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UARS: The Grey Zone Is More Important Than You Think

Adult Airway and Sleep Disorders

Presented by: Steve Carstensen, DDS

Original Presentation Date: November 9, 2018

Take the Course This course is available for CE Credit as a "Members Only" benefit. Not a Member? CLICK HERE to learn more about AAOSH Membership.

Course Description:

This course sheds light on Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), an often overlooked yet significant condition lying between habitual snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Delving into the health implications of UARS, this course emphasizes the critical nature of identifying and addressing this condition due to its impact on patients' overall health and well-being. Participants will gain insights into recognizing UARS symptoms, understanding its consequences when left untreated, and learning strategies to offer effective interventions, thereby providing hope and improved outcomes for individuals affected by this under-recognized condition.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify and differentiate between habitual snoring, Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to grasp the varying degrees of severity and health implications associated with each condition.
  • Understand the symptoms and health effects of UARS, recognizing its significance in impairing patients' daily functioning and overall health despite being often disregarded by many health professionals and payers.
  • Explore effective assessment methods and treatment strategies for UARS, enabling healthcare professionals to offer comprehensive care and interventions that can mitigate this condition's severe health and lifestyle effects, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Speaker Bio:

Steve Carstensen, DDS, has been treating sleep apnea and snoring for 18 years, has completed training at UCLA’s Mini-Residency in Sleep, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. He lectures internationally at over 20 events per year, training dentists in sleep medicine, directs sleep education at the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education and Spear Education, and is a faculty member of the Sleep Residency Program at the University of the Pacific. For the AADSM, he was a Board Member, Secretary-Treasurer and President-Elect. From 2007 – 2010, Steve served the ADA on the Council for Annual Sessions and was Chair of the 2010 ADA meeting. Since 2014, he has been Editor-in-Chief of Dental Sleep Practice Magazine. He founded Premier Sleep with a partner, a practice in Bellevue, WA, entirely devoted to helping people breathe better and sleep better.