ADA Adopts Policy on Dentist's Role in Treating OSA

In the Fall, the ADA issued a policy statement addressing the dentist’s role in sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD). Emphasizing that dentists are the only healthcare provider with the knowledge and expertise to provide oral appliance therapy (OAT), the policy outlines dentists’ responsibilities including:

• Assessing a patient’s risk for SRBD as part of a comprehensive medical and dental history.


• Referring affected patients to appropriate physicians.


• Evaluating the appropriateness of OAT as prescribed by a physician and providing OAT for mild and moderate sleep apnea when a patient doesn’t tolerate a CPAP device.


• Recognizing and managing OAT side effects.


• Continually updating their own dental sleep medicine knowledge and training.


• Communicating patients’ treatment progress with the referring physician and other healthcare...
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