Special Article 3, Issue 13.2
Perspectives on Building Collaborative Relationships with Medical Providers Prescribing GLP-1s for Weight Loss and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
http://dx.doi.org/10.15331/jdsm.7438
Disclaimer: 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.As the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists continues to expand for the treatment of weight loss and obstructive sleep apnea, many members are seeking guidance on how to build effective, collaborative relationships with the medical providers prescribing these medications. The AADSM recently invited Drs. Wallace and DeSanto to share insights from their experiences. Here’s what they had to say:
WHAT GUIDANCE WOULD YOU OFFER MEMBERS SEEKING TO ESTABLISH COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH MEDICAL PROVIDERS WHO ARE PRESCRIBING GLP-1S FOR WEIGHT LOSS OR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA?
The rapid expansion of GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy—particularly agents such as semaglutide and tirzepatide—has reshaped obesity management and introduced a new dimension to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) care. With FDA approval of tirzepatide (Zepbound) for moderate-to-severe OSA in adults with obesity, dental sleep medicine now intersects directly with pharmacologic therapy.
For members of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, this represents a strategic opportunity for structured collaboration—not competition. GLP-1 medications reduce adiposity and systemic inflammatory burden, potentially lowering AHI over time. Oral appliance therapy (OAT), however, provides immediate mechanical stabilization of the upper airway. These interventions address distinct pathophysiologic drivers and may be synergistic.
AADSM clinicians should proactively engage obesity medicine physicians, endocrinologists, primary care providers, and sleep specialists through formal co-management protocols. Shared data—baseline AHI, BMI, weight trajectory, objective OAT adherence, and follow-up sleep testing—enhances longitudinal outcome tracking and cardiometabolic risk assessment.
Importantly, significant weight loss may alter appliance fit and titration requirements, warranting scheduled reassessment. Residual OSA is common even after substantial weight reduction, reinforcing the ongoing role of dental sleep medicine.
By positioning OAT as a complementary structural therapy within a broader metabolic framework, AADSM members can strengthen interdisciplinary credibility and improve comprehensive patient outcomes.
Kevin Wallace, DMD
Collaborative relationships with medical providers prescribing GLP-1s are most effective when centered on long-term patient outcomes rather than short-term weight changes. At Prairie Sleep Center, we refer patients to a local weight-loss clinic when appropriate while maintaining responsibility for sleep-related evaluation and follow-up.
AADSM clinicians should align on expectations early. While GLP-1 therapy may improve symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, it does not confirm disease resolution. Follow-up sleep studies and clinical reassessment remain essential. Dental sleep providers should also recognize that significant weight loss can affect oral appliance fit and may require adjustments or replacement.
Practical collaboration relies on efficient communication. Shared referral protocols, concise clinical updates, and clear documentation help avoid fragmented care. Ongoing dialogue ensures that changes in weight, symptoms, or treatment response are addressed proactively rather than reactively.
When providers recognize GLP-1 therapy as part of a multidisciplinary care model, patients benefit from coordinated treatment plans that adapt over time and support sustained therapeutic success.
Tanya DeSanto, DDS
