A Review of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea and The Role of the Dentist

In recent years, sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (POSA) have received more public attention and are now at the forefront of significant medical concern and areas of research. POSA is considered the most severe in the spectrum of SDB, and is highly prevalent affecting up to 1% to 4% of all children. Approximately 7 to 9 million children experience POSA, prompting the medical and dental communities to improve awareness for proper screening, diagnosis, and earlier treatment. It is imperative for dentists to familiarize themselves with screening for SDB and POSA and to properly refer patients to partnering professionals. In addition, dentists have the opportunity to play a prominent role in multidisciplinary teams that routinely treat children with POSA after initial assessment and diagnosis. Goal: Attendees will be able to understand the etiology of POSA and its effect on the overall quality of life of a child. By utilizing various screening methods such as the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ), an airway evaluation, and a comprehensive dental examination (including occlusion and habits), Attendees will be comfortable screening patients for POSA and making the appropriate referrals to physicians for diagnosis. Learn How To: · Identify and Screen patients for POSA · Refer patients with suspicion of POSA to medical colleagues who can properly diagnose POSA · Familiarize yourself with medical and dental modalities of treatment of POSA · Familiarize yourself with potential comorbidities/syndromes associated with POSA · Play an active role on a multidisciplinary care team, collaborating among various medical and dental professionals.