We recently connected with Liz Turner and have shared our conversation below.
Liz, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
My journey from general dentist to airway and lip and tongue-tie expert began with my own son’s experience. After a simple tongue-tie release procedure, I witnessed firsthand how it positively impacted his ability to thrive. From that moment, I became deeply interested in how the mouth connects to the rest of the body.
With over a decade of experience as a dentist, I’ve treated many patients and have repeatedly seen the link between their airway development and overall health. It amazes me how adjusting something as fundamental as breathing can clear up obstructions and improve well-being.
Raising awareness about airway and sleep disorders and addressing their root causes was the driving force behind creating Bloom Center for Sleep and Airway Health, which now goes by the name Untethered Airway Health Center. It’s also why I have clocked countless hours in continuing education courses and advanced training. My goal is to help you breathe better, smile brighter, and live your healthiest life.
Liz, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I grew up in a small coastal town in Maine and completed my dental education in Boston at Tufts University. My love for the mountains and Western skies truly took root after post-graduate studies at the University of New Mexico. Since then, I’ve dedicated hundreds of hours to continuing education, focusing on the connections between the mouth and the rest of the body. My learning spans everything from nutrition to sleep and breathing! I’m committed to staying on the cutting edge of techniques, technology, and evidence-based research.
My passion for airway development and treating infant lip and tongue ties began with my own son. Seeing him thrive immediately after a simple tongue-tie release opened my eyes to how transformative these treatments can be. I now lead Untethered Airway Health Centers (formerly Bloom Center for Sleep and Airway Health), where I work with infants to help them thrive, support children’s facial growth and overall development, and assist adults in overcoming the lifelong symptoms of breathing-related sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve continued to think outside of the traditional dentistry box that can be so difficult to escape. Despite pushback from many health providers who discredit the work of tongue-tie professionals, you’ll still find me educating everyday inside my practice and online in front of followers who are eager to learn about airway health.
I enjoy being a guest on podcasts and frequently teach courses to educate both families and fellow dentists about tongue and lip ties. As a certified Invisalign provider and a holder of a certificate in Laser Dentistry from the American Board of Laser Surgery, I also serve as visiting faculty at Spear Education in Phoenix, AZ. My additional training includes cosmetic dentistry, biomimetic/minimally invasive dentistry, dental implants, family dentistry, Invisalign, occlusion and TMD, root canals, soft tissue grafting, oral surgery, and dental sleep medicine.
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my two kids, my husband, and our pug, Bucky. I’m a fan of running, sipping coffee, and traveling with friends and family!
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Beyond formal training, I believe that our businesses’ success comes from a genuine passion for patient care and the ability to connect with people on a personal level. In functional and airway-focused dentistry, building trust with patients is essential because many of the treatments require ongoing education and collaboration. It’s also important to stay curious and adaptable, as the field is always evolving. I find that having a “big picture” mindset—considering the patient’s overall well-being, not just their dental health—has been key in providing the best care.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Managing a team well starts with clear communication and creating an environment where everyone feels valued. I prioritize transparency and make sure to listen to my team’s concerns and ideas. It’s important to acknowledge everyone’s contributions and celebrate successes, big or small, to keep morale high. I also believe in encouraging continuous learning and personal growth within the team. By fostering a supportive, collaborative atmosphere, it helps the entire practice run smoothly and keeps the energy positive. Plus, I’m not afraid to have a bit of fun!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://balanceddentalstudio.com
- Instagram: @drlizzzt
