From Aligners to Airway: Expanding Your Impact in Sleep Apnea Care
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