Dentists play an important role in the treatment of Sleep Related Breathing Disorders (SRBD). Common SRBD include snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA can be associated with a number of serious consequences and can be life-threatening.
Screening and referral
-Dentists are well positioned to identify patients at greater risk of SRBD as part of a comprehensive medical and dental history and through clinical examination. Adults and children who are determined to be at risk through screening are referred for diagnosis.
Provide and monitor oral appliance therapy as part of treatment team
-Mandibular advancement devices are appropriate for use to treat mild and moderate sleep apnea, and for patients who can't or won't tolerate CPAP.
Monitor and treat potential side effects
-Dentists who are treating snoring or OSA with an oral appliance should evaluate the patient for the appropriateness of fabricating an oral appliance. Dentists treating SRBD with OAT should be capable of recognizing and managing the potential side effects and should be able to titrate the appliance for optimal success. Follow-up is required.
Special training
-Dentists treating SRBD should continually update their knowledge and training of dental sleep medicine with related continuing education.
American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
www.aadsm.org/patientresources.aspx
The Role of Dentistry in the Treatment of Sleep Related Breathing Disorders
Adopted by ADA’s 2017 House of Delegates
https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Member%20Center/FIles/The-Role-of-Dentistry-in-Sleep-Related-Breathing-Disorders.pdf?la=en