Author: Michael Kelley

It is my pleasure and proud moment to announce that of all the recognized dental sleep academies in the United States, American Sleep and Breathing Academy has the best track record, with its board certified diplomates lowering the most AHI levels and attaining the best overall outcomes in oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. Director Collins along with Dr Patricio Reyes, world renowned neurologist and clinical director have been working with David Gergen and the Academy to reform the military’s programs for treatment in Dental Sleep Medicine. I recently spoke with Dr. Jerry Hu regarding streamlining PDAC requirements with VA and active duty. Dr. Hu claims providers know that Blue Cross Blue Shield has already followed and duplicated Medicare and PDAC rules, and so it is important that our veterans and men & women in uniform all receive the best type of appliances, namely the Herbst style appliance. Dr. Reyes also has seen that record and evidence, so when dealing with patients in his expertise of brain related issues- such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, concussions, PTSD, Depression/ mental disorders, etc., he will only accept Herbst style appliances in working with the Federal Government. Remember back in 2012 there were 80 sleep appliances on the market. The government quietly ran a 6 year study on the efficacy and breakage of all 80 appliances and its findings once released, took the industry by surprise! The Government threw out all appliances besides the Herbst Appliance and also discarded all of the labs with the exception of Gergen’s Orthodontic Lab and SML of CA. Furthermore, they stated they would only pay for one appliance, the Herbst and it must be fabricated by one of the two labs previously mentioned. Gergens Ortho Lab, which held the lowest breakage rate of under 2% or with Space Maintainers of California with a breakage rate of under 7%. The stated reason was that all other labs had breakage rates or other issues that placed them over 10%! As prior articles from the Academy have mentioned, the Herbst appliance is the only dental sleep appliance that addresses synovial fluid, hyaluronic acid, disc displacement issues and the health of the TMJ. Dr Hu states that Companies that use false claims, especially regarding dorsal fins as their number one choice have put patients, dentists, and labs all at risk for fin fractures and aspiration. Dr Hu’s opinion is It would be a nightmare for the patient, but also the potential litigations and headaches that come from those cases would burden the entire industry. Moreover, successful clinicians like Dr. Hu have had experience in the past using dorsal fins and have found the Herbst style appliances are far superior to dorsal fins. Not only has he noticed the benefits from the TMJ aspect, but also noticed his highest scores of lowering AHI & RDI (with sleep study results) all came from Herbst style appliances and not dorsal fins. After seeing so many dorsal fins break, he considers himself very fortunate that those patients didn’t aspirate them in the middle of the night. His caution to all providers, be very careful and have thorough discernment on dishonest claims used by certain people in the industry. ASBA is also extremely fortunate to have the legacy of all appliances created by Dr. Ricketts. Only made available due to the experience and expertise of Gergen’s Orthodontic Lab. In the literature, there are proven non- responders to customized oral appliance therapy no matter what type is used. In those circumstances, when the patient is both CPAP intolerant and non responder to oral appliance therapy, Gergen’s Lab can offer NON-Invasive appliance options. Appliances such as Occlusal Correctors, Schwartz Appliances, Cro scat, Bionators, Rickonators, Sagittals, DR Serrano Appliances, and Dr. Tim Adams line which includes the cricket appliance and Crickets for sleep Lastly, ASBA will be offering study clubs throughout the year, such as Timothy Adams’ course on The Cricket Appliance along with his advanced course on the treatment of cranial distortion cases, quantum physics & fascia, and its connection to airway and overall health to be held on October 10th and11th 2025. Dr Francisco Eraso will be teaching cone beam interpretation and reports. Introduction to dental sleep medicine and medical billing will be taught by Dr. Hu and other experienced lecturers like Toshi Hart and Diana Batoon. In addition, the laser company Fotona participates. The seats fill up quickly every time so we highly recommend signing up early for members to attend because Tim Adams May’s Study Club is already 2/3 of full capacity! No other dental sleep academy offers this caliber of training and education. The future of dental sleep medicine is growing!!! Our Academy, the ASBA, is destined to be at the forefront of innovation. education, and research, while working with our Federal government to be leaders in the industry. “The Future Looks Lovely” Alan Hickey

This weekend, I attended the American Sleep & Breathing Academy Study Club; I arrived a little late and to my surprise, there was only one chair available for me. This was when Dr. Patricio Reyes MD delivered a powerful keynote: “If we have to take care of one organ in the body, it should be the brain.” As dental professionals, we have the opportunity to enhance brain health by revolutionizing our treatment plans with a focus on the patient’s overall well-being. Drs. Tim Adams, Jerry Hu and Dr Paul Serrano gave insightful lectures that will directly impact the care we provide in our clinics. Additionally, David Gergen once again demonstrated consistent excellence, not only by providing the best appliances for our patients but also by leading the charge in research and development. His state-of-the-art facilities, exceptional team, and forward-thinking education programs are shaping the future of airway, maxillofacial health and dental sleep medicine. The attendees also consisted of doctors in the academia world, such as from Rochester, Minnesota— the famed MAYO clinic, and a professor of the sleep department from Augusta, Georgia. Furthermore, we had a phone call from India with Dr. D. Gopalakrishnan, and they are wanting ASBA and David Gergen to help their whole nation out. Dr. gopalakrishnan’s credentials are simply amazing, – just look him up – wow! In summary, this only happens with David Gergen, I have seen it time and time again. I’m telling you all this is where it is happing. Do Not miss the next study club that the ASBA puts on, big things are happening, and they’re happening through the American Sleep and Breathing Academy. DR. FRANCISCO ERASO Orthodontist – Oral & Maxillofacial Radiologist  

Work Ethic Growing up in rural Alaska, I know that even though my family had to make financial ends meet season after season throughout my whole childhood, it was an absolute blessing for me to be coming from nothing. I learned quickly what good work ethic means and to achieve goals with integrity and good old fashioned hard labor.  Although my grandparents were war heros, one of them was actually a 3 star general under commander Chiang Kai-Shek, nobody in my family had a pretentious and ostentatious character. As a matter of fact, my parents gave up their careers in Taiwan so that my brother and I can have a chance to pursue the American dream.  In small town Soldotna, Alaska, my humble parents started a restaurant business from scratch as first generation immigrants.  As early as 7 years of age, I had seen how hard my folks worked, so, I too, started working at the kitchen and washed dishes, wrapped wontons and egg rolls and shucked shrimp after school every weekday. On the weekends, my job duties would expand to busing tables and help with the vegetables such as snow peas and carrots. This work ethic was the best gift my parents and God gave me. I was able to excel early on in life and what it means to strive for excellence in everything I do. I graduated high school at age 17 with abundant scholarships and even a full ride to Brandeis University. Of course, I chose to enroll at the University of Michigan Preferred admissions program – which only accepted 2 students per year nationally.  This program guaranteed admission to the undergraduate College of LS&A and the School of Dentistry in a combined dual degree acceptance. Yes, I knew I wanted to be a dentist ever since 6th grade and had never changed my mind. So, at age 24, I was a full-time practicing dentist with my own clinic holding a BS degree in Biology and a DDS degree. And, also at age 24, I carried a 1.1 million student loan debt. Even though I had abundant scholarships, I purposely took out un-subsidized loans with high interest rates to give to my parents so they can continue their restaurant business. During every late fall and winter, Soldotna had fewer than 4,500 residents and the restaurant business was super slow as with all local businesses. Thus, with the Asian concept of Filial Piety, I took on extra loans so that my parents can keep the restaurant. Today in 2025, I am proud to say that before my wife and I decided to finally close the restaurant, it had been in business for 43 years. Imagine that, a family restaurant business staying open for 43 years in rural Alaska.  So, with that mentioned, I want to talk about why honor, good work ethic, and truthfulness matter; it matters so much. As I began practicing dentistry with all that debt, I had to focus on my career and work my butt off. The first thing I picked up right away is that I needed to become a CE junkie. I went to so many post graduate teaching institutions and learned quickly to master cosmetic, implant and full mouth reconstruction dentistry. Next, I had to expand my knowledge and skills to doing TMD- TMJ and orofacial pain cases; this meant helping patients with issues ranging from migraines to trigger point muscle pain and chronic pain. I became a leader and the top account client at Microdental- MacStudio National lab (which later became part of Modern Global which is now the biggest dental lab worldwide reaching places like Madagascar to Europe to all over Asia. I would win numerous grand prize cosmetic dentistry competitions and some of which were even judged ( blindly without dentists’ names identified on the entries) by celebrities. Furthermore, I would be published in numerous peer reviewed journals for cosmetic and implant dentistry. I did a lot of clinical research and wrote down ideas for future intellectual properties IPs – patents. Then, my journey in excellence dived deeply into dental sleep medicine. As a CE junkie and credentialing advocate, I became triple board certified in sleep. I learned quickly about the proper way to treat patients with sleep breathing disorders. This is a medical condition and a very serious one. Therefore, that means countless hours of studying and going through medical textbooks from pharmacology to anatomy and physiology.  Also, I learned that lecturing and teaching helps so much with my own learning, and I later became adjunct faculty at a major medical – dental school. The most important fact I learned about saving lives and doing sleep medicine cases is to not rush them! There is a myriad of complex issues and complicated medical history conditions connected with sleep breathing problems. It would be against my oath as a medical professional to skip steps or take shortcuts. That is why I am completely shocked at the behavior and practices of certain companies and colleagues in sleep dentistry.  With this group of people, I have seen over and over again that their entire focus is to go on stage during conferences/meetings and boast about how many hundreds of cases they do in a month and how lucrative and how much money they make. Some even write books and hold conferences to encourage the chase of money. And to them, the money and how easy it is to be on top of their game should be every practitioner’s goal. Certain companies would also encourage and foster that behavior by throwing lavish retreats and meetings spending thousands of dollars to reward that behavior. Some companies would even give special discounts for those who do hundreds of cases per month. Then, it’s greed that fuels greed. Several of those doctors would feel entitled to selecting the most expensive steakhouse and seafood restaurants. They would brag to me about how much they can run up a bar tab or order bottles of expensive wine. And, yes, they all felt entitled to do so. It is like Fitzgerald’s, The Great Gatsby, where the motif of the Green Light symbolizes the greed and “superiority” of people who make it rich by that way of thinking. Well, I am glad to say that I don’t do anywhere near as many cases, because to me, it is all about quality and excellence. In my humble opinion, it is impossible to do proper calibration-titration, work on sleep hygiene, diet- nutrition , exercise and mental health in a matter of weeks. Excellence takes time and hard work, Some cases have taken me well over 11 months to finally get the AHI and RDI to levels around 5 and below. Moreover, to see dramatic changes such as significant weight loss for those morbidly obese or for patients to work through fibromyalgia with UARS— these all take a great length of time to follow through and work in tangent with the patient and with interdisciplinary doctors and other providers. So, as I have been labeled a major Key opinion leader in sleep, as if it were some kind of right of passage, those same people tried to sway me to be a part of their “good old boys club.” They asked me to promote their appliances and gave false promises, especially regarding dorsal fin appliances and hiding the truth about fin fracture and potential aspiration problems. Even though there were NIH and federal studies supporting Herbst type PDAC approved appliances, they kept trying to persuade doctors to use dorsal fins. Dr. Neal Elattrache who is a well known MD -( as many of his patients are Olympians,) also cited studies that also show the important features of the Herbst for TMJ and synovial fluid and freedom of border movements and excursions with the mandible – not locking the mandible and joints in like Dorsal fins.  So, anyway, those people with their mentality and their ways of doing business eventually concluded that I am in no way like them. With me, Integrity matters. From my childhood blessings seeing my parents work so hard to give me the American Dream, I will never let go of what truly matters. That is working day to day with integrity, honesty  and following through with everyone I am privileged to service and treat. I grew up poor and never had privileges or old money that I inherited.  I thank God for my childhood, because as I’m writing this today, I can say that I worked my very best and gave every fiber in me for all of my patients and people I care about in my life. When I looked at the current goals and vision of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy in 2025, and integrity of the leaders on its executive board, I am so honored and happy that I finally found an Academy who values what I do in this field. They all believe in hard work and doing the right things that matter and carry the torch of hard work, decency, and truthfulness in the field of dental sleep medicine. Dr. Jerry Hu

In Memoriam Dr. Peter F. Chase, D.D.S., M.A. May 3, 1945 – January 16, 2025 Dr. Peter Chase was more than a dentist, educator, and innovator—he was a pioneer in the field of orofacial pain, TMD, and sleep medicine, a mentor to countless students, and a man whose insatiable curiosity and passion for learning shaped an entire industry. Born and raised in Corvallis, Oregon, Peter’s early years were marked by frequent moves as his father pursued a career in school administration. Despite the constant change, one thing remained certain—Peter knew he wanted to be a dentist. No one quite knows where that ambition came from, but it was unwavering. After earning his undergraduate degree in History from the University of California, Davis, in 1967, Peter pursued dentistry at Creighton University in Nebraska, graduating in 1971. But dentistry alone wasn’t enough—he wanted to see the world, understand history, and explore civilizations firsthand. A Life of Adventure Peter enlisted as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force Dental Corps, where he completed a hospital-based General Practice Residency in 1972. His service took him from Turkey to Travis Air Force Base, exposing him to different cultures and fueling his love for collecting art and antiquities. After his military service, Peter traveled through the Middle East and Asia, immersing himself in history, even attempting to climb Mt. Ararat in search of Noah’s Ark. That particular adventure was cut short when local bandits opened fire on his group, forcing them to retreat. Always one for humor and pragmatism, he later joked that perhaps a more relaxing alpine experience in California would be the wiser choice. Settling in South Lake Tahoe in 1975, Peter built a thriving private practice near the lake. If he wasn’t in the office, you could find him on the slopes—a dedicated National Ski Patrolman at Heavenly Valley Ski Resort—or out on the water, sailing his 22’ Santa Cruz sailboat, Mashallah (God has willed it). It was in Tahoe that he met Susanne, the love of his life, at a Bank of America branch. Along with Susanne came two pre-teen children, whom Peter embraced as his own, always believing in the importance of being a present and dedicated father. He was deeply involved in the community, serving as President of the South Tahoe Unified School District Board and an active member of Toastmasters International. A Visionary in Dentistry and Sleep Medicine Even in his early career, Peter saw that general dentistry needed a paradigm shift. He began exploring orthodontics and oral appliance therapy, despite the skepticism of some colleagues. His stepchildren were among his earliest “test subjects”, though they didn’t always share his enthusiasm for bite corrections. With a relentless curiosity and a growing passion for airway-focused dentistry, Peter made a bold decision in 1990—he sold his practice and moved to the Bay Area to further his studies at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco (UOP). For the next two decades, Dr. Chase redefined the field. As the Director of the Orofacial Disorders Center at UOP’s Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry from 1990–2010, he pioneered multidisciplinary approaches to treating Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). His passion for education extended beyond clinical work—he earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology and Counseling in 1994, shaping the way future dentists approached the integration of sleep medicine and oral health. During his tenure, over 3,000 dental students passed through his program, many of whom went on to incorporate his progressive airway, sleep, and musculoskeletal philosophies into their own practices. A Legacy of Excellence Dr. Chase was not just an educator—he was a luminary in the field of musculoskeletal pathology involving the orthognathic complex. His credentials, fellowships, and professional contributions are too extensive to list in full, but his impact on the sleep medicine industry is undeniable. He was a founding and credentialing board member of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy, and his research and clinical expertise influenced every corner of the industry. He authored over 20 scientific articles and contributed to multiple textbooks, including: The Integrated Medical-Dental System Sleep Medicine and Oral Appliance Therapy These publications continue to guide practitioners seeking to understand the intersection of airway, sleep, and craniofacial development. Beyond academia, Peter was a trusted medical-legal consultant for insurance companies, law firms, and government organizations. In 2008, he opened a private practice in Walnut Creek, California, providing oral appliance therapy for OSA and TMD/TMJ conditions. His expertise was recognized by Contra Costa Sleep Center, where he was the lead oral appliance provider, and he worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between dentistry and medicine in airway health. Remembering Dr. Chase Peter Chase will be remembered not only for his clinical brilliance and fearless innovation, but for his endless curiosity, his devotion to his students and colleagues, and his relentless pursuit of excellence. He had a unique ability to challenge traditional thinking, not for the sake of disruption, but because he believed in pushing the boundaries of what was possible in patient care. He never stopped learning, and he never stopped sharing his knowledge with those willing to listen. Peter was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, four grandchildren, and his beloved hybrid-wolf dogs—a testament to his love for both family and the wild spirit he carried throughout his life. His legacy lives on through his longtime colleague and mentee, Dr. Toshi Hart (UOP 1992), whom Peter hand-selected to continue his work in Walnut Creek. Through Dr. Hart, and through all those he mentored, Dr. Chase’s mission will endure. Rest in peace, Dr. Chase. Your work has shaped generations, and your impact will continue to be felt for years to come. Written by Dr. Toshi Hart & Mark Bottini

Joining the American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA) has been one of the best professional decisions I’ve made. Over the years, I’ve attended numerous courses focused on sleep and breathing, but the education I’ve received through ASBA has truly set a new standard. The classes here have been the most informative and practical, equipping me with knowledge and strategies that I can immediately apply in my practice. Dr. Tim Adams and David Gergen are doing an incredible job leading these courses, ensuring that both foundational and advanced concepts are covered in a way that is both engaging and clinically relevant. The ability to integrate both new and old knowledge has been transformative—not just for my patients but for my practice and my own professional growth. Sleep dentistry is evolving rapidly, and staying at the forefront of education is critical. Through ASBA, I’ve gained confidence in diagnosing and treating sleep-related issues more effectively. The direct impact on my patients’ health and well-being has been remarkable, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that is pushing the field forward. For any dental professional considering expanding their expertise in sleep and breathing, I highly recommend ASBA. The knowledge, mentorship, and support you’ll receive will make a lasting difference in both your career and the lives of your patients. – Jeremy Chan, DDS

(Written by Alan Hickey, with a dedication from David Gergen and Mallory Love)   Editor’s Note: Before Alan passed away, he wrote down his thoughts on the state of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA) and its future. He spent years building and elevating this Academy, always with a clear vision of improving patient care and uniting the fields of sleep medicine. It was never just about the Academy—it was about the bigger picture: creating a movement that would reshape the landscape of sleep medicine, collaboration, and patient outcomes. Our past President Jon Caufield who is an excellent musician. Jon will be performing Bob Dylan’s song Señor this was Alan Hickeys favorite song, he always wanted the attendees to join in on singing it an ASBA conference. He thought that would be the coolest thing ever. So my dear departed friend, Alan, you’re gonna get your wish. We’re going to open the conference with videos of you throughout the years, Alan Hickey we’re going to sing Señor in your honor and remembrance. These words are Alan’s reflection, in his own voice—his last vision for ASBA. I hope that when you read them, you’ll join us in Houston this April to honor his work and carry his mission forward. —David Gergen                   A Defining Moment for ASBA The 2024 ASBA Annual Meeting in Las Vegas was a turning point. We have always stood for clinical excellence, ethical practice, and the highest standard of patient care. This Academy was never about chasing numbers, bragging rights, or selling appliances—it’s about making a real difference in the lives of patients. But over time, I’ve seen too many in this industry measure success by volume instead of outcomes. Some have prioritized appliance sales over patient well-being. That is not who we are. At ASBA, we stand apart. We care about precision, patient-centered care, and true interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure the best treatment outcomes possible.   And that’s why Houston 2025 is so important.   Expanding Our Mission Through True Collaboration For sleep medicine to evolve, dentists and physicians must work together—not separately, not in competition, but as equals. That’s why this upcoming Houston conference is historic—it marks the first-ever collaboration between ASBA and the Southern Sleep Society. We are bringing together some of the greatest minds in dentistry, medicine, myofunctional therapy, cardiology, and sleep research, including: Dr. Paul Serrano – A world-renowned orthodontist whose innovative airway designs have transformed sleep dentistry. Dr. Virend Somers – A leading cardiologist from the Mayo Clinic whose research is shaping the future of cardiovascular sleep medicine. Dr. Jerry Hu – An expert in airway-focused dentistry who is expanding ASBA’s reach into Asia and Australia, championing evidence-based treatment protocols. Patrick McKeown – A global leader in functional breathing therapy and the Buteyko Method. These individuals don’t just represent ASBA’s future—they embody its mission. Houston 2025 is about restoring balance in sleep medicine.   “And Then Here You Come, Bob Dylan…” This part is personal for me… Bob Dylan once told a story about people standing around, watching something crumble, shaking their heads—but doing nothing to fix it. And then, Bob Dylan walks in—The guy with a shovel. The artist who changed popular music spoons and straws. That’s exactly what happened here. For years, sleep medicine was a lopsided scale—weighed down by CPAP dominance and invasive surgical interventions. Dentists had nothing but spoons to try and tip the balance—scraping together whatever they could to get a seat at the table. Over time, those spoons turned to straws, fragile and ineffective against the mounting problems of TMJ dysfunction, broken and aspirated dorsal fins, and failed treatments. Then, David Gergen came back. After fighting for his life through a four-month battle with COVID- even flatlining and being pronounced deceased- he returned to find that the field had stagnated—and ASBA was at a crossroads. But he didn’t waste time standing around. He had SHOVELS!—not spoons, not straws. One for himself—because he’s always been the one to put in the work.And the rest he handed over, saying, “Alright, let’s start digging.” And that’s exactly what we did. Lifting the Scale, Together In a short time, we rebuilt, reconnected, and refocused ASBA’s mission. We joined forces with the Southern Sleep Society, and now, for the first time ever, medical and dental sleep professionals are standing on equal footing. We didn’t wait for someone else to fix it. We picked up our shovels and got to work. This upcoming Houston conference is the moment where everything changes. We are finally shifting the balance in sleep medicine, putting patient outcomes over profit, collaboration over competition, and quality over speed. I want you to take a step back and think about why you got into this field. Was it to chase volume or chase excellence? Was it to compete or to collaborate? Was it to sell appliances or change lives? This meeting isn’t just about ASBA. It’s about the future of sleep medicine. We all have a choice. We can stand around and watch, or we can pick up our shovels and start digging. That’s why this meeting in Houston is the launchpad for the future. A future where dentists, physicians, myofunctional therapists, and medical professionals don’t just work side by side, but actually work together. ASBA is stronger than ever.The vision is clearer than ever.The future is brighter than ever. And we’re not standing around watching anymore. We’ve got our shovels. And we’re getting to work.   Join Us in Houston I hope that when you read this, you understand why this meeting matters. This is the beginning of a new chapter for ASBA, and it’s one that I dedicated my life to building. Join us in Houston. Honor the mission. Pick up a shovel. And let’s get to work!

When I think of Alan, I’m reminded of the majestic redwood trees—steadfast, towering, and deeply connected. Each redwood stands tall, not because of its individual strength, but because of its roots—roots that stretch wide and intertwine with those of the surrounding trees, creating a network of support, nourishment, and resilience. Alan was one of those towering redwoods for ASBA. He was the HEARTWOOD—the strongest, most enduring part of our tree. Even though the heartwood may no longer carry nutrients or actively grow, it remains the foundation that holds the tree upright. It doesn’t ask for recognition; it simply gives strength, silently bearing the weight of storms and the passage of time. Alan’s presence and contributions to ASBA were, and will remain, like that heartwood—steadfast, grounding, and quietly powerful. One of the remarkable things about redwoods is that even when one tree falls, its roots remain connected, nourishing the forest and encouraging new growth. And this is how we will keep honoring Alan—by staying connected, continuing to grow, and holding each other up as he held us. Alan didn’t just “work” for ASBA; he poured his heart into it. His vision, his wisdom, and his dedication wove through the roots of everything we built together. He made us stronger, not just as colleagues, but as a community—one that thrives on shared purpose and shared care. ASBA is a forest of many trees, and Alan’s tree still stands, even now. We are the trees surrounding him, drawing strength from the foundation he created. His influence doesn’t disappear; it remains in the way we work together, the way we care for each other, and the way we continue the mission he believed in so deeply. Each of us are lucky to be here and to be reminded of what the redwoods teach us: that no tree stands alone. Alan’s life reminds us of the power of connection and how even in absence, we are stronger because of the roots we shared with him. Alan was more than a leader; he was a part of us. And as long as we continue to support each other and carry forward his vision, his tree will never fall. It will live on in the work we do, in the people we touch, and in the community we nurture—together. Rest easy, Alan. You are, and always will be, the heartwood of this forest. Written By: Mallory Love & David Gergen

When I was invited for a personal tour of Gergen’s Orthodontic Lab in Phoenix Arizona in December, 2024, I had no clue how impactful and incredible my experience would be seeing the amazing work and processes of this lab. First, the size of this lab is substantially impressive- with well over 50 employees ! David Gergen, the owner, set aside time with each of his leading technicians to spend time with me on every detail of the craftsmanship and the talented work they do. They all answered my series of questions with knowledge and experience. To me, that  is unparalleled to all other labs I’ve  visited in my life. I begin my journey with Dave giving me a tour of each room and designated work area– from the model room to the finishing room to the design and even the laser welding room. I was blown away at the flow and organization of the lab. The most important aspect of the work that was being shown to me is the consistency with all the quality checks, and the fact that Dave oversees all the finalization of the appliances being made. I honestly had to sit down and absorb it all in !!— this is a man who worked tirelessly for over 4 decades and was working side by side with some of the greatest in orthodontics and sleep, such as Dr. Ricketts, Dr. Sugg, Dr. Speigel, Dr. Gelb, Dr. Serrano, and so many more (not enough room to list all). Furthermore, in my opinion, Dave’s speed and the whole lab for that matter, falls nothing short of setting new world records, literally completing hundreds of quality appliances in one work day. With that said, the most heart warming thing about Dave is his humbleness and he often telling me, “I am just a normal guy.”  After seeing him go to the lab on weekends, dedicating his life and career to making a difference in healthcare and advancing quality care, I was very touched by this opportunity to visit the lab. The first couple of talented and experienced lab technicians were Will and Troy. To me, they are the “wire kings”. They know and explained all the intricate details to  “roll” and not “bend” wires when necessary.  They know how to avoid contamination of wires when soldering/ welding, and they understand forces, retention and comfort of all the appliances that they make. The precision and detail that their amazing fingers are able to do when laser welding is beyond noteworthy. When I looked at the Cricket, Fixed Herbst, Crozat, Hyrax, OC’s appliances, etc. as they’re fabricating them, I can only describe it as ART. Yes, this is artistic talent.  Being able to see them use their hands to adjust with great detail how the wires and overall appliance sits on the model is fascinating. No wonder they make so many orthodontists, sleep dentists, or any doctors marvel at the quality of their work. Not only do they focus on considerations of undercut, fit, draw, finding exact location of hubs, tensile strength of the different types of wires,  etc., but also their communication with the doctor on all the specific preferences they wanted was executed with precision and quality. They have to consider how bad the bruxism and attrition is in the patient, where the parafunctional movements and location of teeth are, telescoping design, slop, lateral border movements, etc.  Anyone seeing this live in action would be floored by their talent and work ethic. Next, I was with Josh and Seth in the finishing room and also model room seeing more amazing skills and work. Dave’s KFC secret recipe of “salt and pepper” for the models simply made sense. If one is lucky enough to visit, perhaps Dave will explain his secret! Anyway, the trimming, finishing and level of care with each appliance, orthosis, retainer, etc. again was spectacular. These guys are the “Arbor Band and Cone Bur Kings”. Well, it was apparent that Seth needed to keep up with the lab and decrease his level of chatter, but the end product of all that came out was simply remarkable and such excellent quality and fit. Josh had his headphones on, and I can definitely see his concentration and talent. He must go to the gym like me, and have the drive to produce and get things done. After the polishing and completion, I picked up several models and checked the fit and end product myself, and again, I must say “Wow!”. Next, I had a visit with the lab manager Chris. Chris, without out a doubt, is a key person in the lab. He cares DEEPLY for Dave and for the quality, success and image of the lab. This man can fill in any position of the lab and he does some amazing customizations for mouthguards and other appliances/splints. Again, his work is nothing short of art or magic. I bet he puts on so many smiles on the kids and sports patients, and he also does them at an incredible speed with proficiency. Chris also shows his dedication and loyalty to Dave, and nowadays, finding quality employees, especially managers like him is so difficult and rare. Then, I went upstairs to visit Ian and also Jared and Johnny.  I briefly spoke to Teddy and he shared some of his experiences, but I spent most of my time upstairs with Ian, Jared and Johnny. Jared is the “digital king.”  He definitely can be a full time computer IT guy if he wants to be. He is able to design the digital cases and have precision in the detail and craftsmanship of the work he does. He understands the important principles of draw, retention, fit, comfort, etc. for the appliances he designs. Not only that, Jared is remarkable at helping with the lab’s online presence, website, and he even does amazing work for the American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA) online matters. And the apple didn’t fall far from the tree with the Gergen boys. Johnny, all I can say is “Wow!” again with Johnny. He handles all the NFL clients and does research and development. He is able to show me detailed precision appliances made from Medical grade 5, 6, and other materials such as PMMA and it seems that the sky is the limit with what Johnny is capable of doing. Johnny, like everyone else in the lab, care deeply about the quality and image of the lab. He is so talented and he is also a great dad to his kid and a loving husband. I will finish with Ian, but before I discuss Ian, I want to say that even though I didn’t see the “twins- Nahrain and Nora” on this trip, I do work with them routinely as they make my wonderful and I repeat, wonderful Herbst appliances. I did meet them in person at the last ASBA study club meeting when I lectured, but I already know the quality of their work. They are both amazing, and yes, as identical twins, it was a “laugh out loud” experience trying to figure out who is who. (Hu is Hu, haha). Now, Ian, what a remarkable, young, talented and kind man he is. Ian does all the VIVOS, OC’s, expansion appliances and boy, is he knowledgeable and so skilled. He also understands wires, forces and what is real and what is not. Certain gurus like to say wires do certain things, and Ian with Dave have both proven to me what is real and what is just done for hype. Furthermore, Ian is also capable and qualified to do more research and development on advancing and improving the intricacies of the expansion appliances without a doubt. So, as anyone can see, this lab visit was nothing short of an unforgettable and eye-opening experience. Gergen’s Orthodontic lab has proven to America, it has shaped, developed, led, and propelled the fields of orthodontics and sleep medicine. Their leader, Dave, comes with dedication, drive, relentless level of work ethic, and humility and humbleness. Other great people I know of who are like that are the same people he looks up to, such as Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Paul McCartney.  And, finally, it is with profound gratitude I have for this opportunity to visit the lab. So I end with, a most heartfelt thank you. Jerry Hu, DDS, DASBA, DABDSM, DACSDD