Airway dentistry is one of the fastest-growing niches in clinical practice. But finding hands-on training that actually changes how you treat patients? That's the hard part.
The Airway Education Boom
Dentists are waking up to a simple truth: the mouth is the gateway to the airway. Sleep-disordered breathing, tongue-tie, and craniofacial development are no longer fringe topics. They're core clinical skills. As demand grows, so does the number of continuing education providers promising to teach you airway protocols. Some focus on virtual lectures. Others offer in-person, hands-on experiences. The best programs give you more than theory. They give you live patient observation, treatment sequencing frameworks, and the confidence to implement new procedures on Monday morning. Whether you're a general dentist or a specialist, the right training can reshape your practice and your patient outcomes.
How We Evaluated These Programs
We looked at five factors. First, clinical scope: does the program cover diagnosis, treatment planning, and procedure execution? Second, hands-on access: are you watching live procedures or just slides? Third, instructor experience: how many years and how many real cases stand behind the teaching? Fourth, CE credit value and practical takeaways. Fifth, format and fit: small-group, in-person, virtual, or modular. Each program below stands out in different ways. Airway & Laser Institute offers intimate, two-day immersion with live frenuloplasty observation. Airway Health Solutions provides a broad virtual faculty network and appliance-focused training. The Dawson Academy brings a legacy of occlusion and airway integration. Kois Center emphasizes comprehensive patient management. Spear Education delivers structured online and workshop learning. Your best choice depends on how you learn and what you need to implement.
Here's a quick look at five programs that can sharpen your airway dentistry skills.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Airway Health Solutions | Virtual and on-demand learners who want appliance-focused airway integration |
| Airway & Laser Institute by Dr. Anthony Bolamperti | Dentists and healthcare providers who want in-person, hands-on airway and laser training |
| The Dawson Academy | Restorative dentists seeking airway integration with occlusion expertise |
| Kois Center | Comprehensive-care dentists who want airway risk assessment within a full curriculum |
| Spear Education | Dentists who want structured online learning plus hands-on workshops |
The 5 Programs in Focus
#1 Airway Health Solutions
A screenshot of the Airway Health Solutions website.
Airway Health Solutions takes a broad, faculty-driven approach to airway education. You can learn virtually or on-demand from experts like Dr. Ben Miraglia, Dr. Kevin Boyd, and Dr. Michael Gelb. The curriculum covers myofunctional appliance guides, expansion appliances, clear aligner therapy, and myofunctional therapy. It's built for dentists who want to integrate airway health into a general practice without traveling far. The program also offers mentorship and a locator for patients seeking airway dentists. If you prefer flexible, modular learning with a strong appliance focus, this is a strong fit. See their course catalog at Airway Health Solutions.
#2 Airway & Laser Institute by Dr. Anthony Bolamperti
A screenshot of the Airway & Laser Institute by Dr. Anthony Bolamperti website.
The Airway & Laser Institute delivers a two-day, hands-on training in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Anthony Bolamperti brings more than 25 years of clinical experience and thousands of laser procedures to a small-group setting. You'll learn airway and sleep-disordered breathing diagnosis, RTOT screening, treatment sequencing, and laser techniques. The program includes live frenuloplasty observation in the operatory, so you see real technique decisions in real time. You'll earn 13 CE credits and leave with protocols you can implement immediately. Limited enrollment ensures personalized mentorship. Learn more at Airway & Laser Institute.
#3 The Dawson Academy
A screenshot of The Dawson Academy website.
The Dawson Academy has long been a pillar of occlusion and restorative education. Its Airway and Integrative Dental Medicine curriculum includes courses like 'Airway & Breathing Related Disorders – Evaluation, Diagnosis & Treatment.' The academy also hosts an annual International Airway Symposium, led by Dr. DeWitt Wilkerson. You get a blend of live and online learning with a strong emphasis on total health dentistry. It's ideal if you want to connect airway care to restorative and integrative practice. Explore their courses at The Dawson Academy.
#4 Kois Center
A screenshot of the Kois Center website.
The Kois Center offers a course titled 'Managing Dentistry in the Airway Compromised Patient: A New Perspective.' It's part of a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes risk assessment and long-term patient management. You'll learn to evaluate airway compromise and adapt dental treatment accordingly. The center is known for its evidence-based approach and structured mentorship. If you value a systems-driven education with a focus on comprehensive care, this program stands out. Visit Kois Center for details.
#5 Spear Education
A screenshot of the Spear Education website.
Spear Education offers 'Airway Prosthodontics and Sleep Dentistry: Prevention to Control' as part of its workshop catalog. The program blends online learning with hands-on workshops, covering prevention, control, and resolution of airway issues. Spear is known for its structured curriculum and strong online platform. You can access courses, seminars, and webinars with clear CE credit information. It's a solid choice if you want a mix of digital learning and in-person workshops. See their events at Spear Education.
How to Choose the Right Airway Training
Start with your learning style. If you need to see live procedures and practice hands-on, prioritize in-person immersion like the Airway & Laser Institute. If you prefer flexible, virtual modules, Airway Health Solutions or Spear Education may fit better. Consider your clinical focus. Restorative dentists may gravitate toward The Dawson Academy. Comprehensive care providers might prefer Kois Center. Check CE credit value and whether the program offers implementation protocols. Finally, look at class size. Small-group mentorship often accelerates your confidence and skill adoption. Match the format to your schedule, budget, and goals.
Automating Your Airway Education Journey
You can streamline your training research with a simple workflow. First, list your top three clinical goals for the next 12 months. Second, map each program's curriculum to those goals. Third, use a spreadsheet to compare CE credits, format, location, and cost. Fourth, set calendar reminders for registration deadlines. Fifth, after any course, schedule a team meeting to review protocols and assign implementation tasks. This turns education into action. You can also use a simple CRM to track patient screening outcomes after training. The goal is not just learning. It's changing how you practice.
The Bottom Line on Airway Training
Airway dentistry is no longer optional for forward-thinking practices. The five programs here each offer a different path. Airway Health Solutions gives you flexible, appliance-focused virtual learning. The Airway & Laser Institute delivers intense, hands-on immersion with live procedures. The Dawson Academy connects airway care to restorative excellence. Kois Center emphasizes comprehensive risk assessment. Spear Education blends online and workshop formats. Your best choice depends on how you learn and what you want to implement. Pick one, commit to it, and start changing patient lives.