Integrating Screening for Sleep Apnea into Your Dental Practice-Screening for SRBDs

Screening for SRBDs - The "How" Slides

Pdf Summary

This document is a summary of a lecture titled "Screening For Sleep Related Breathing Disorders" by Christopher D. Hart, a dentist with expertise in dental sleep medicine. The lecture provides an overview of the screening process for identifying sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) and emphasizes the importance of a team approach involving dental assistants, hygienists, and other practice team members.<br /><br />The lecture highlights the need for effective and efficient screening methods, such as screening questions or forms and a clinical examination. Various screening forms, such as Epworth and STOP BANG, are mentioned as tools that can be used to gather information about potential SRBDs.<br /><br />The clinical examination includes assessing indicators such as Mallampati score, erosion, attrition, boney architecture, crowding, narrow arches, tongue characteristics, and other signs that may suggest the presence of an SRBD. The importance of recordkeeping and documentation is emphasized, as well as the need for referrals to specialists such as sleep physicians, ENTs, and dentists trained in treating sleep disorders.<br /><br />The lecture also addresses the unique considerations for screening and treating pediatric patients with SRBDs, including distinguishing signs and symptoms, referral options, and treatment approaches. The importance of early intervention and the potential impact on a child's behavior, development, and overall health are emphasized.<br /><br />The lecture concludes by highlighting the positive outcomes that can result from treating SRBDs, such as improved sleep quality, increased energy levels, and better overall health. The importance of teamwork, ongoing education, and accessing resources provided by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) are emphasized.<br /><br />Overall, this lecture serves as a guide for dental practitioners and their teams in effectively screening and identifying patients with SRBDs and providing appropriate referrals and treatment options.

Keywords

Screening

Sleep Related Breathing Disorders

Team Approach

Screening Methods

Epworth

STOP BANG

Clinical Examination

Indicators

Recordkeeping

Pediatric Patients