Are We Treating the Teeth or the Patient? (w/Dr. Skye Zeller) [Ep.97]

In this episode of The DOC Podcast, I have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Skye Zeller, a distinguished dentist and expert in airway health. The conversation delves into Dr. Zeller's unique journey from studying molecular biology to becoming a dentist with a special focus on sleep medicine.  We discuss her comprehensive new patient examination process, tips on coordinating care with medical and OMT colleagues, and how she handles professional criticism. Dr. Zeller shares personal stories about her own children’s health challenges and how it fueled her passion for airway-focused treatment.  The episode also explores practical advice for integrating extensive diagnostic procedures into a busy practice, and how Dr. Zeller balances her roles as a wife, mother, practice owner, and educator. 00:26 Meet Dr. Skye Zeller04:44 Discovering Dentistry06:07 Dental School and Early Career07:06 Building a Practice07:53 Exploring Orthodontics and Airway09:46 Continuing Education10:34 First Experiences with Airway Treatment10:46 Impact on Dr. Zeller's Children15:52 Challenges in the Dental Field22:29 Holistic Dentistry Approach25:05 Diagnostic Process and Patient Interaction39:40 Facing Initial Challenges and Adjusting Approaches40:27 Importance of Detailed Patient Interaction41:25 Building Trust Through Clinical Discussions42:11 Patient Receptiveness and Treatment Acceptance43:52 Navigating Professional Relationships and Conflicts45:28 Educating and Collaborating with Colleagues48:36 Practical Advice for Implementing New Practices01:10:14 Balancing Professional and Personal Life01:16:12 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationLINKS:-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dentalsleepct -Instagram: @dentalsleepCT

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The DOC Podcast brings you unique educational content taught by Dr. Mike DeLuke, a Board Certified Orthodontist with over 20 years of clinical and academic experience. Dr. DeLuke built his orthodontic practice from scratch in the early 2000s and grew it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise in less than 10 years. He was able to retire from private practice at the age of 46 years old, and now devotes his energy to teaching his colleagues how to succeed both personally and professionally. Dr. DeLuke has served as a faculty member at numerous hospitals and orthodontic residency programs around the country, including as the cleft craniofacial orthodontist at Albany Medical Center in New York, and as a clinical professor at The University of Connecticut in the Department of Orthodontics. He is presently an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University in the Department of Orthodontics. The DOC Podcast will bring you in-depth discussions and interviews with industry leaders and experts on a variety of topics including clinical excellence, practice management, finance and wealth creation, health and wellness, taxes and accounting, fitness, and much more!