Dental Sleep Medicine: Expanding Training for Dentists

Dental sleep medicine is a rapidly growing field, offering dentists opportunities to address sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Increased demand for these treatments is driving a need for specialized training and standardized safety protocols for dentists incorporating these therapies into their practices.

The Rise of Dental Sleep Medicine

Dental sleep medicine focuses on the use of oral appliance therapy (OAT) as a treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) represents thousands of dentists providing this therapy, which is a proven and effective alternative to other treatments. The field’s growth is fueled by increasing awareness of the health risks associated with sleep apnea and a desire for non-invasive treatment options.

Continuing Education Opportunities

Dentists seeking to integrate sleep medicine into their practices have access to a variety of continuing education (CE) courses. These seminars cover a comprehensive range of topics, from screening and diagnosis to treatment protocols and oral appliance fitting. Several organizations offer these courses, including:

• Dental Sleep Medicine Seminar: Offers 16 CE credits covering screening, treatment, and oral appliance therapy, taught by a board-certified sleep physician. Learn more.
• SleepSeminars.com: Provides in-depth, hands-on 16 CE PACE accredited courses led by AADSM Diplomates with practical experience in screening and treating OSA. Learn more.
• Dental Sleep Seminars: Focuses on screening and treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) within existing dental practices. Learn more.

Focus on Safety and Protocols

As the use of conscious sedation expands in dental settings, emphasis on safety management and emergency response systems is increasing. Training programs are now incorporating modules on drug characteristics, patient monitoring, and emergency protocols. This includes understanding the mechanism of action of sedation drugs, proper dose management, and step-by-step procedures for handling emergencies.

Upcoming Events & Resources

The AADSM offers several upcoming events, including:

• TMD For the DSM Dentist Workshop: February 28, 2026 & March 1, 2026, Chicago, IL
• Live Webinar: Interaction of Sleep and Emotion in Women: March 12, 2026
• AADSM Annual Meeting: Early bird discounts available until March 20, 2026
• Evolving Trends in Sleep Data: Add-On Course: April 30, 2026

Further information and resources are available on the AADSM website.