Introduction to OSA and Dental Sleep Medicine

Credit Details
This electronically delivered self-instructional program is designated for 1.5 hours of ADA CERP and AGD PACE CE credit by Farran Media. AGD Code: 730.

There is no fee to view this course. There is a fee of $36 to take the exam and claim CE credits for this course.

Synopsis:
This course will provide an effective protocol for general practitioners to screen patients for OSA and refer those at risk. The screening protocol will consist of three steps: medical history intake, clinical examination and sleep history. A discussion on when and how to refer at-risk patients for OSA will also be included. • Screening Step 1: During the medical history intake, it is important to consider the systemic conditions associated with OSA. Many common cardiovascular, metabolic and neurologic diseases are comorbid with OSA. Additional systemic factors, such as male sex, advanced age, drug and alcohol use, and a family history of OSA, should also be taken into account. • Screening Step 2: During the extraoral and intraoral examination, it is essential to recognize hard and soft tissue anatomy that predisposes a patient to airway collapse. Examples include retrognathia, a narrow and high-arched palate, mandibular tori, enlarged palatine tonsils, and macroglossia. It is also crucial to be aware of non-carious tooth structure loss associated with OSA, such as attrition and acid erosion. • Screening step 3: If, after the routine medical history intake and clinical examination, you have identified risk factors for OSA, it is important to consult with your patient about their sleep. A brief sleep history should be obtained. Wake and sleep symptoms of OSA should be evaluated. Validated OSA questionnaires, such as the STOP-BANG or Epworth Sleepiness Scale, can also be easily administered. If a patient displays risk factors for OSA and their sleep history raises concerns, they should be counseled and referred to their primary care provider (PCP) for further evaluation.

Educational Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Identify systemic conditions that are comorbid with OSA.
• Recognize both soft and hard tissue anatomy that predisposes a patient to airway collapse or indicates a risk of OSA.
• Conduct a sleep history to assess a patient’s risk of OSA further.
• Effectively refer a patient at risk for OSA to their PCP.

Description of Speaker:
Dr. Stephanie Dennison is a general dentist and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD). She earned her DDS from UMSOD in 2015 and her AEGD from NYU Langone Medical Center in 2016. She worked with the National Health Service Corps, providing comprehensive dentistry at federally qualified health centers in Maryland until 2021. She is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and a certified dentist with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Dennison currently practices dental sleep medicine at the UMSOD faculty practice and teaches dental sleep medicine lectures to hygiene and pre-doctoral students at the school.

Dr. Larry Cohen earned his DDS degree at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, University of Maryland (UM), in 1980. He is an assistant professor in the Department of Dental Public Health at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. In June 2012, Dr. Cohen began the UM FDSP Sleep Medicine Practice. He lectures third-year dental students on sleep medicine and has also presented to various study clubs and dental meetings within the community, as well as to groups at the university on this topic. Dr. Cohen is a member of the Maryland Sleep Society.

Dr. William Jacobson, DMD, MPH, is a general dentist, clinical assistant professor, curriculum consultant and the author of the “Clinical Dentistry Daily Reference Guide,” a book designed to assist dental students and dentists with daily decision-making in a variety of clinical scenarios. The book is available on Amazon.

Disclosure:
The author(s) declares that neither he (she) nor any member of his (her) family has a financial arrangement or affiliation with any corporate organization offering financial support or grant monies for this continuing dental education program.

Legal Disclaimer:
The CE provider (Farran Media) uses reasonable care in selecting and providing content that is accurate. The CE provider, however, does not independently verify the content or materials. The CE provider does not represent that the instructional materials are error-free or that the content or materials are comprehensive. Any opinions expressed in the materials are those of the author of the materials and not the CE provider. Completing one or more continuing education courses does not provide sufficient information to qualify the participant as an expert in the field related to the course topic or in any specific technique or procedure. The instructional materials are intended to supplement, but are not a substitute for, the knowledge, expertise, skill and judgment of a trained health care professional.

Licensure:
Continuing education credits issued for completion of online CE courses may not apply toward license renewal in all licensing jurisdictions. It is the responsibility of each registrant to verify the CE requirements of his/her licensing or regulatory agency.

State CE Requirements:
Click Here for CE requirements by state. Please note that this information is current as of the time of listing. This information is subject to change at any time from the state boards. For the most up-to-date information, please contact your state board directly.

Refund Policy
There are no refunds for Online CE courses. Please contact technical support if you run into technical difficulty.

CE Contact
For any questions, please contact Nareg Apelian, DMD, Director of Continuing Education at nareg@farranmedia.com