Continental Who's Who

Eric J. Coontz

Eric J. Coontz, D.D.S., M.S., is recognized by Continental Who’s Who as Professional of The Year in the field of Dentistry in recognition of his role as Dentist for Koala Center for Sleep Disorders. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Koala Center for Sleep Disorders mission is to, “help you sleep better than you ever have before so you can enjoy life to the fullest.” Dedicated to offering their clients quality customer service at the fraction of the cost, the center specializes in offering services in regards to sleep apnea, snoring, TMJ disorder, fatigue, wellness and more. Utilizing the latest advancements in medical technology, the center ensures that their patients receive the eminent care that they deserve. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Dr. Coontz attained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and Natural Sciences at Assumption College in Worcester and graduated Cum Laude. Having always been inspired to go into the medical field, Dr. Coontz wanted to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, who was a successful general surgeon in Worcester, and one of the founders of St. Vincent’s Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts. Later, Dr. Coontz decided to pursue graduate study in Anatomy at St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. While there, he taught medical students head and neck anatomy. Dr. Coontz then decided to pursue a career in dentistry due to his interest in head and neck anatomy. Throughout the course of his education and training, Dr. Coontz graduated from Loyola University School of Dentistry in Chicago where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Upon graduation, Dr. Coontz spent the next three years on active duty as a general dentist in the U. S. Army. Thereafter, Dr. Coontz completed his residency in periodontics from Loyola University School of Dentistry. Furthermore, Dr. Coontz completed a Master of Science degree in Oral Biology and has practiced in both the public health sector and private practice with the Indian Health Service and the Veterans Health Administration. One of the first periodontists to be certified in the use of the carbon dioxide laser in periodontal surgery in the early 1980s, Dr. Coontz introduced the Indian Health Service to lasers and CAD/CAM dentistry, bringing these technologies to the Zuni Public Health Service in Zuni, NM, and the first in the Indian Health Service. Following his work in the Indian Health Service, Dr. Coontz completed his career in public health at the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center as the Chief of the Dental Service. He directed a staff of 35 who provided comprehensive dental care to a medically compromised patient population. Having struggled with severe obstructive sleep apnea for over 15 years, Dr. Coontz suffered a heart attack in 2013. It is believed that his OSA contributed to his heart attack. This attack was a turning point for Dr. Coontz, at which time, he immersed himself in the study of sleep disordered breathing. Upon retiring the VA in 2015, he decided to continue his career in the private sector focusing on the treatment of OSA with oral appliances, as well as temporomandibular joint disease, which oftentimes afflicts the patient at the same time as their OSA. Dr. Coontz also is an adjunct faculty member at the University of New Mexico. To further his professional development, Dr. Coontz is an affiliate of several organizations including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Sleep and Breathing Academy, the American Academy of Physiologic Medicine and Dentistry, the Academy of Sleep Disorders Disciplines, the International Academy of Physiologic Aesthetics and the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. Additionally, Dr. Coontz devotes at least 100 hours to continuing education per year. When asked his advice to newcomers in the industry, Dr. Coontz notes the importance of being “persistent” and developing, “relationships with sleep disorder specialists.” Dr. Coontz stresses that “helping patients with sleep-disordered breathing is a team effort.”In his current capacity, Dr. Coontz is equipped in assisting patients of all ages with proper breathing using a dental approach by ensuring the patient’s oral-pharyngeal airway is functioning properly and breathing techniques are appropriate. To this end, he has incorporated oral-myofunctional and orthotropic therapy to assist in airway and facial development. When he is not working, Dr. Coontz enjoys photography, reading and traveling with family to exotic lands – while embracing all that different cultures offer. Dr.Coontz dedicates this recognition to Tom Meade, D.D.S., an internationally known pioneer in dental sleep medicine. For more information, visit www.abqsleep.com.