hygiene - the international C.E. magazine of dental hygiene

18 I I C.E. article_ sleep apnea _The evolution of the dental hygienist’s role in the assessment of a client’s oral health from a singular approach to a collaborative multidiscipli- nary approach is evident in the treatment of clients with sleep disorders. Knowledge of the variations in sleep disorders, medications, treatment needed, as well as the various appliances will be vital to the dental health-care providers. Pagel (2012) says that by 2015, 40 percent of the U.S. population will have some form of sleep disorder; 18 million Americans have sleep apnea, which affects all ages, both sexes and may be genetic. The most prevalent form occurs in 4 percent of middle-aged men and 2 percent of middle-aged women.1 Aswithallmedicalconditions,earlydetectionand baseline data will aid in monitoring changes in the patient’s health and providing useful information in treatment planning and implementation. Sleep apnea in the past has been viewed as most typically related to snoring; however, there are different types of sleep apnea disorder. The most prevalent and known is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Another type, central sleep apnea, is less common. A third type, complex sleep apnea, combines both the obstructive and central types. _What is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome? Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common, but under-diagnosed disorder that is po- tentially fatal.3 According to de Almeida et al. (2006), hygiene 1_2012 The role of the dental team in the management of the patient with sleep apnea Author_ Nancy M. Costa-Larson, RDH, BS, MHA This article qualifies for C.E. credit.TotaketheC.E.quiz,log on to www.dtstudyclub.com. The quiz will be available on Oct. 18. _c.e. credit part III Fig. 1_The position of the tongue and mandible with normal and open airway while sleeping. (Photos/Provided by Sleep Group Solutions) Fig. 2_The position of the tongue and mandible showing blocked airway that occurs with obstructive sleep apnea. Fig. 1 Fig. 2