Perhaps you’ve heard about dental sleep medicine, but aren’t sure what it’s all about. It’s a fast-growing field – pioneered by dentists – that uses oral appliance therapy to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In fact, more dentists are needed to meet the high demand for dental sleep medicine – making now the opportune time to start preparing to enter the field.
The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) is the leading organization for educating dentists on how to practice dental sleep medicine – and membership is free to full-time dental students. With the right education and tools, you can unlock immediate patient and physician partnership opportunities.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Dental Sleep Medicine
Nearly 30 million American adults have OSA, which is a medical disorder that, if left untreated, can increase the risk for serious health problems from heart disease and diabetes to stroke and depression. Not only is OSA prevalent, but only about half of patients adhere to the traditionally prescribed treatment, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
This is where dentists can help by providing oral appliance therapy, an effective alternative that uses a custom-fit dental device. A growing number of patients find oral appliances more comfortable and easier to care for than a CPAP machine and mask.
Once a patient is diagnosed with OSA and prescribed an oral appliance by a physician, a qualified dentist can provide treatment.
Benefits of Dental Sleep Medicine
In addition to the increasing professional opportunities in the field, dental sleep medicine is a great way to enter the medical arena and put patients on the path to better sleep and better health.
As a dental sleep medicine practitioner, you’ll work closely with physicians to solve patients’ sleep problems and improve their long-term health. OSA patients often report that oral appliance therapy improved their sleep, revitalized their energy and restored their quality of life.
As you move from dental school and apprenticeships to establishing a practice, dental sleep medicine can provide immediate differentiation from the pack and the promise of long-term growth that is so important for the success of a small business.
Dental Sleep Medicine Opportunities with AADSM
Clinical training and continued education are important to achieving success in dental sleep medicine. Free AADSM student membership provides access to exclusive education, research and training as well as networking opportunities that can help you thrive in dental sleep medicine.
Attend the AADSM 27th Annual Meeting – at a discounted student registration rate of $50 – and you’ll be well on your way to a growing career. The meeting will be held in Baltimore from June 1–3, 2018, and will offer several CE courses and networking events.
As you transition from student to professional, AADSM CE and membership offerings will position you for success in your dental sleep medicine career.
~American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
This content is sponsored and does not necessarily reflect the views of ASDA.
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