What is Dental Sleep Medicine?
Dental sleep medicine is an emerging field within UK dentistry, focusing on the diagnosis and management of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), including conditions like obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), snoring, and sleep bruxism.
This multidisciplinary approach involves collaboration between dentists, sleep specialists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
In August 2021, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) updated its guidelines to recognise the role of dentists in managing SDB. The guidelines recommend that dentists assess and treat patients with mild to moderate OSA using mandibular advancement devices (MADs), provided they have appropriate training and the patient has optimal dental health . This shift aligns the UK with countries like Sweden and the Netherlands, where dental involvement in sleep medicine is well-established.
Dentists are uniquely positioned to identify potential sleep issues during routine check-ups by assessing the airway and inquiring about sleep patterns. For instance, the British Society of Dental Sleep Medicine (BSDSM) advocates for incorporating airway assessments into regular dental examinations to detect conditions such as OSA and bruxism .
Training and certification are crucial for dentists entering this field. Organisations like the British Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (BADSM) offer specialised courses, including a Postgraduate Certificate in Dental Sleep Medicine, to equip dental professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge.
In practice, dental clinics such as Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust provide mandibular repositioning appliances to patients diagnosed with OSA, following a comprehensive dental assessment to minimise potential complications.
Overall, dental sleep medicine in the UK is evolving, with increasing recognition of dentists' roles in managing sleep disorders, supported by updated guidelines and specialised training programmes.