Meet Your Speakers

Dr. Clemens Paffenholz

M.Sc. Orthodontics

Dr. Clemens Paffenholz is a Germany-based orthodontic and restorative dental clinician known for his airway-focused and function-driven approach to patient care. Practicing at Zahnärzte am Perlach in Augsburg, Germany, he integrates digital orthodontics, aligner therapy, restorative principles, and interdisciplinary airway concepts to support long-term functional stability and optimal patient outcomes.

Dr. Paffenholz began his career with a 3-year training program as a Dental Technician in Cologne, Germany, before completing his dental studies at the University of Freiburg in Freiburg, Germany. He continued his advanced clinical education through extensive post-graduate training, including becoming a Master Clinician in Periodontology and Implant Therapy through the Hürzeler/Zuhr program in Munich, Germany. He is also a Kois Center Graduate in Seattle, USA, and earned a Master of Science in Orthodontics.

Passionate about early interceptive treatment and the relationship between airway health, craniofacial growth, breathing, and overall function, Dr. Paffenholz is recognized internationally for his interdisciplinary and airway-centered approach to care.

He is the Co-Founder of the Vienna Airway Congress and an international speaker, lecturing throughout Europe and internationally on airway-centered care, digital dentistry, growth and development, orthodontics, and interdisciplinary treatment planning.

Renata Nehme, RDH, BSDH, COM®

Certified Orofacial Myologist

Renata Nehme is a distinguished educator, mentor, and specialist in Orofacial Myology. With extensive clinical experience and a passion for improving patient care, she has treated over 900 patients with Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders across more than 42 countries. Renata has spoken internationally on a range of topics including sleep-disordered breathing, sleep surgery rehabilitation, orofacial myofunctional therapy treatment protocols, and screening for orofacial myofunctional disorders.

In 2021, Renata founded Airway Circle, an online airway study club for healthcare professionals. This platform has enabled her to mentor over 70 myofunctional therapists through the advanced professional development course, Myo Circle, alongside other dedicated Airway Circle Board Members.

Renata's commitment to ongoing professional education and steadfast efforts to raise awareness of and advance the body of knowledge pertaining to airway health orofacial myofunctional disorders position her as a leader in this ever-evolving specialized area of study.

Dr. Abbey Gonzales

General Dentist

Dr. Abbey Gonzales is a passionate, airway-focused dentist and founder of Opal Dental Studio, dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care rooted in education, prevention, and whole-body health. Inspired by her family’s journey and her mother’s determination to prioritize oral health, Dr. Gonzales combines her background in intercultural healthcare, public health, and dentistry to create meaningful patient experiences built on trust and empowerment.

Fluent in Tagalog, Spanish, and English, she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry and is Kois-trained, with continued advanced education in esthetics, restorative dentistry, airway-focused care, and comprehensive interdisciplinary treatment. Dr. Gonzales is an active member of several professional organizations and is deeply committed to mentorship, service, and lifelong learning.

Dr. Gonzales will also serve as the host of Airway Aware, a collaborative educational event focused on early interceptive airway assessment and treatment, bringing together providers who are passionate about functional, interdisciplinary care. Outside the office, she is an Ironman athlete, marathon runner, traveler, musician, and dedicated advocate for giving back to her community.

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