The Dentist’s Role in Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Screening, Referral, and Treatment
Speaker: Neetu Bansal, BDS, DMD, CAGS, MS
Event Overview: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a common but frequently underdiagnosed condition that dentists are uniquely positioned to help identify. Because patients often see their dentist more regularly than their physician, the dental team can play a pivotal role in early recognition and referral.
This course reviews the essential terminology, epidemiology, risk factors, and comorbidities associated with SDB, with a focus on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Attendees will learn practical, chairside screening tools to identify at-risk patients, understand when and how to refer to a sleep physician, and explore the range of treatment options—including oral appliance therapy—available to help patients with SDB. The course also addresses the most common side effects of sleep appliances and evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage them.