American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

COVID-19 Update

The ADA and some state dental associations are recommending dentists postpone elective procedures for the next three weeks to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Many members have reached out to the AADSM asking whether providing oral appliance therapy is considered emergency dental care given that it treats a medical disorder, opens the airway and may be an option for patients with COVID-19 when PAP therapy is not recommended. 

Decisions to provide oral appliance therapy must be made on a case-by-case basis. Both the dentist and patient must assess and completely understand the potential risks and associated consequences and agree to accept both before providing oral appliance therapy, especially those related to the potential spread of COVID-19. 

The AADSM encourages dentists to make well-informed decisions, in consultation with their patients, when determining whether to provide OAT. 

Links to some resources are included below for your information.

Telehealth Services for Dental Sleep Medicine Practices

The AADSM has created an informational webpage for dentists who seek additional information about the use of telehealth to provide oral appliance therapy. Telehealth is particularly relevant with efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Beyond the current pandemic, telehealth should be considered as a service that could benefit your practice and patients.​ Learn more by visiting aadsm.org/telehealth.

For Dentists with Closed Practices:

If your office is closed due to COVID-19, be sure to take the appropriate steps to inform patients of the closure or of alternative options.
 
  • Prepare a notification of office closure for patients
    • The California Dental Association has created a sample notification of office closure. You can view it here.
    • The ADA has also created a sample notification. You can view it here.
  • Learn more about staff pay or other economic issues in the event of closing
    • Check your local state dental association’s page for information that is specific to your state laws and relief options for small business, such as dental practices.