The Spectrum of Non-Hypoxic Sleep-Disordered Breathing: From Sleep Bruxism to Systemic Illness

Presented by: Jerald H. Simmons, MD

Original Presentation Date: November 10, 2018

Course Description:

This course offers insights into the relationship between sleep physiology and various disorders, crucial within dentistry. With over 70 million Americans affected by sleep issues and a large proportion undiagnosed, this course delves into understanding airway dynamics, jaw-tongue influence on airway obstruction, temporomandibular jaw dysfunction, and sleep bruxism. Dentists play a crucial role in identifying sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) cases, and this course equips them with knowledge across medical specialties to broaden their understanding and facilitate communication. Proposed algorithms guide dentists in post-screening procedures for SDB. The course emphasizes the need for medical assessments and collaboration, ensuring proper diagnosis before initiating oral appliance therapy (OAT). Practical steps for clinical assessment, appliance selection, fee disclosure, and effective patient-physician communication in OAT are delineated, underscoring ethical considerations such as potential conflicts of interest.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the necessity for physician-led medical evaluation and diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) before initiating oral appliance therapy (OAT), ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and recognizing instances where a physician may directly refer a patient for OAT.
• Interpret diagnostic sleep study reports provided by medical sleep specialists, maintain reviewed interpretations in patient records, and utilize these findings to inform decisions regarding OAT implementation.
• Conduct comprehensive clinical examinations to assess patient suitability for OAT, evaluating oral tissue health and appliance choice while transparently discussing associated fees and documenting the rationale behind OAT.
• Recognize and disclose potential conflicts of interest related to device ownership or patents.
• Communicate and coordinate treatment plans with the patient's physician and healthcare providers, ensuring regular updates on patient progress and pertinent information exchange.
• This promotes a collaborative approach to managing patients undergoing OAT.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Jerald H. Simmons is a distinguished Triple Board-Certified Neurologist renowned for his expertise in sleep medicine. As the founding director of Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates, PA (REST), he leads multiple locations across Texas. With extensive training from prestigious institutions like Washington University, Stanford University Medical Center, and the University of California, Davis, Dr. Simmons has excelled in clinical neurophysiology and epilepsy. Formerly a faculty member at UCLA, where he co-directed the Sleep Disorders Center, Dr. Simmons focuses predominantly on diagnosing and treating sleep disorders in both pediatric and adult patients. His commitment extends beyond clinical practice. He actively educates medical professionals and the public through the Sleep Education Consortium, Inc., where he orchestrates conferences to advance the understanding and treatment of sleep disorders. Pioneering the integration of cutting-edge technologies in sleep labs, Dr. Simmons remains at the forefront of advancements in sleep medicine, particularly in diagnosing conditions like Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) and addressing subtle sleep disturbances impacting children, including those with Attention Deficit Disorder.