Advocating for DSM

On November 2, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine organized a multi-organizational meeting entitled “Establishing a Shared Vision for Dentistry and its Role in Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders” that also included participants from the:

•  American Dental Association
• American Association of Orthodontists
• American Academy of Orofacial Pain
• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• American College of Prosthodontists
• American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• American Association of Public Health Dentistry

This summit focused on the role of dentists in addressing the public health burden of obstructive sleep apnea. Discussion addressed how organized dentistry can provide guidance on emerging treatments for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, encourage dentists to screen for obstructive sleep apnea, and promote patient safety by ensuring that oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring is provided by providers with appropriate training and experience.
The group developed multiple recommendations and is looking forward to working together to advancing these initiatives to ensure patients with obstructive sleep apnea and snoring seek diagnosis from a physician and are effectively treated to improve their overall health and wellness.