Title : Obstructive sleep apnoea: The general dentist's role in identifying, referring, and supporting patients
Abstract:
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a silent, underdiagnosed epidemic that affects millions of individuals worldwide, yet its severe health impacts, such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and impaired quality of life, remain vastly overlooked. In the UK alone, around 666,000 individuals present with symptomatic sleep apnoea annually, but a staggering 82% go undiagnosed, as only 121,000 are referred for sleep testing. General dental practitioners (GDPs) are in a unique position to change this statistic by spotting the early warning signs of OSA during routine dental exams. Anatomical markers, such as retrognathia, a narrow palate, or compromised airway space, are often visible to GDPs, enabling them to intervene long before the condition progresses into more severe, life-threatening stages.
This presentation is a call to action for GDPs worldwide to become front-line defenders in the battle against OSA. Attendees will be guided through the critical aetiology and clinical features of OSA, emphasizing how GDPs can recognize and identify patients at risk. Practical insights will be shared on how GDPs can use their unique position to effectively screen for OSA during routine check-ups, empowering them to initiate life-saving referrals. By including crucial details in their referrals, GDPs can ensure timely diagnostics and reduce the burden of untreated OSA, improving patient outcomes and preventing serious health complications.
Through a dynamic exploration of the referral pathway, we will provide a detailed flowchart of the current triage process at King’s College Hospital, highlighting how GDPs can contribute to a more efficient diagnostic journey for OSA patients. The session will explore the full spectrum of treatment options post-referral, from non-surgical interventions like oral appliance therapy and CPAP, to lifestyle modifications and surgical procedures for more complex cases.
By advocating for the proactive involvement of GDPs in the OSA care continuum, this session demonstrates how dental professionals can not only enhance their practice but also contribute to a much-needed shift in public health. Attendees will leave equipped with practical knowledge and a renewed passion to take action, ensuring that OSA no longer remains an overlooked issue but instead becomes a priority in dental and overall healthcare. This presentation aims to inspire GDPs worldwide to play a pivotal role in improving patient care and transforming lives by addressing the often-hidden epidemic of obstructive sleep apnoea.
Audience Takeaway Notes:
- Gain a passionate understanding of the prevalence, aetiology, and clinical features of OSA, and why dental practitioners are crucial in its early detection.
- Learn how to confidently identify clinical signs and symptoms of OSA during routine dental check-ups, making the most of your unique position in patient care.
- Master the key components of effective referrals to ensure accurate triage, streamlined diagnostics, and a faster route to treatment.
- Be empowered with knowledge of both non-surgical and surgical treatment options, including CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy, and lifestyle changes.
- Leave inspired and motivated, ready to advocate for and integrate OSA awareness into your practice, contributing to better patient outcomes and a healthier society.
