About Timothy C. Adams DDS, D. ABSA, D. ACSDD
Dr. Adams graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1983 and started his private practice in Indianapolis shortly after his graduation. His clinical skills were recognized early by the faculty at the IU School of Dentistry where he taught clinical dentistry for 5 years. He has published over 25 articles in national and international journals as well as co-authoring a chapter in the prestigious textbook Dental Clinics of North America.
He was a Clinical Instructor and eventual Clinical Director at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) from 1997 to 2005. Dr. Adams also served as Clinical Director of Occlusion at the Center for Exceptional Practices.
Dr. Adams has received national recognition as a dentist who has lectured to and trained dentists in Cosmetic Dentistry, Sleep Apnea, TMJ, Occlusion, Full Mouth Reconstruction, Neuromuscular Dentistry and Craniofacial Asymmetries. He is a member of IDA, IDDS, ADA, AACD, ASBA, D.ABSA, D.ACSDD
About Nerissa Boggan, BSDH, RDH CertBBM, AOMT-C, COM
Nerissa Boggan, BSDH, RDH, Cert BBM, AOMT-C®, COM®, is a myofunctional therapist and sleep and breathing educator with more than 25 years of experience in dental hygiene and over a decade in public health. A graduate of the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program, she serves as a pioneer board member and the first RDH/Myofunctional therapist of the AAGO (Academy of Airway and Gnathologic Orthopedics), as well as a contributing faculty member of the ASAP (Airway, Sleep And Pediatrics) Pathway. She holds certifications from the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT) and the International Association of Oral Myology (IAOM). Nerissa has pursued advanced training through prestigious programs, including The Breathe Institute’s Myo Masterminds – First Class of 2021 and Dr. Audrey Yoon Institute’s Inaugural Class in Mastering Pediatric Dental Sleep Medicine. As the author of her first published children’s book, My Dog Myo and My Nose, Nerissa highlights the importance of nasal breathing and nasal hygiene. Her multidisciplinary background, compassionate approach, and commitment to preventive health make her a trusted advocate for families seeking to improve breathing, function, and overall wellness.
About David Gergen
David Gergen is a pioneer in the field of dental sleep medicine. He was involved from the very beginning with insurance reimbursement and later Medicare reimbursement for dental appliances. In 1984 David Gergen he designed the “Orthopedic Corrector” AKA the D.N.A Vivo appliance. In 1986 Gergen gave us the Original Snoring Guard and Shorty after 1991 Followed it up with the Removal Acrylic Herbst. Now after 40 years at the Bench David Gergen has another new sleep appliance “The Glide”
Gergen is credited on the patents of many of the first sleep apnea appliances, including the Sleepinator, the Original Snore Guard, the Orthopedic Corrector for Sleep and the Serrano Sleeper for Pediatric Sleep.
About Lajuan Hall, DDS, FACD, FICD, NACD.DC
Dr. LaJuan Hall, DDS, is a visionary dental leader, educator, and consultant dedicated to advancing innovation, leadership, and excellence in dentistry. A graduate of the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry, she completed her residency in Pediatric Dentistry at UCSF Children’s Hospital and now serves as a Regent for the American College of Dentists.
Honored with the ACD’s Fleming Award and the UCSF Medal of Honor, Dr. Hall is recognized for her contributions to dental education and community service. A champion of non-invasive care, she promotes early detection and minimally invasive techniques that expand access and improve outcomes. As the author of The Four Pillars of Leadership Development, Dr. Hall empowers dental professionals to lead with compassion, integrity, and lasting impact.
About Patrick McKeown, MA, DIP BUTEYKO, FRSB
Buteyko Breathing for Children and Teenagers: A Practical Demonstration
Patrick McKeown MA, Dip Buteyko, FRSB. CEO of Buteyko Clinic International and best selling author in Buteyko Breathing Method: Galway, Ireland.
Patrick McKeown is an internationally recognized breathing expert, author, and educator. He trained at Trinity College Dublin and the Buteyko Clinic in Moscow.
Patrick teaches breathing techniques to help decongest the nose, improve functional breathing, and address the habit of mouth breathing in children. His work also supports better sleep and overall wellbeing for people of all ages. He has been teaching children, teenagers, and adults since 2002, helping thousands worldwide breathe more efficiently and live healthier lives.
About Virend Somers, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Somers directs the Cardiovascular Facility and the Sleep Facility within Mayo Clinic’s Center for Clinical and Translational Science in Rochester MN.
His team’s research focuses on the role of the autonomic nervous system in cardiovascular regulation in humans, with an emphasis on normal and disordered sleep. The team is also involved in studies of vascular biology in humans, examining how changes in neural mechanisms may influence the local control of blood vessels. Extensive collaborative interactions within and outside Mayo Clinic are fundamental to the successful evolution of Dr. Somers’ research program. Current collaborations include studies with investigators at the University of Iowa and the University of Cincinnati and joint projects with academic medical centers in Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany and Belgium.
Support for Dr. Somers’ research consists of four R01 grants from the National Institutes of Health, a Dana Foundation grant and a NATO grant
https://www.mayo.edu/research/
About Manisha Witmans M.D.
Dr. Witmans is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan and completed her medical degree with BSc Med with honors. Following residency and fellowship at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and the University of Calgary, she completed additional respirology and sleep medicine training at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. She is board certified in sleep medicine, pediatric pulmonology, and pediatrics. She has an ABIM certification for sleep medicine.