Special Article 1, Issue 13.1
Perspective on Recent Committees and Task Force Accomplishments That Have Helped Advance the Goals of the AADSM
http://dx.doi.org/10.15331/jdsm.7420Disclaimer: The use, mention or depiction of any product, device, service or appliance shall not be interpreted as an endorsement, recommendation or preference by the AADSM. Any opinion expressed is solely the opinion of the individual, and not that of the AADSM.
The AADSM relies on volunteer committees and task forces to move its strategic initiatives forward. We recently asked the chairs of these groups to give insights into what they are most proud of. Here is what they had to say:
WHAT RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM YOUR COMMITTEE OR TASK FORCE WOULD YOU LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT THAT HAVE HELPED ADVANCE THE GOALS OF THE AADSM?
Academic Dental Sleep Medicine Council Steering Committee - Tanya Al-Talib, DDS, MSc.O
The Academic Dental Sleep Medicine Council Steering Committee has been making significant efforts to introduce dental sleep medicine to dental programs and dental hygiene programs. We have 4 scheduled dates in 2026 for regional webinars offered to dental schools and dental hygiene schools.
The Academic Dental Sleep Medicine Council Steering Committee is also reviewing the screening bundle and compiling information on the screening tools currently being used in various dental schools. This effort will greatly assist in developing resources for faculty in dental institutions should the CODA standards be approved.
AADSM Mastery Program Committee - Rubina Nguyen, DDS
The AADSM Mastery Committee is focused on strengthening key components of the Mastery Program to support high-quality, evidence-based training in dental sleep medicine. Recent work has centered on creating new and updated assessment questions for the lecture modules. These improvements are intended to help learners evaluate their understanding more deeply, reinforce essential clinical principles, and prepare for the ABDSM exam as they work toward Diplomate status.
In the coming months, the committee will begin contributing to the development of a practice exam to provide Mastery participants with additional support as they work toward the certification process. The committee will also continue working with the Mastery Program Director to refine program agendas, reading lists, and learning objectives so that future Mastery cohorts receive clear, structured, and up-to-date guidance.
Ongoing responsibilities include reviewing clinical competencies submitted by attendees and evaluating newly recorded lectures to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency across the curriculum. Through these efforts, the committee aims to advance the goals of the AADSM by maintaining a rigorous, current, and learner-centered educational framework that promotes strong clinical preparation and high standards of patient care.
Education Committee - Tanya DeSanto, DDS
The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine has tirelessly worked to be in the forefront of new topics, research and technology. This is paired with working hard collaborating with both medical and dental communities at large.
The recent webinars and podcasts that have come out of the Education Committee have followed this mission and the goals set forth by the demand of our membership. The committee has worked hard listening to the membership and taking direction from our board of directors to keep dental sleep medicine in the forefront of science and at the grass roots level of direct patient care in the clinical settings with our offerings.
The Education Committee hopes to continue to meet this demand and exceed expectations of our membership with these offerings.
Medicare Task Force - Harmeet Chiang, DDS
Recent accomplishments of the Medicare Task Force have directly advanced the AADSM mission to support dentists in treating sleep-disordered breathing and to expand patient access to oral appliance therapy. This year, the committee conducted a detailed analysis of the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule, confirming ongoing DME coverage for oral appliances. This outcome preserves essential access for Medicare beneficiaries and aligns with the AADSM goal of improving patient access to qualified care.
Through collaboration with Hart Health Strategies, the task force proactively evaluated the evolving Medicare landscape, ensuring that the Academy remains informed and able to anticipate regulatory changes. This work strengthens professional standards by helping the organization prepare for future policy shifts that could impact coverage, documentation, or billing requirements.
Additionally, the task force explored potential partnerships with organizations that assist dentists in becoming in-network Medicare providers. Although no decision was made, this review aligns with the AADSM’s goals of increasing member success and strengthening the infrastructure needed for dentists to provide oral appliance therapy more effectively.
Collectively, these efforts demonstrate a sustained commitment to advancing dental sleep medicine, supporting members, and safeguarding patient access to care.
Reimbursement and Practice Management Task Force - Yasmin Chebbi, DMD
The Reimbursement and Practice Management Task Force has created a checklist for each visit that is involved in delivering an oral appliance for a sleep apnea patient. The checklist gives a guide for what materials and steps are needed from initial consultation to delivery and finally follow up and titration. We have also audited multiple new courses from the AADSM, such as the practice management course and the DSM team training course to provide feedback in an effort to continuously improve our educational content for our membership. We have also created a frequently asked questions booklet for reimbursement to guide our membership on insurance reimbursements from prior authorizations to claim submission.
Scientific Committee - Susana Falardo, DMD, PhD
The Scientific Committee and various task forces have significantly advanced the academy's goals through several key accomplishments, particularly in developing evidence-based research topics, fostering inter-professional collaboration, and promoting investigative research.
The Scientific Committee has helped advance the academy by enrolling it in scientific meetings with physicians across the country and with other healthcare providers' academies, clarifying the role of dentists in sleep medicine, improving patient care through evidence-based practice and promoting public health through increased screening for snoring and sleep apnea.
The committee is dedicated to investigating unchartered subjects in research across the globe. This initiative will furnish the academy with a range of subjects for exploration in the continuing education program and during the annual meeting. The Scientific Committee also plays an important role in evaluating and selecting poster abstracts to be presented at the annual meeting, as well as selecting the best awards and evaluating grants for research and investigation.
These accomplishments underscore the Scientific Committee’s pivotal role. They establish evidence-based practices. They also drive research. And they position the AADSM as a leader. This leader is in the integrated medical and dental management of sleep-disordered breathing.
