Screening for Sleep Apnea in the Dental Practice

Explore the critical role of dentistry in managing sleep-disordered breathing with Dr. Zachary Korwin in this comprehensive clinical session. Drawing on his expertise from Sleep Connecticut, Dr. Korwin details how dental professionals can effectively screen for and manage obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT).

Because dental professionals routinely examine the oral cavity, they are uniquely positioned to spot undiagnosed airway issues. Dr. Korwin explains the mechanical causes of airway obstruction, such as excess tissue or a large tongue narrowing the oropharynx, and outlines specific visual markers to evaluate chairside. By assessing the Mallampati score, tonsil size, high-arched palates, and signs of compensatory behaviors like a scalloped tongue, practitioners can easily flag at-risk patients.

For patients who refuse or cannot tolerate CPAP therapy, Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) offer a comfortable and effective alternative. This presentation decodes the entire digital chairside process from start to finish, highlighting: