Tools and Templates-OAT Fact Sheet for Physicians

Pdf Summary
The 2019 American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine document highlights Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) as a credible and effective treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This therapy should be considered among options for patients needing OSA treatment. OAT effectively reduces the Apnea-Hypopnea Index and the respiratory disturbance index, showing comparable effectiveness to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) even for moderate-to-severe cases. <br /><br />OAT provides numerous health benefits akin to CPAP, such as lowering cardiovascular mortality risk, reducing blood pressure, improving sleep quality, decreasing daytime sleepiness and depression, enhancing driving performance, and offering a better quality of life. An important point to note is that while CPAP compliance tends to drop by 50% within a year, OAT shows a compliance rate of up to 93%. <br /><br />Patients often prefer OAT over CPAP due to its ease of use, portability, quiet nature, comfort, non-invasive approach, and less obtrusiveness. OAT appliances are managed by qualified dentists—essentially trained to provide oral appliances and collaborate with diagnosing physicians for comprehensive OSA treatment. Issues with oral appliances are directly managed by contacting these qualified dentists.<br /><br />Regarding insurance coverage, both Medicare and most major commercial insurers cover OAT. The document emphasizes the importance of directing patients to qualified dentists specifically trained in oral appliance therapy to ensure optimal care. Information on qualified dentists can be sourced from the Find an AADSM Dentist web page or by contacting the provided American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine contact points.
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