Integrating Screening for Sleep Apnea into Your Dental Practice-Measuring Neck Circumference Demonstration

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Dr. Gordon Bell demonstrates a method to measure neck circumference accurately. Neck circumference is crucial in screening for sleep disordered breathing and as a baseline measurement for patients with oral appliance therapy. Men with a neck circumference of over 17 inches and women with over 15 inches have a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Bell explains the process of measuring the neck circumference, including identifying anatomical landmarks like the thyroid cartilage, hyoid bone, and cricoid cartilage. He also emphasizes the importance of standardizing the measurement process in dental clinics for accuracy and reproducibility. The video concludes by highlighting the value of neck circumference data in collaboration with patients' physicians. Dr. Bell thanks viewers for watching.

Keywords

neck circumference

sleep disordered breathing

oral appliance therapy

obstructive sleep apnea

measurement process