Starting the Conversation: How One Webinar Reached 300 Families—and Why It Matters
Dr. Shwetha Rodrigues, DDS

In this open discussion, Dr. Shwetha Rodrigues reflects on how a single, simple webinar sparked global interest from families—especially those navigating Down syndrome and airway concerns. She’ll share how clarity, compassion, and consistency—not just credentials—can make you an impactful Liaison. This session invites dialogue, idea-sharing, and real-world perspective.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore how personal initiative and authentic communication can create meaningful outreach.
2. Understand how airway care applies to all children—including those with special needs—without needing to be a specialist.
3. Gain inspiration and ideas for building your own parent- or provider-facing conversations as an AAPMD Liaison.

Dr. Shwetha Rodrigues, DDS, is a general dentist with over two decades of clinical experience and a growing focus on airway-centered care. A graduate of the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, she practices in Chester, Virginia, where she integrates early orthodontics, sleep-related dental therapies, and myofunctional concepts into daily dental care.

Her approach emphasizes identifying the root causes behind dental and health concerns—such as underdeveloped jaws, mouth breathing, and sleep-disordered breathing—and offering practical treatment solutions for both children and adults.

In addition to clinical work, Dr. Rodrigues mentors general dentists looking to incorporate airway-centered principles into their practices. She shares real-world strategies that align with everyday dentistry while helping providers move toward a more function-focused model of care.

With a strong interest in team development, patient education, and long-term wellness, Dr. Rodrigues continues to refine systems that support comprehensive, accessible, and thoughtful dentistry.

1 CE credit available to AAPMD members