuguese and English), a member of the International Digital Dentistry Society, and a Certified Instructor for Digital Dental Craftsmen. Above all, he is devoted to his family and passionate about life.
Lecture Description: This lecture will present our team’s approach to offering custom MARPE services within the Face4D ecosystem, outlining the key clinical information needed from clinicians to process cases successfully and coordinate treatment planning. It will also describe how the workflow connects diagnosis, doctor review, and patient-specific manufacturing to support more predictable and collaborative digital orthodontic care. Backed by our presence and history in the North American dental industry, our Face4D team leaders’ combined 50 years of experience, and insights from technology and experts around the globe, we are committed to helping deliver the best possible outcomes.
Evans Sotiropoulos Bio: Evans Sotiropoulos, MSc, is an internationally recognized expert in advanced technical orthodontics and digital dentistry, with 25 years of experience across leading institutions in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. He obtained 15 years of experience in NHS university dental hospitals in the UK, including the renowned Eastman Dental Hospital (UCL).
An awardwinning innovator and university lecturer, Evans has authored MSc-level curricula and serves as a hands-on instructor in postgraduate pre-clinical orthodontic programs, bridging clinical practice with AI-driven diagnostics, CAD/CAM, and 4D workflows. He has contributed to published research and awardwinning studies. In 2025, Evans joined The Aurum
Face4D: Beyond Integrated Digital Solutions and the Importance of Patient Avatarization
Lecture Decription: This session explores how Face4D is redefining digital dentistry by moving beyond traditional workflows toward full patient avatarization. By combining facial scanning, intraoral data, and advanced digital tools, clinicians can achieve more accurate diagnoses, improved treatment planning, and enhanced patient communication—ultimately delivering superior clinical results.
Ricardo Domingues Bio: With over 20 years in digital dentistry, he is an internationally recognized leader, educator, and innovator. He has completed extensive advanced training worldwide and held senior roles including laboratory owner, General Manager, Department Manager, and Technical Director, giving him a strong grasp of both clinical and lab workflows.
An experienced global speaker, he has contributed to scientific publications and advancements in fully digital workflows. He is currently Director of Digital Dentistry at The Aurum Group and a founding member of the Face4D Project. Previously, he served as Global Digital Advisor at ModJaw until December 2024. He is an Exocad Expert and Trainer (Portuguese and English), a member of the International Digital Dentistry Society, and a Certified Instructor for Digital Dental Craftsmen. Above all, he is devoted to his family and passionate about life.
K-02: Michael Smith - Sleep, Pain, and Opioids: Interrelationships and Their Implications
Chair: Audrey Yoon (United States)
9:00am
Introduction
Audrey Yoon (United States)
9:02am
Sleep, pain, and opioids: Interrelationships and their implications
Michael Smith (United States)
S-11: Clinical Applications for Upper Airway Ultrasound in the Management of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Chairs: Wei-Chung Hsu (Taiwan), Clete Kushida (United States)
10:10am
Introduction
10:12am
Ultrasonographic evaluation of upper airway in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea
Wei-Chung Hsu (Taiwan)
10:32am
Upper airway ultrasound to guide obstructive sleep apnea
Clete Kushida (United States)
10:52am
Backscattered ultrasound imaging of the tongue in predicting treatment outcome with hypoglossal nerve stimulation
Kurt Tschopp (Switzerland)
11:12am
Ultrasound imaging of tongue configuration in predicting the effect of mandibular advancement devices on obstructive sleep apnea treatment
Yunn-Jy Chen (Taiwan)
11:32am
Question and Answer
S-12: Maxillary Expansion for OSA
Chair: Audrey Yoon (United States)
10:10am
Introduction
10:12am
Hyrax and Up-locker therapy improves sleep, airway, and quality of life in children with sleep disordered breathing
Claudia Restrepo-Serna (Columbia)
10:34am
Maxillary and mandibular skeletal changes following MARPE expansion in adult
Ilya Lipkin (United States)
10:56am
Maxillary expansion in skeletal surgery for OSA
Mohamed Abdelwahab (United States)
11:18am
Breathing better through bite correction: Airway-focused, non-surgical rehabilitation of a complex adult open bite
Grace Simco (United States)
Industry Lunch
Salon 6
11:55am – 12:55pm
Clinical Applications of Shape Memory Resin Technology in the Fabrication of Sleep Appliances
Speaker: Dr. Yesenia Garcia (United States)
Sponsored sessions are not eligible for CE credit.
Session Objectives
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- Evaluate the advantages and limitations of traditional oral appliance fabrication compared to fully digital and 3D-printed workflows.
- Understand the properties and clinical applications of Shape Memory Resin technology in the fabrication of sleep appliances and orthodontic devices.
- Discuss how Shape Memory Resin materials may enhance appliance flexibility, comfort, durability, retention, and patient compliance in OSA therapy.
- Demonstrate the digital workflow for designing and manufacturing customized sleep appliances using CAD/CAM systems and 3D printing technologies.
- Analyze clinical cases utilizing 3D technology and Shape Memory Resin for the treatment of mild to moderate OSA and snoring.
- Recognize how artificial intelligence, digital simulations, and airway visualization tools can assist in diagnosis, treatment prediction, and long-term monitoring of OSA patients.
- Integrate interdisciplinary collaboration between orthodontists, sleep physicians, ENT specialists, and restorative dentists to optimize patient outcomes.
- Identify future trends in digital sleep medicine, including smart appliances, remote monitoring, and next-generation biomaterials for airway management.
- Apply practical strategies for implementing digital sleep workflows and 3D technologies into everyday clinical practice.
S-13: Telling the Story of the Airway Through Radiographic Imaging
Chair: Audrey Yoon (United States)
1:10pm
Introduction
Audrey Yoon (United States)
1:12pm
Telling the story of the airway through radiographic imaging
Dania Tamimi (United States)
S-14: Myofunctional Therapy in Support of Sleep Surgery
Chair: Nerissa Boggan (United States)
1:40pm
Introduction
Nerissa Boggan (United States)
1:42pm
Myofunctional therapy in support of sleep surgery
Esther Bianchini (Brazil)
S-15: Modern Skeletal Sleep Surgery
Chair: Mohamed Abdelwahab (United States)
2:20pm
Introduction
2:22pm
Minimally invasive orthognathic surgery in the aging OSA patient
Orion Haas (Brazil)
2:44pm
Demographic phenotypes in skeletal sleep surgery: Switching gears
Mohamed Abdelwahab (United States)
3:06pm
Harmonizing airway care: The role of OMFS in the multidisciplinary care of OSA
Chi Ching Joan Wan (Hong Kong)
3:28pm
Atypical osteotomies for OSA: Facial balance and airway optimization
Allen Huang (United States)
S-16: Integrative approaches in sleep‑disordered breathing
Chair: Stanley Liu (United States)
2:20pm
Introduction
Stanley Liu (United States)
2:22pm
The "Bridging East & West" approach: Focus on integration
Louis Chan (Australia)
2:37pm
Integrating smartphone based craniofacial biometrics and postural voice based acoustic analysis as dynamic screening biomarkers for airway health
Eric Phelps (United States)
2:52pm
Efficacy and tolerability of nocturnal mouth taping in obstructive sleep apnea: Randomized crossover trial - A pilot study
Jocelyn Hor (United States)
3:07pm
The effect of Acoustic Resonance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Dentofacial Patients
Paramesh Gopi (United States)
3:22pm – 3:50m
Question and Answer
S-17: Pediatrics
Chair: Nerissa Boggan (United States)
4:00pm
Introduction
Nerissa Boggan (United States)
4:02pm
Early functional clues in pediatric airway care
Jennifer Tuazon (United States)
4:24pm
Question and Answer
S-18: Pediatric Sleep Medicine Workflow
Chair: Audrey Yoon (United States)
- Renata Nehme (United States): Myofunctional
- Tracey Nguyen (United States): Dentist
- Stanley Liu (United States): Maxillofacial / ENT
- Nina Yoshpe (United States): ENT
- Judy Owens (United States): Sleep Physician
S-19: Dental Sleep Medicine Around the World: Survey Results
Chair: Stephen Carstensen (United States)
- Thomas Penzel (Germany)
- Han Fang (China)
- Amornpong Vachiramon (Thailand)
- Natalia Colorado (Colombia)
- Sabrina Abigail Perez Benitez (Mexico)
- Corana Collado Solorzano (Mexico)
Closing Remarks
GALA for WDSS 2026
Baltimore Harbor Dinner Charter
An Iconic Evening on the Baltimore Waterfront
Experience the harbor in a grand and elegant way with amazing views. Join our exclusive 3-hour cruise on the Catherine Marie for a sophisticated evening and stunning skyline vistas.
Date
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time
Boarding 6:30pm
Departure 7:00pm
Departure 7:00pm
Location
Inner Harbor
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, MD
Enjoy a specialized dinner and premier networking against the breathtaking Baltimore skyline.
Attire: White or Blue Coastal Chic
Thank You to All Who Attended!
Attire: White or Blue Coastal Chic
Gala for WDSS 2026
Baltimore Harbor
Dinner Charter
Dinner Charter
An Iconic Evening on the Baltimore Waterfront
Date
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time
Boarding 6:30pm
Departure 7:00pm
Departure 7:00pm
Location
Inner Harbor
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, MD
Experience the harbor in a grand and elegant way with amazing views.
Attire: White or Blue Coastal Chic
Ticket Price: $150
Reserve Your Seat
Attire: White or Blue Coastal Chic
Ticket Price: $150
WDSS Scientific and Clinical Meeting
Featured Keynotes, Speakers, Symposia, Clinical Presentations, Oral, Poster and Abstracts
The Marriott Baltimore Waterfront
700 Aliceanna Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Registration for the two-day WDSS meeting is now available on our website:
Register Here
Questions? Please contact us at info@dentofacialsleep.org at any time.