AAOSH Core Curriculum

Sleep, Airway, and the Oral-Systemic Connection: A Dental Approach to Better Breathing

Written by Sonya Reddy, DDS | May 8, 2025 12:30:00 AM

Presented by: Sonya Reddy, DDS

Original Publication Date: May 7, 2025 (2025 Live Webinar Series)

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Course Description:

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), including conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), and snoring, is a growing public health concern affecting millions of adults worldwide. As healthcare providers, dental professionals play a crucial role in recognizing, diagnosing, and co-managing these conditions to improve overall patient health. This lecture will explore the oral-systemic connection in sleep health, the impact of airway dysfunction on overall wellness, and evidence-based screening, diagnostic, and treatment approaches for adult airway and sleep disorders. Participants will gain actionable insights into integrating sleep dentistry into their practice, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and collaborating with medical professionals to enhance patient care.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of adult airway and sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS).
  2. Understand the role of dentists in screening, diagnosing, and co-managing sleep-disordered breathing in collaboration with sleep physicians and other healthcare providers.
  3. Implement effective treatment strategies, including oral appliance therapy (OAT), myofunctional therapy, lifestyle modifications, and surgical interventions when necessary.

Practical Applications:

  1. Screening & Assessment – Learn how to identify at-risk patients using validated tools, including STOP-BANG, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and home sleep testing.
  2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Understand the importance of working with sleep specialists, ENTs, and medical doctors for comprehensive patient care.
  3. Integrating Sleep Dentistry – Discover step-by-step methods to incorporate sleep disorder management into your dental practice for improved patient outcomes and increased revenue.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Sonya Reddy is a renowned international speaker, dentist, and high-performance coach dedicated to transforming the way healthcare professionals lead, thrive, and create lasting impact. She founded FLOFocused Life Optimization, a revolutionary system designed to help dentists and executives break free from burnout and achieve balance, financial success, and personal fulfillment.

A graduate of New York University College of Dentistry, Dr. Reddy is a certified life coach with expertise in breathwork, mindset optimization, and functional medicine. Leading global organizations have recognized her insights, and she regularly contributes to dental journals on topics like leadership, resilience, and work-life balance. Having built and successfully sold two thriving dental practices, she deeply understands the pressures of running a practice and is on a mission to empower dentists and business leaders with the tools to create sustainable, fulfilling careers.

Conflict of Interest: 

N/A
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