Abstract

Personalized and Patient-Centered Approach to OSA Treatment

by Palomo J. Martin

With more than 80 respiratory disorders, the dentist can play a big role helping children and adults, specially regarding Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This presentation will show how the dentist can help identify and manage OSA in pediatric and adult patients, the difference between treatment and management, the potential effects or orthodontic treatment, and possible solutions. The risk assessment and management of sleep apnea can be taken to new levels by using technology such as smart oximeters, pulse and heart rate monitors, that use artificial intelligence to assess sleep quality. The latest technology comes in the shape of rings, bracelets, patches, and smartwatches, and can be used for risk assessment, but also outcome assessment for different procedures such as expansion, and titration of oral appliances for the management of sleep apnea. Other technologies include smartphone apps that use the microphone for quantitative and qualitative snore assessment, as well as the proprioceptive screen capabilities, for myotherapeutic exercises. As healthcare providers, there is a lot more that we can do to our patients, but this does not mean that it need to interfere with the efficiency and the practice flow already in place.

Learning Objectives

After this lecture, you will be able to incorporate OSA risk assessment in a busy office.
After this lecture, you will be able to understand the role a dentist may play when dealing with OSA patients.
After this lecture, you will be able to learn how to use the latest technologies to objectively adjust, titrate, and find the ideal position for an oral appliance used in the management of sleep apnea.