Awakening to opportunity: Dentistry's role in the evidenced-based management of adult obstructive sleep apnea-a narrative review.

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common sleep disorder among adults and poses substantial public health and economic challenges. Amidst a shortage of sleep medicine specialists and the growing demand for OSA care, properly educated dentists are positioned to help bridge critical gaps in diagnosis and management.

TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: The authors reviewed original data from studies, comparative analyses, and review articles describing the nature of OSA, its implications on systemic health, and assorted therapeutics in disease management.

RESULTS

The studies reviewed support an important role for oral appliances in the management of OSA. In particular, mandibular advancement devices appear to have similar beneficence as positive airway pressure and are comparatively more likely to be tolerated by adults.

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The evolving integration of dental care professionals into OSA care is vital for meeting the growing demand for comprehensive management of this complex disorder. Strengthening collaboration between dentists and physicians alongside advancing sleep medicine education within dentistry can reduce underdiagnosis and elevate the quality of care.