Sleep Medicine and Dental Medicine: Collaborative Interdisciplinary Care.

Abstract

Both sleep medicine and dental sleep medicine have undergone explosive changes over the recent few decades. Newer diagnostic approaches and technological innovations have driven these branches of medicine into the new era of succinct interdisciplinary collaborative care among these specialties. Dental clinicians have a unique opportunity to routinely screen their patients for sleep-disordered breathing and related abnormalities, ensuring prompt referral to the appropriate physician. Furthermore, the dentist has the ability to work as part of the interdisciplinary multispecialty team, addressing the burden of unmet treatment needs. The dental appliance has successfully managed cases of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.