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Open AirWaves Episode 5: From BMI to AHI: How Weight Loss Transforms OSA Care
Guest: Tara Cooke, CRNP
Aired: July 1, 2025
Overview

Weight loss strategies present a viable adjunct to support patient outcomes and also present a potential bidirectional referral relationship. This podcast episode will discuss weight management using surgical and non-surgical options, the next generation of weight loss drugs to improve OAT efficacy, and how to have meaningful conversations with patients about weight management. 

Objectives
At the conclusion of this podcast episode, attendees will be able to:
  • Consider the link between obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during OAT planning.
  • Start supportive conversations about weight management with patients.
  • Identify referral options for weight loss support in OSA care.
  • Summarize current and emerging weight loss medications and their relevance to OSA.
  • Compare non-surgical and surgical weight loss options.
Target Audience
Dentists and team members interested in applying adjunctive treatment strategies to oral appliance therapy.
Guest

Tara Cooke, a Certified Registered Adult Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), possesses a remarkable six years of experience. Her expertise encompasses Medical Weight Management and Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. Tara Cooke holds a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Walden University and is Board Certified by The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Additionally, she holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania and has been a Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist from The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM-CEP) for an impressive seventeen years. Tara Cooke’s passion lies in providing comprehensive and compassionate care, prioritizing preventative measures, and promoting patient well-being. She is committed to staying at the forefront of medical advancements and ensuring the delivery of the highest quality of care possible.

Host

Tanya DeSanto, DDS is a graduate from Northwestern University Dental School. She has been practicing dentistry in Springfield, IL for 30 years and dental sleep medicine for the last several years. Dr. DeSanto is a Diplomate of the ABDSM and member of the AADSM, AASM, and SRS. She has lectured at the AADSM Annual Meeting and co-chaired the AADSM Breaking Down Barriers for a Successful Practice Course. She is an adjunct faculty member at the SIU School of Medicine where she enjoys teaching medical residents the importance of dental sleep medicine. She currently serves as chair of the AADSM Education Committee.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Tara has no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

Dr. DeSanto has no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.
Additional Information
Content for this podcast episode was last reviewed and approved by the AADSM Director of Education, Dr. Trish Braga, on June 19, 2025. Dr. Braga does not has any relevant financial interest/other relationships to disclose.

Original release date: July 1, 2025

Expiration date: None*

*Course content is reviewed every 3 years to ensure it is current and accurate. Should it be determined that course content is no longer current or accurate, content will expire. The AADSM will communicate that information to all registered attendees and course access will be removed.  

This educational offering was funded exclusively by the AADSM. For questions regarding the content of this program or for technical assistance, contact the AADSM at info@aadsm.org or 630-686-9875.

Continuing Education
The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at www.ADA.org/cerp. The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine designates this activity for 1 continuing education credit(s).
Topic/Guest Suggestions
Have an idea for a topic or guest that you think would make an interesting podcast episode? Submit your idea(s) to info@aadsm.org.
Summary
Availability:
On-Demand
Cost:
FREE
Credit Offered:
1 CE Credit
Recommended
  901 Warrenville Road, Suite 180
Lisle, IL 60532
P: (630) 686-9875
E: info@aadsm.org
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