The 7 Essential Qualities of High-Performing Airway Teams

By Karese Laguerre, RDH, Myofunctional Therapy Specialist

As a dental professional who has spent years working with practices focused on airway health, I've observed firsthand what separates exceptional airway teams from the rest. The difference isn't just clinical expertise—though that matters—but a combination of qualities that create a synergistic approach to patient care.

If you're building or joining an airway-focused dental practice, here are the seven essential qualities your team needs to truly excel:

1. Interdisciplinary Thinking

High-performing airway teams understand that breathing disorders affect multiple body systems and require collaborative approaches. These teams think beyond traditional dental boundaries, connecting with sleep physicians, ENTs, myofunctional therapists, and other specialists.

What it looks like in practice: Team members regularly participate in cross-disciplinary case discussions, understand medical terminology from adjacent fields, and maintain referral relationships with complementary providers. They can translate complex airway concepts across specialties to create cohesive treatment plans.

2. Observational Excellence

The most successful airway practitioners possess a keen eye for subtle signs and symptoms that others might miss. From detecting slight facial asymmetries to recognizing compensatory breathing patterns, these teams excel at connecting seemingly unrelated symptoms to potential airway issues.

What it looks like in practice: Everyone from the front desk to clinical providers is trained to notice breathing patterns, postural issues, and orofacial characteristics. Documentation systems include comprehensive screening tools that capture these observations systematically.

3. Patient Education Mastery

Airway health often requires significant patient behavior changes and complex treatment plans. The best teams can explain intricate concepts in accessible ways, helping patients understand the connections between breathing disorders and their symptoms—often after years of frustration and failed treatments elsewhere.

What it looks like in practice: The team uses consistent language, visual aids, and metaphors that resonate with patients. They've developed a shared communication approach that helps patients see the bigger picture of their health journey without overwhelming them.

4. Growth Mindset

The field of dental sleep medicine and airway health is rapidly evolving. Top-performing teams embrace continuous learning, regularly updating their knowledge, questioning assumptions, and refining their approach as research advances.

What it looks like in practice: Team members share journal articles, attend conferences together, and participate in regular study clubs. They're comfortable saying "I don't know—let's find out" rather than clinging to outdated approaches.

5. Protocol Precision

While creativity matters, exceptional airway teams operate with consistent, evidence-based protocols. This systematic approach ensures comprehensive care that doesn't miss crucial elements while allowing for personalization when needed.

What it looks like in practice: The practice has clearly documented screening protocols, treatment workflows, and follow-up systems. New team members can quickly integrate because processes are well-defined yet flexible enough to accommodate individual patient needs.

6. Connected Communication

Information sharing is seamless in high-performing airway teams. Patient histories, treatment plans, and progress notes are communicated efficiently between team members, creating a cohesive experience for patients and eliminating knowledge gaps.

What it looks like in practice: Regular team huddles include discussion of airway cases. Documentation is centralized and thorough. Team members feel comfortable asking questions and offering insights regardless of their role.

7. Authentic Passion

Perhaps most importantly, exceptional airway teams share a genuine passion for transforming patients' lives through better breathing. This intrinsic motivation drives them to go beyond surface-level solutions and pursue root causes of dysfunction.

What it looks like in practice: Team members celebrate patient successes together. They can articulate why airway health matters to them personally. The practice culture supports work that might take longer but achieves more profound health outcomes.

Building Your Ideal Airway Team

Finding professionals who embody these qualities isn't easy—they require both specialized knowledge and specific character traits. At Spairing, we've developed a scientific approach to identifying and developing these qualities in dental professionals, then matching them with practices that share their vision and values.

Whether you're a practice owner looking to build a world-class airway team or a dental professional seeking to work in this rewarding specialty, understanding these seven qualities is your first step toward excellence in airway health care.

Karese Laguerre is the founder of Spairing, a specialized staffing and education company focused on creating exceptional airway-focused dental teams. With years of experience in myofunctional therapy and dental team development, she helps practices and professionals create partnerships that advance airway health.

Ready to build your ideal airway team? Contact Spairing today

Are you a dental professional passionate about airway health? Explore opportunities