Millions of people suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The apparent medical implications of this disorder are multiple. Although the most effective treatment for this problem is positive airway pressure (PAP), many patients do not adapt well to this form of therapy. Oral appliance therapy, although less effective, is a more easily tolerated treatment.
The integration of sleep medicine and oral appliance services presents an innovative new approach to treating sleep apnea. As physicians and dentists consider the oral appliance treatment alternative, questions abound. What are the patient management and insurance ramifications? What specific clinical expertise is required? How do dentists and physicians integrate diagnostic and treatment protocol and procedures?
The Medical Dental Guild’s new Sleep Medicine and Oral Appliance Therapy manual provides physicians and dentists essential, concise information as they consider adding oral appliance therapy services to their existing practices. To optimize the use and effectiveness, the practitioner must be adequately informed. Sleep Medicine and Oral Appliance Therapy breaks down bureaucratic and clinical conundrums allowing successful integration of new technologies and services.
The field of sleep medicine presents a unique opportunity for physicians and dentists. With the help of the Medical Dental Guild, providers can explore this new opportunity with the confidence that comes from comprehensive understanding.