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Eric W Howard DMD, PhD

Dr. Howard has been providing Orthodontic care in Lancaster since 2002. In addition, he is involved in teaching

and research at the University of Pennsylvania where he instructs Orthodontic Residents. A pioneer in the use of

TAD-anchored expanders in skeletally mature patients, Dr. Howard is exploring the effects of maxillary skeletal

expansion on sleep disordered breathing. Recently, he completed the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

(AADSM) Mastery Program to gain understanding of the dentist’s role in treating patients with sleep related

breathing disorders (SRBD).

Why is sleep so important and what treatment can the dentist provide to improve it?

In 2017 and 2019 the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists each published

guidelines for the care of patients with SRBD. Not surprisingly, both groups conclude that it is our obligation as

dentists to recognize and, when appropriate, refer patients with SRBD symptoms. This course will review signs and

symptoms so that we can recognize SRBD in our patients. We will explore recent advances in dental sleep medicine

treatments and consider skeletal expansion and oral appliance therapy (OAT) in the management of obstructive sleep

apnea (OSA). Finally, we will review sleep study metrics for diagnosis and monitoring of clinical outcomes to

ensure efficacy of our clinical care.

- 3 Course Objectives

1. Recognize SRBD in your patient population and when a referral is indicated

2. Understand the importance of sleep testing in diagnosis and validation of treatment

3. Realize the complexity of the SRBD diagnosis and the need for team care to best treat our patients

Title: Management of Airway Issues from a Pediatric Dental Perspective

Course objectives:

This lecture will review medical and dental considerations when treating infants and children with

challenging airways. Content will focus on practical issues that affect patients with medical conditions

including asthma, ADHD, sleep apnea, premature birth, facial clefting, and craniofacial syndromes.

I. Understand the importance of multidisciplinary, team-based care of the craniofacial patient

and those with airway anomalies

II. Describe the evaluation, diagnosis and management of pediatric airway anomalies and how

they relate to safe dental care

III. Discuss the pros, cons and controversies regarding interceptive dental and orthodontic care

for children with airway anomalies

Speaker:

Elizabeth Prada, DMD, MPH

Dr. Prada serves as the Executive Director and Pediatric Dentist at the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic

(LCPC), a nonprofit organization in Lancaster City. LCPC provides medical, dental and allied health

services to infants, children and adults with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other craniofacial conditions. Dr.

Prada treats children and young adults with special health care needs and accepts referrals from

throughout Central Pennsylvania. Her services include preventive and restorative care, behavior

management, sedation, minor oral surgery, interceptive orthodontics and hospital dentistry. She

maintains hospital privileges in the Department of Surgery at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital and

Penn Medicine – Lancaster General Health.

Dr. Prada received a BA in Biology and Public Policy from Duke University in Durham, NC. She completed

dental school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 2006. Following dental

school, she pursued residency training in pediatric dentistry at the UNC School of Dentistry in Chapel

Hill, NC. In 2008, she received a master’s degree in public health from the UNC Gillings School of Global

Public Health with a concentration in health policy and management. She holds Fellow status with the

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and is Board Certified. She is also a member of the American

Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association. Dr. Prada participates on the review board for the Cleft Palate

Craniofacial Journal for dental, ethics and public health content.

In her health care executive role, Dr. Prada works with the board of directors at the Lancaster Cleft

Palate Clinic to oversee financial management, operations, development, marketing and

communications. Outside of the office, she enjoys photography and travel. She is married, has two sons

and a dog.