Obstructive sleep apnea remains widely underdiagnosed despite its significant impact on systemic health. Dentists are uniquely positioned to identify at-risk patients and play a critical role in treatment through oral appliance therapy. This lecture will review the pathophysiology of sleep apnea, key dental screening indicators, and the clinical use of mandibular advancement devices. Attendees will also explore how orthodontic treatment and clear aligner therapy can integrate with dental sleep medicine to support comprehensive patient care.

Course Objectives

• Understand the dentist’s role in screening and managing sleep apnea

• Identify clinical signs and risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea in dental patients

• Explain how mandibular advancement devices improve airway patency

• Integrate orthodontic treatment and dental sleep medicine into a comprehensive treatment plan

Linda Dawli

Lina Dawli RDH, is a speaker and KOL with over 18 years of experience in dentistry. She spent many years working closely with Invisalign providers, developing a strong passion for orthodontics and digital workflows. More recently, she has focused on dental sleep medicine, helping dentists and their teams recognize the important role they play in identifying and managing sleep-disordered breathing. She is passionate about promoting a comprehensive, whole-body approach to treatment planning. Outside of dentistry, she is a foodie and avid traveler.