This course offers a comprehensive look at the full journey of a sleep apnea patient within the dental setting—from first signs to successful treatment and long-term care. Participants will follow a typical case from the initial stages of screening and diagnosis for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), all the way through to the delivery and adjustment of oral appliance therapy. The curriculum also covers how to manage potential complications, ensure proper follow-up, and maintain patient comfort and compliance throughout treatment.
Beyond clinical care, the course dives into the essential business side of Dental Sleep Medicine. Dentists will learn how to navigate medical billing for oral appliances, foster referrals from physicians, and build a sustainable dental sleep medicine program within their practices.
Participants Will Learn:
- The fundamentals of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- How to screen patients and confirm diagnosis using Home Sleep Tests (HST)
- Selection, fabrication, and delivery of oral appliance therapy (OAT), including how to address and prevent complications
- Key business strategies to implement dental sleep medicine successfully, including billing and building physician partnerships
Jonathan Ford, DDS
Dr. Jonathan Ford is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and serves as Resident Faculty at CDOCS, where he trains dental professionals on the practical integration of dental sleep medicine into clinical practice. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine with honors in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Dr. Ford has lectured at major medical and dental conferences, emphasizing the connection between oral health and overall health. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and the Orange County Dental Society. His focus is on delivering patient-centered care while equipping dental teams with the tools and knowledge to expand their services through dental sleep medicine.
Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are custom oral appliances used to treat OSA by gently shifting the lower jaw forward, helping to open the airway. They are effective for many patients with mild to moderate OSA, especially those who are CPAP-intolerant.
- Mechanism: Forward jaw positioning enlarges airway space and reduces obstruction.
- Types: One-piece (fixed) or two-piece (adjustable) devices.
- Success Rate: ~70% reduction in severity; ~30% full symptom resolution in mild-moderate OSA.
- Indications: Mild-moderate OSA, CPAP-intolerant, some severe cases.
- Contraindications: Insufficient teeth, TMJ issues, severe perio, central sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated airway blockages during sleep. Dentists play a pivotal role in treatment using oral appliances like MADs. These devices improve airflow, reduce snoring, and help patients experience restorative sleep. While CPAP remains the gold standard, many patients prefer MADs for their comfort and compliance rate.
Other options include:
- Tongue-Stabilizing Devices (TSDs): Hold the tongue forward using suction.
- Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME): Mainly for children to increase airway volume.
- Tongue Muscle Stimulation: A newer approach aimed at strengthening airway muscles.
Comprehensive training is essential to deliver effective OSA therapy through dental practices. Dentists can choose from a range of pathways:
- AADSM Mastery Program: From screening to delivery, this foundational series leads to “Qualified Dentist” status.
- Mini-Residencies: Offered at institutions like UCLA and University of Michigan, these programs offer 100+ CE hours.
- Live CE Seminars: Provided by Sleep Group Solutions and AAFE, offering hands-on clinical insight.
Training typically includes:
- Screening protocols (e.g., STOP-BANG)
- HST usage and interpretation
- Custom appliance impressions and delivery
- Insurance navigation and medical billing
- Collaborating with sleep physicians
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