Oral appliance therapy (OAT) has been used to manage sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs), such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring, for more than 20 years. However, dental sleep medicine standards of clinical practice have not been clearly defined. SRBD prevalence rates have grown to double digits, presenting an increased need for dentists proficient in dental sleep medicine. A standardized approach to patient management, which underscores the collaborative nature necessary between dentists and physicians, is needed. These standards provide guidance for patient examination, patient screening, education, and treatment management including follow-up care. Although this paper introduces best practices for the practice of dental sleep medicine as it currently exists, the reader should recognize the fluid and dynamic nature of dental sleep medicine and understand that periodic updates to these standards will be required.

Dr. Schwartz reports serving in an advisory capacity as part of Resmed's dental panel, owning public stock in Resmed, serving as part of an advisory group for Prosomnus, and having a financial stake in Prosomnus. The other authors report no conflicts of interest.

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Oral appliance therapy is a proven, effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. With more than 54 million adults having OSA in the United States, dentists play an integral role in increasing access to care for those with undiagnosed and untreated OSA. These standards outline an approach to patient management that underscores the collaborative care that is necessary between dentists and physicians and provides guidance for patient examination, patient screening, treatment management, education, and followup care. Although this article provides best practices for dental sleep medicine as it currently exists, the fluid and dynamic nature of DSM should be recognized, with the understanding that periodic updates to these standards will be required.