Pioneering Dental Sleep Medicine: A Conversation with David Gergen, Champion for Airway Health and NFL Veterans

Interview by Christopher Kleiner

with David Gergen, Executive Director of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy

Founder, Gergen’s Orthodontic Laboratory

Leadership in Dental Sleep Medicine: Insights from David Gergen

In my recent discussion with David Gergen, Executive Director of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA), I gained first hand perspective on the innovations, leaders, and future of dental sleep medicine. Gergen, also the founder of Gergen’s Orthodontic Laboratory, is recognized worldwide for producing some of the highest-quality dental sleep appliances in the field.

Here are the individuals Gergen credits as key leaders shaping the future of airway-centered dentistry:

• Dr. Tim Adams – Master clinician and educator of the Open Loop Cricket Appliance, advancing craniofacial development and airway science
• Dr. Jerry Hu – Herbst appliance authority known for consistently reducing AHI scores to near zero, while helping clinicians avoid unnecessary costs
• Dr. Felix Liao – Founder of the STA Appliance, bridging whole-body health with airway-focused orthodontics
• Dr. John Caulfield – Leading provider and trainer for the Vivos system and guided pediatric expansion
• Dr. Toshi Hart – Pediatric sleep medicine expert specializing in airway and craniofacial development for children

A Historic Milestone in Dental Sleep Innovation

Gergen’s work helped bring the Herbst appliance to the national spotlight. Through a strategic campaign of clinical demonstration and insurance advocacy, he was instrumental in achieving primary insurance reimbursement — and later Medicare coverage — for the Herbst appliance. Today, it remains the only dental sleep appliance covered by Medicare, a legacy-defining moment for the profession.

Influence in Policy and High-Level Treatment

Gergen’s early collaboration with Elliot Alfer in Washington, D.C. resulted in widespread recognition and adoption of the Herbst appliance by: 

• Mark Brnovich, Former Arizona Attorney General
• Congressman Marty Russo
• Nate Gingrich along with many other politicians
• Dozens of Celebrities from around the country
• Countless Professional Athletes from all aspects of sports. NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, and many more
• And Multiple Presidents of the United States

Now, Gergen serves as an Ambassador to the U.S. Administration for VA Reform, working alongside national leaders like Dr. Patrice Reyes to expand dental sleep access to American veterans.

Exclusive Opportunities Through ASBA

During our interview, Gergen highlighted that only ASBA-certified doctors are eligible for a suite of elite programs and partnerships:

• Collaborate with the NFL Players Association on dental sleep care
• Participate in Mayo Clinic sleep apnea research for retired athletes
• Access enhanced reimbursement through the VA
• Be selected to work with the NFL directly
• Learn about the hottest appliance sweeping America, The Open Loop Cricket under Dr. Tim Adams
• Train with Dr. Jerry Hu on Herbst protocols that consistently achieve elite clinical results
• Master the STA Appliance with Dr. Felix Liao
• Explore Vivos appliance expansion with guidance from Dr. John Caufield
• Perform advanced aligner case planning with Dr. Francisco through G Force Aligners
• Learn some of the most comprehensive training from the best recognized sleep doctors in the industry.

Serving the NFL’s Retired Heroes

As a former player and lifelong football fan, David Gergen saw a hidden crisis: retired NFL athletes were silently suffering from untreated obstructive sleep apnea. He explained how years of athletic training often thickens the neck muscles, narrowing the airway and increasing apnea risk as players age.

In 2009, Gergen and Dr. Harry Sugg began treating former players nationwide — at no cost to them. They fully funded the care themselves, driven by a shared mission to protect the health of these athletes.

One of their most impactful cases came when former lineman Derrick Kennard reached out. Hall of Fame Cardinals receiver Roy Green had endured:

• Two heart attacks
• One stroke
• A kidney transplant

Gergen flew to the Mayo Clinic, where Green was hospitalized, and began treatment immediately.

Since starting oral appliance therapy for his sleep apnea, Roy Green has not experienced another heart attack, proving the life-saving potential of timely dental sleep care.

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Closing Remarks and Why you should join the ASBA

You should join The American Sleep and Breathing Academy for a multitude of reasons, including:

Learn some of the most comprehensive training from the best recognized sleep doctors in the industry.

Learn how to lower the AHI scores using the most tried and true methods.

Receive referrals from the VA to treat former Service Members.