Set new standards in your dental clinic with airway expertise
Breathe properly.
Sleep restoratively.
Once you see it, you cannot unsee it.
“The missing pillar in health is breath. It all starts there.”
– James Nestor
Why Open Airway?
Dentistry that questions and thinks beyond. With Open Airway, we establish an approach that begins in early childhood — aimed at long-term health through functional airways and restorative sleep. Our mission is to inspire a fundamental shift in the mindset of our profession.
Breathing starts from the very beginning.
Growth, development, and sleep all depend on it.
Prevention now instead of treatment later.
We support natural development before symptoms arise.
Function comes first — form follows.
Beautiful teeth in harmony with aesthetics.
Healthy airways for life.
For more energy, better concentration, and improved quality of life.
Breathing starts from the very beginning.
Growth, development, and sleep all depend on it.
Prevention now instead of treatment later.
We support natural development before symptoms arise.
Function comes first — form follows.
Beautiful teeth in harmony with aesthetics.
Healthy airways for life.
For more energy, better concentration, and improved quality of life.
Our Vision
Anyone who understands how crucial breathing is for growth, sleep, and quality of life will begin to rethink dentistry. This is where the airway journey begins.
The Airway Curriculum
A topic that stays. A journey that inspires. A curriculum that creates impact.
Interdisciplinary Knowledge
Knowledge from all relevant disciplines — breathing, development, and sleep — not only understood, but reinterpreted in a new way.
Building Competence
From the first patient interaction to treatment decisions: act deliberately, reflectively, and with foresight. Acting with precision, reflection, and foresight from the first patient contact to therapeutic decision-making.
Integrative Structure
A modular system that builds progressively — combining scientific foundation with practical relevance.
Modules - Curriculum No. 2
📅 30./31. October 2026 · 📍 Hamburg
👥 Dr. Christian Leonhardt
Module 1
Structural Risk Assessment in Airway-Focused Dentistry
Diagnostic Foundations, Craniofacial Analysis and Interdisciplinary Perspectives
What to Expect
This foundational module introduces airway-focused dentistry through the lens of structural risk assessment and craniofacial analysis. Participants will learn to recognize anatomical and functional risk factors and understand their relevance in breathing, sleep, and overall health. A structured diagnostic approach forms the basis for interdisciplinary treatment planning.
Content
- Airway risk profiling and early identification of dysfunction
- Craniofacial structural analysis and growth patterns
- Upper airway anatomy, function, and systemic relevance
- CBCT, 2D/3D imaging and facial diagnostics
- Clinical screening and KOIS-based airway assessment
- Interdisciplinary perspectives and diagnostic integration
Goal
Develop a structured diagnostic understanding of airway-related risk factors and their role in comprehensive dental care.
Key Message
“Once you see it, you cannot unsee it.”
📅 11./12. December 2026 · 📍 Munich
👥 Dr. Josef Diemer, Dr. Matthias Müller
Module 2
Clinical Integration of Airway Diagnostics
From Assessment to Structured Treatment Planning
What to Expect
This module focuses on translating airway diagnostics into daily clinical practice. Participants will learn how to implement structured workflows, integrate airway screening into routine care, and develop clear treatment pathways based on diagnostic findings.
Content
- Implementation of airway screening in daily practice
- Clinical workflows and structured examination protocols
- Patient history, risk assessment, and diagnostic pathways
- Integration into restorative, orthodontic, and preventive concepts
- Case-based treatment planning and decision-making
- Interdisciplinary coordination and referral systems
Goal
Enable participants to confidently apply airway diagnostics in everyday practice and create structured, reproducible treatment workflows.
Key Message
From assessment to action.
📅 19./20. March 2027 · 📍 Hamburg
👥 Dr. Steffen Decker
Module 3
Pediatric Airway & Craniofacial Growth
Early Risk Detection, Growth Modification and Interceptive Orthodontics
What to Expect
This module emphasizes the early detection of airway-related problems in children and their impact on growth and development. Participants will learn to identify key warning signs and apply early, targeted interventions to guide healthy craniofacial development.
Content
- Craniofacial growth patterns and airway development
- Early signs: mouth breathing, tongue-tie, oral habits
- Impact on posture, behavior, sleep, and development
- Pediatric screening and diagnostic protocols
- Early intervention strategies and myofunctional concepts
- Expansion techniques and interceptive orthodontics
Goal
Enable participants to recognize and treat pediatric airway problems early, supporting optimal growth and long-term health.
Key Message
Early recognition shapes lifelong development.
📅 04./05. June 2027 · 📍 Munich
👥 Patrick G. McKeown
Module 4
Breathing Physiology and Sleep Health
The Functional Interface Between Respiration, Sleep and Craniofacial Development
What to Expect
This module explores the fundamental role of breathing in health, sleep, and craniofacial development. Participants will gain a deep understanding of respiratory physiology and learn how to assess and influence breathing patterns in a clinical setting.
Content
- Respiratory physiology and functional breathing patterns
- Nasal breathing, nitric oxide, and CO₂ physiology
- Dysfunctional breathing and structural consequences
- Breathing during sleep and sleep-disordered breathing
- Autonomic regulation, stress, and bruxism
- Breathing assessment and clinical integration
- Therapeutic breathing protocols and patient guidance
Goal
Enable participants to identify dysfunctional breathing patterns and integrate breathing-focused strategies into airway dentistry.
Key Message
The way we breathe matters.
📅 16./17. July 2027 · 📍 Munich
👥 Dr. Christian Leonhardt
Module 5
Airway Rehabilitation in Adult Dentistry
Orthodontic, Prosthodontic and Functional Treatment Strategies
What to Expect
This final module focuses on the comprehensive management of airway-related disorders in adult patients. Participants will integrate diagnostic and therapeutic concepts from previous modules into structured treatment strategies for complex cases. The module concludes with a full curriculum recap and a clear roadmap for implementation in clinical practice.
Content
- Airway disorders in adults and systemic implications
- Relationship with CMD/TMD, bruxism, posture, and sleep
- Functional diagnostics and splint therapy concepts
- Orthodontic airway therapy and adult expansion
- Occlusion, restorative rehabilitation, and airway integration
- Interdisciplinary treatment planning and complex case management
- Curriculum recap and implementation into long-term practice strategy
Goal
Enable participants to recognize, diagnose, and manage airway-related problems in adult patients, integrating functional dentistry and interdisciplinary collaboration into comprehensive treatment strategies.
Key Message
From knowledge to clinical excellence.
Curriculum No. 2 compact
Speakers
Locations
Our courses take place in carefully selected venues that provide an optimal learning environment while fostering inspiration and exchange.
Highlight Towers Munich
Mies-van-der-Rohe-Straße 6, 80807 Munich
Munich’s highest altitude venue sits on the 31st and 32nd floor, hosting unforgettable events with a stunning 360° panorama and alpine vista.
Ginn Hotel Hamburg
Große Elbstraße 39, 22767 Hamburg
In Hamburg, our courses take place where the view of the harbor meets the joy of learning: at the GINN Hotel — stylish, relaxed, and professional.
Evening Events
Our professional exchange does not end in the seminar room — it continues in our evening events. At exceptional venues such as the Trend Lab + Loft in Hamburg, we create space for meaningful conversations, genuine connections, and new perspectives.
In the open atmosphere of the Trend Lab + Loft, we invite you to a kitchen party — whether cooking together, observing, or engaging in relaxed discussions. A space for real dialogue, fresh ideas, and great food.
“Breathing is the most powerful tool we have to take control of our own health.”
– Patrick McKeown
Certification
Certified Expert in Airway Functional Medicine
Upon completion of the curriculum, you will receive certification as a Certified Expert in Airway Functional Medicine. Across five modules, you will acquire interdisciplinary knowledge and practice-oriented skills.
75 CME points (BZÄK / DGZMK)
Accreditation in accordance with official recommendations
01
Develop a multidisciplinary perspective on airway diagnostics and therapy
03
Apply structured airway diagnostics and interdisciplinary treatment planning in daily practice
02
Gain the ability to identify and treat airway disorders in children and adults
04
Become part of a growing network of certified professionals
01
Develop a multidisciplinary perspective on airway diagnostics and therapy
02
Gain the ability to identify and treat airway disorders in children and adults
03
Apply structured airway diagnostics and interdisciplinary treatment planning in daily practice
04
Become part of a growing network of certified professionals
Registration Curriculum No. 2 (English)
Set new standards in your practice with airway expertise.
Participation fee: €8400 (plus VAT)
Includes materials, catering, and evening events with food and beverages
Limited number of participants
Duration: 5 modules from October 2026 to July 2027
Language: English
Easter Special Discount: 10% until April 30th, 2026
Upon completion, you will become a member of the Open Airway Community.
Open Airway Networks
Locally connected. Growing together.
Our vision is clear: airway-oriented dentistry should become tangible at a local level — through regional networks built on shared understanding, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional exchange.
The first locations in Hamburg and Dachau were developed as pilot projects, serving as models for a growing network across Germany.
Hamburg
Dental Practice
Dr. Müller & Dr. Bethge
Johannisbollwerk 19, 20459 Hamburg
Dachau
Center of Excellence for Dentistry
Karin Bader, M.Sc.
Schleißheimer Str. 12, 85221 Dachau
Augsburg
Dentists by the Perlach
Dr. Christian Leonhardt
Karolinenstraße 2, 86150 Augsburg
Why locations matter
Network
Pooling expertise — directly on site
Cooperation
Fast coordination, clear pathways, joint action
Exchange
Short distances for direct, interdisciplinary dialogue
Communication
Regular case discussions, updates, and knowledge transfer
Your Own Location
During the training, you will have the opportunity — with our support — to establish your own location. This allows the network to grow in parallel with the curriculum in a practical, real-world manner.
“Compensation is the tax the body pays when prevention fails.”
– Liebermann DE. The Evolution of the Human Head. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; 2011
Three Perspectives, One Vision
The founders of Open Airway GmbH combine clinical expertise, strategic vision, and a shared commitment to redefining modern airway-oriented dentistry.
Dr. Christian Leonhardt
Represents modern, evidence-based dentistry — functionally driven and practiced interdisciplinarily, combining academic depth with clinical relevance.
Kathrin Falk
Brings strategic thinking, clarity in communication, and the patient perspective — actively shaping the future of airway-oriented dentistry.
Dr. Matthias Müller
Represents precise and responsible dental diagnostics, patient-centered education, and a comprehensive view of function and aesthetics.
Contact
Open Airway GmbH
Johannisbollwerk 19
20459 Hamburg
mail@open-airway.de