Friday, October 29
6:00 – 6:30 p.m. CT
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Overview for the Dentist
Naresh Dewan, MD
Creighton University

Obstructive sleep apnea is a very common sleep disorder impacting 6% to 13% of the adult population, affecting up to 20 million people. Repetitive apneas occurring several times a night lead to intermittent hypoxemia, arousals and intrathoracic pressure changes which in turn contribute to significant comorbidity. Diagnostic options such as overnight polysomnogram study or home sleep study is key for diagnosis. Treatment is essential to improve the quality of sleep and daytime function with favorable impact on comorbidity. The use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is effective in mild, moderate, and severe OSA. The use of oromandibular advancing devices provides an alternative treatment option in patients with mild to moderate OSA and CPAP intolerant patient. Weight loss and lifestyle changes are encouraged for all patients with OSA.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees should be able to:

• Review the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea and its impact on comorbidity.
• Understand the diagnostic options for obstructive sleep apnea.
• Identify the treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea.

Biography: Dr. Naresh A. Dewan is a Professor and Program Director of Sleep Medicine in the Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Behavioral Sleep Medicine. He has a special interest in teaching medical students, residents, community physicians and his peers about the impact of sleep loss and sleep disorders on comorbidity. He has given numerous presentations at local, regional, national, and international meetings.