No. Obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed by a physician using a sleep test. Dentists play a key role in screening, referring and, when a physician prescribes it, providing oral appliance therapy and follow-up. Regulations vary by state and province.
Dental sleep medicine training
Dental sleep medicine, built into your practice
Screen for obstructive sleep apnea at recall, build a working referral loop with physicians, and deliver oral appliance therapy with the follow-up it needs.
Where the dentist fits
A shared model of care, with a clear role for you
Obstructive sleep apnea affects far more people than are currently diagnosed, and many of them sit in dental chairs every few months. Dentists see the signs first: worn teeth, a scalloped tongue, a narrow airway, a partner who mentions loud snoring, a patient who seems exhausted.
Sleep medicine is a team effort. The dentist screens and refers. A physician diagnoses through a sleep test and decides on treatment. When oral appliance therapy is prescribed, the dentist fits, adjusts and monitors the appliance, and the physician confirms that it is working.
The Mastery Program teaches each part of that loop, including the relationships with physicians and sleep specialists that keep referrals flowing in both directions.
Who does what
Dentist and physician, side by side
The dental team
Screen, deliver, follow up
- Screens patients at recall and on the health history
- Refers positive screens for medical evaluation
- Selects, fits and adjusts a custom, titratable appliance
- Monitors comfort, bite changes and jaw symptoms
- Keeps the patient on long-term recall
The physician
Diagnose, prescribe, confirm
- Evaluates the patient and orders a sleep test
- Makes the diagnosis and its severity
- Discusses options, including CPAP and oral appliances
- Prescribes oral appliance therapy where appropriate
- Orders follow-up testing to confirm effectiveness
The sleep patient pathway
Eight steps from snoring to verified treatment
- Hygienist
Screen at recall
STOP-BANG, the Epworth scale and a question about snoring.
- Front desk
Refer
A clear referral to the patient’s physician or a sleep specialist.
- Physician
Diagnose
A home or in-lab sleep test confirms OSA and its severity.
- Physician
Prescribe
Oral appliance therapy is prescribed where it fits the patient.
- Dentist
Deliver
Records are taken and a custom, titratable appliance is fitted.
- Dentist and team
Titrate
The appliance is adjusted for comfort and symptom relief.
- Physician
Verify
Follow-up testing confirms the appliance is doing its job.
- Team
Maintain
Recall visits watch for bite changes and jaw discomfort.
What you will learn
Clinical skill and practice systems
Screening
Find the patients
Which questions to ask, which forms to add, and how your hygienists raise the topic naturally.
Referral loop
Work with physicians
Referral letters, reports back to the physician, and relationships that bring patients to you.
Treatment
Oral appliance therapy
Appliance selection, delivery, titration and the side effects to watch for over time.
Presentation
Case acceptance
Patient education and motivational interviewing that help patients commit to treatment.
Team
Delegation
Who handles screening, scheduling, insurance paperwork and follow-up calls.
Paperwork
Forms and documentation
Consent forms, financial forms and patient instructions from Dr. Dahan’s own clinic.
Dr. Dahan has demystified TMJ and sleep apnea. He has simplified the diagnosis and treatment. His protocols make it easy for the doctor and the team to immediately start implementing.
Dr. Priyanka KatariaMastery Program graduate
From the blog
All articles Related reading
Dental Sleep Medicine for General Dentists: Where to Start
A practical guide for general dentists adding sleep medicine: screening with STOP-BANG and Epworth, the physician referral loop, oral appliance therapy basics and a step-by-step start plan.
Read the article
Your Next TMD and Sleep Patients Are Already on Your Schedule
Your TMD and sleep apnea patients are already booked for recall. Here is how to train your team to spot them, ask the right questions and build referrals.
Read the article
When to Refer: TMD and Sleep Cases a General Dentist Should Send On
Red flags, complex TMD and sleep cases that belong with a specialist or physician, and how to write a referral that protects the patient and builds your network.
Read the articleQuestions
Sleep medicine questions
Short answers to the questions dentists ask most. See the full FAQ for more.
Read the full FAQQCan a dentist diagnose sleep apnea?
QWhat is oral appliance therapy?
A custom-made device worn during sleep that holds the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway open. Clinical guidance supports custom, titratable appliances for adults with OSA who prefer them to CPAP or cannot tolerate CPAP.
QHow do dentists screen for sleep apnea?
With a few questions at recall and validated questionnaires such as STOP-BANG and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, plus observations in the chair and partner-reported snoring. Positive screens are referred to a physician.
QIs dental sleep medicine part of the Mastery Program?
Yes. It is one of the program’s two clinical focuses, taught alongside TMD, with team training, monthly coaching and a mentorship visit.
Admissions
Add sleep medicine with confidence
Each year Dr. Dahan accepts ten general dentists into the Mastery Program. It starts with a conversation about your practice, your team and where you want your career to go.