CATEGORY 108 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST Oral appliance therapy for snoring and sleep apnoea is one of the most exciting and enjoyable areas in dentistry. With a large number of people experiencing significant problems related to snoring, sleepiness and sleep apnoea, there is now a great demand for custom-made oral appliances. Custom-made oral appliances have been validated through gold-standard studies as the best available treatment for snoring, and, along with the CPAP machine, one of the only two frontline treatments for sleep apnoea. Studies1 are now demonstrating that oral appliances are virtually as effective as the CPAP machine, yet far more comfortable. It is recommended that dentists screen all their patients for snoring and sleep apnoea and this is now a Guideline from the American Dental Association. Also the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the peak body in the field, are now recommending that sleep physicians offer mandibular advancement splints as an option to all patients diagnosed with any severity of sleep apnoea.2 You will discover there will be many patients in your practice that have sleep apnoea and don’t know they have it3 as well as others who have already been diagnosed but are looking for an alternative to the CPAP machine. Snoring and sleep apnoea can have a detrimental effect on the quality of life as well as health, with many people, tired and sleepy, with problems related to memory, concentration and mood. Relationships can also be impacted with many people having to sleep in separate bedrooms at home and when they travel. Providing oral appliances is a very satisfying service as it is often life-changing for patients and a significant source of revenue for the practice, without having to do any external marketing. You can also attract many new patients to the practice who, along with their family and friends, can become good long-term patients of the practice. There has never been a better time to get involved in this field, as the new technology with 3D printing results in appliances that are extremely thin, comfortable and unbreakable in the mouth. There are also simplemethods of screening and diagnosing dental patients with support available from physicians knowledgeable in dental sleep medicine. The first step in making oral appliance therapy a significant part of your practice is to do a training program. It is important that the program, is practical, demonstrating all the clinical steps, and is evidence-based. A mentor with significant experience will go a long way towards getting you to a point where you are confident in providing this service. It could well become the most enjoyable part of your practice, as it is for many dentists. Dr Harry Ball, 3D Sleep, 5 Bond Street South Yarra Victoria T 1300 993 235 W www.3dsleep.com.au References 1. “Health outcomes of continuous positive airway pressure versus mandibular advancement device for the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea: an individual participant data meta-analysis” Cistulli, P Sutherland, K et al Sleep, 2021 Jul 9;44(7) 2. “Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring with Oral Appliance Therapy: An Update for 2015” Katz et al J Clin Sleep Med. 2015 Jul 15;11(7):773-827. 3. “Prevalence of probable obstructive sleep apnea risk and severity in a population of dental patients” Daniel J. Levendowski et al Sleep Breath (2008) 12:303–309 Oral Appliance Therapy A valuable service for dental practice By Dr Harry Ball BDSc LDS (Melb) M Counselling (Latrobe) Grad Dip Counselling & HS (Latrobe) Past Co-Chair Dental Sleep Council, Australasian Sleep Association There is no doubt that the economic circumstances that are currently unravelling will have an effect on our sector, however, as with most things in our lives, how we will be personally affected will depend on the actions we take. It is worth remembering that during every recession, certain business boom as they look past the doom and gloom and find opportunity. u If you need any help with your marketing Mr Carl Burroughs can be contacted on 02 9211 1477 or via carl@idm.com.au In conclusion 1800 806 450 www.amalgadent.com.au CEMENT + BUILD YOUR CORE IN ONE EASY APPLICATION REFER TO INSIDE FRONT COVER FOR MORE INFO! CoreFlo Footer #96.indd 1 25/10/2022 9:48:48 AM Dr Harry Ball SPECIAL FEATURE
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