Electives

TMD & Airway: The Critical Connection – Evaluation, Diagnosis & Treatment

You’ll build upon your existing skills to master a systematic approach for diagnosing and managing patients with TMD pathology, covering comprehensive evaluation, differential diagnosis, and effective treatment strategies. Expand your practice and confidently navigate complex cases for lasting occlusal comfort for your patients with TMD related issues.

For many years, at the Dawson Academy, we have taught the fundamentals of dental occlusion, starting with stable joints seated in Centric Relation.    
It is critical that we understand temporomandibular joint anatomy, jaw function and dysfunction, the importance of disc position, muscle coordination and harmony of the joints, muscles and occlusion. One of the puzzling questions through the years has been, “Exactly why do people brux, report sore muscles, A.M. headaches, and chronic fatigue? Is it primarily due to malocclusions, as we once believed?” Through years of study it has become apparent that this is a complex, multifactorial subject. More recently, research has revealed that the most common reason for bruxism is due to oxygen desaturation and low pH in the esophagus… signs associated with breathing disordered sleep(UARS, Sleep Apnea) & Gastric Reflux. This requires expertise of both TMD and Airway, Breathing & Sleep Disorders, because they are very closely connected. 
In this course we will learn how to evaluate, diagnose and understand various treatment options for classic TMD, as well as the added consideration of Airway.

Enroll Today
Dec. 04-06, 2025
St. Petersburg, FL
$5,795.00
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Unlock Predictable Dental Success
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Clinical Excellence

Whether you’re new to Dawson or a Dawson Scholar, our electives provide focused training in areas like dentures, Invisalign, TMD, and more. Deepen your clinical expertise with targeted, hands-on learning opportunities on a range of clinical topics.

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Business Essentials

Running a successful practice goes beyond clinical expertise. Our electives like Dental MBA in a Day focus on the business aspects of practice management, helping you optimize systems, enhance profitability, and improve patient experiences.

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Team Training

Equip your entire team with the knowledge and skills needed to support Complete Dentistry. From dental assistants to hygienists, our electives ensure everyone plays a vital role in delivering exceptional patient care and maximizing practice efficiency.

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Stewart Lantner, DDS
A must take for dentist unfamiliar with proper TMD protocols.
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Sarah Lim, DDS
Highly recommend. Dr Wilkerson has invaluable knowledge and he's so humble, relatable and able to answer questions well. He wants us to go home understanding the material.
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McKenzie Clemens, DDS
This was the best course I’ve ever attended. It brought together all the core curriculum concepts while addressing complications related to intracapsular disease and airway issues. I only wish we had at least one more day to continue the discussion!

Understanding Your Path to Complete Dentistry

This course is designed for general dentists and specialists who want to confidently diagnose and treat TMD patients. Whether you’re looking to refine your understanding of occlusion, TMJ disorders, or airway-related considerations, this course provides the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to navigate complex cases.

Unlike other TMD courses, this program goes beyond traditional occlusion-based approaches by integrating the latest research on airway, breathing disorders, and gastric reflux. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how these factors contribute to bruxism, muscle pain, and chronic fatigue—allowing you to provide more comprehensive care.

Yes! You’ll participate in hands-on exercises focused on occlusal splint therapy, joint evaluation, imaging interpretation, and airway-related treatment solutions. These practical skills will ensure you can immediately apply what you’ve learned in your practice.

By mastering a systematic approach to TMD diagnosis and treatment, you’ll expand your ability to manage complex cases, improve patient outcomes, and offer a highly valuable service that differentiates your practice. You’ll also gain insights into the connection between TMD and airway disorders, allowing for a more comprehensive treatment approach.

Register directly through our website to secure your spot. This course is in high demand, and early registration is recommended to ensure availability.

Electives are open to all dental professionals, including dentists, specialists, hygienists, and dental assistants. Most electives do not require previous Dawson Academy courses, making them a great way to enhance your skills in a specific area of dentistry.

Dawson Academy electives cover a range of focused topics, including: Restorative & Esthetics, TMD & Airway, Implants & Prosthetics and Practice & Team Development
Explore the full list of electives here.

Electives are offered in multiple locations across the United States, including Florida, Texas, and other major dental hubs. All courses are taught by experienced Dawson Faculty who actively practice dentistry, ensuring real-world application of the techniques you’ll learn.

It depends on the course. Some electives are hands-on, allowing you to practice techniques. Others are lecture-based but highly interactive with case discussions.

Yes! All electives provide CE credits, with the number of credits varying by course. You’ll receive official documentation upon completion.

You can register directly on The Dawson Academy website or contact our team for assistance. Some courses have limited seating, so early registration is recommended.

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Enroll Today
Dec. 04-06, 2025
St. Petersburg, FL
$5,795.00
Event Price
Event Location
Event Capacity
Event Date Range

Invest in Your Future with Easy Course Financing

Take the next step towards mastering occlusion and smile design — without the stress of upfront costs.  Explore our financing and secure your spot in Core 1 today.

Cancellation Policy:

For registrations paid in full at time of registering, requests to cancel or transfer registration in a Dawson Academy course, lecture, or event will be accommodated until 90 DAYS PRIOR to start date. Upon request a refund will be provided minus a $200.00 non-refundable deposit, or a one-time course, lecture, or event transfer, which remains valid for 12 months. Less than 90 days prior to course, no refunds or transfers will be issued.
 
*Students who finance tuition through the Lending Club financing program are subject to special terms and conditions.

Please contact The Dawson Academy at 1.800.952.2178 for full details.

The Dawson Academy 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. The Dawson Academy designates this activity for 20 credit hours continuing education credits.

Scholar Study Club

For Dawson Scholars Graduates

The Dawson Academy 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 the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.

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