Dr. Luke Bauserman: Dental Sleep, TMJ & Photobiomodulation—From Chairside Wins to Scalable Care

In this episode of Innovators of Health, Dr. Luke Bauserman traces his path from historian to dentist and sleep-medicine leader—and why that lens pushed him to integrate photobiomodulation (red/NIR light) alongside oral appliance therapy for TMJ and airway patients. He shares how PBM fits into dental workflows (pre/post-procedure, targeted dosing, clinic-to-home kits), the outcomes he’s seeing in pain, mobility, and recovery, and where light therapy complements modern dentistry—from TMJ and myofunctional care to general wellness. Dr. Bauserman closes with practical advice for clinicians who want evidence, protocols, and adoption strategies that improve patient results and create a sustainable cash-pay line.

Takeaways

🧭 Unconventional Path → Clear Vision: A historian’s mindset drives evidence, integration, and patient-first dentistry.

😴 Dental Sleep Focus: COVID-era pivot sharpened emphasis on airway/TMJ and oral appliance therapy.

🔴 PBM as a Force Multiplier: Red/NIR light layered with TMJ care improves pain, function, and recovery.

🦷 Workflow Friendly: Short, repeatable PBM sessions fit pre/post chair time and extend to home use.

📈 Outcomes that Matter: Patients report less pain, better mobility, and faster return to function.

🧠 Beyond Dentistry: PBM supports broader wellness when paired with behavior and sleep hygiene.

📚 Read the Literature: Clinicians should engage the PBM evidence and dosing guidance before deploying.

🔁 Daily, Dosed, Consistent: Routine use (clinic + home) enhances healing and adherence.

🤝 Empowered Patients: Accessible tools let patients participate in their own recovery.

💼 Scalable & Cash-Pay: PBM adds value—and revenue—without adding more visits.

This Innovators of Health Podcast is Hosted by Jaydev Karande and Dr. Rahul Desai.

Watch all of our Innovators of Health Video Episodes at:

https://www.youtube.com/@InnovatorsofHealth

Learn more at Red Light Therapy at redvivehealth.org