Modern approach to Oral Appliance Therapy,
West Essex Dental Study Club, April 2024
I. Introduction
A. Importance of Sleep Disorders Breathing (SDB) Screening
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- Overview of the prevalence and impact of SDB
- Link between oral health, sleep disorders and general health
II. My Pathway to Dental Sleep Medicine
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- Personal journey and motivation
- Evolution of Dental Sleep Medicine as a specialty in front of my eyes
III. Common Signs and Symptoms
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- Overview of the most prevalent patient complaints
- Importance of patient-reported symptoms
- Recognizing the oral manifestations of SDB
IV. Root Causes of SDB
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- Understanding the evolutionary perspective of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Discussing the underlying factors contributing to SDB
- Connection between modern lifestyle changes and increased prevalence
V. Barriers for Treatment in a Dental Office
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- Identifying challenges in integrating sleep medicine into dental practices
- Addressing patient awareness and compliance issues
- Collaborative approaches to overcome obstacles
VI. Choosing the Right Appliance
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- Overview of oral appliances for OSA
- Factors influencing appliance selection
- Customization based on patient needs and characteristics
VII. Additional Strategies for Incomplete Symptom Resolution
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- Recognizing cases where Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is insufficient
- Exploring combination therapies
- Collaboration with sleep physicians for comprehensive care
VIII. Pediatric Population and OSA
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- Signs and symptoms of OSA in children
- Special considerations for pediatric sleep disorders
- Tailored treatment strategies for kids
IX. Myofunctional Therapy
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- Definition and principles of myofunctional therapy
- Role in addressing underlying causes of SDB
- Integration into the dentist’s toolkit for holistic care
X. Community Engagement and Medical initiative
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- Importance of community awareness
- Collaborative efforts with physicians, sleep specialists, and other healthcare professionals
- Building a network for comprehensive care
10 Secrets I learned from my “Sleep Apnea: breathing, snoring, help channel”, PANNY, April 2024
I. John’s Journey
- Share John’s story, highlighting key observations and challenges with traditional CPAP treatment.
- Discuss your motivation and determination to find better solutions for patients like John
II. Lesson 1: Separation of Medicine and Dentistry
Historical Context
- Explain the separation of medicine and dentistry since 1930.
- Discuss the impact on patient care and interdisciplinary trust.
III. Case Study
- Share the dinner meeting with the sleep physician and the outcome.
IV. Lesson 2: What MDs Want from Referrals
Key Factors
- Highlight the importance of credibility, insurance coverage, timeliness, and interaction.
V. Survey Insights
- Present findings from scientific surveys on physician expectations.
VI. Lesson 3: Building Relationships with MDs
Strategies for Relationship Building
- Discuss the importance of personal relationships and the 2-3 year timeline.
- Share practical tips from the book “Giftology” on personalized gift-giving.
VII. Lesson 4: Effective Public Messaging
Modern Marketing
- Contrast traditional marketing methods with digital and mobile platforms.
- Emphasize understanding patient needs and building a solid reputation online.
VIII. Lesson 5: Online Presence in Healthcare
Social Media Impact
- Share statistics on social media usage by patients and physicians.
- Discuss the importance of an authentic online presence.
IX. Lesson 6: Telemedicine
Telehealth Benefits and Challenges
- Present patient and physician perspectives on telemedicine.
- Highlight the importance of embracing telehealth for future healthcare dynamics.
X. Lesson 7: Wearable Technology
Patient Engagement
- Share stories of patients using wearables like the Oura ring.
- Discuss the integration of wearables in patient monitoring and treatment.
XI. Lesson 8: Introducing New Technologies
Communication Techniques
- Explain the importance of explaining new technologies to patients.
- Share examples of patient testimonials and interviews with inventors.
XII. Lesson 9: Sharing Insights through Writing
Writing and Publishing
- Discuss the benefits of writing articles and books.
- Encourage public speaking engagements to reach broader audiences.
XIII. Lesson 10: Community Engagement and Collaboration
Collaborative Approach
- Highlight the importance of community engagement and collaboration among healthcare providers.
- Share the story of Ignaz Semmelweis and its relevance to modern personalized medicine.
XIV. Conclusion
- Encourage collaboration and continued education in myofunctional therapy and sleep medicine.