2018 AAO Annual Session - Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My? Orthodontists Serve on Sleep Teams?!

Sleep related breathing disorders in both; the adult and pediatric population have been discussed for several years. There are a myriad of medical diagnoses as well as a broad range of treatment approaches. With medical, dental, surgical, behavioral, pharmacological, and other treatment options available, how does the provider know what form of care will work best? Is each discipline wearing a blindfold, palpating part of an elephant and prescribing treatment accordingly? Comprehensive sleep teams comprised of medical, dental, and allied health professionals may offer the best opportunity for every aspect of the sleep related breathing disorder to be treated. Inter-professional teams sit at the table to discuss the risks/benefits of the currently available treatment options to develop individualized, evidence based treatment options for each patient. Diligent follow up will enable each team to use their outcomes to enhance not only current but also future patient treatment options. The presentation will highlight the influential role an orthodontist can play on comprehensive sleep teams. With training and experience in sleep medicine orthodontists can truly provide life-altering care.

Learning Objectives:

• Investigate and understand characteristics of adult and pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.
• Comprehend the importance of an interdisciplinary and inter-professional team based approach to obstructive sleep apnea care.
• Comprehend the range of adult and pediatric obstructive sleep apnea treatment options and the benefits of team based treatment.