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Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is an increasing problem worldwide. Yet, a large number of patients may remain undiagnosed. Dentists could suspect OSA, but little is known about their knowledge and attitudes towards the topic. An email questionnaire was sent to dentists working in Helsinki Health Centre, Helsinki, Finland (n = 226). It consisted of demographic data, items on dentists' overall knowledge of OSA and factors associated with it, and their possibilities and willingness to take part in the recognition and treatment of OSA patients. Altogether, 70·9% (n = 134) of dentists eligible for the study completed the questionnaire. Of them, 79·1% (n = 106) were general practitioners and 20·9% (n = 28) dentists with specialty training. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) (99·3%) and weight control (99·3%) were both generally acknowledged as effective methods to treat OSA. Regarding the efficacy of other treatment modalities, significant differences were found between general practitioners' and specialists' opinions. For example, mandibular advancement devices (MAD) were less often reported by general practitioners (69·8%) than specialists (89·3%) (P < 0·05). The possible risk factors, signs and symptoms, and consequences of OSA were overall well recognised regardless the years in dental profession, but specialists saw more often that nocturnal sweating (P < 0·01) and snoring (P < 0·05) may signify OSA. Dentists could play an important role in suspecting OSA, but they may need more education to cope with that.

Background: The high efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients is sometimes limited because of intolerance. Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are proven to be efficient in treating mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring. We examined patients who had been treated in Community Dental Care with a titrable Herbst-type MAD. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of sleep based on self report. Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to patients (n = 184) who had received treatment for OSA or snoring between 2007 and2010 inthe Helsinki Health Centre Oral Care Unit. The patients were referred to the clinic for primary treatment, or because another treatment modality had failed. Results: Of the respondents (n = 142, 78.4%), OSA had been diagnosed in 74%, while the MAD was applied for snoring to the remaining. Among all respondents, 78.4% had worn the MAD at least three nights per week. With the MAD in situ, sleep was felt significantly less disrupted (p < 0.001) and more restorative (p < 0.001), and snoring was markedly reduced (p < 0.001). Daytime tiredness was also markedly less frequent (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Treatment with a MAD improved perceived sleep quality and awoke alertness in mild and moderate OSA patients and in snorers. This study supports such treatment to be initiated and monitored in community dental care.

Mandibular advancement device therapy in obstructive sleep apnea and snoring in community dental care: two-year follow-up study on self-reported sleep quality, side effects, and compliance Vuorjoki-Ranta, T.R.; Lobbezoo, F.; Tuomilehto, H.; Könönen, M.; Pihakari, A.; Ahlberg, J. Published in:Journal of Sleep Disorders & Therapy DOI:10.4172/2167-0277.1000180 Link to publication Citation for published version (APA):Vuorjoki-Ranta, T. R., Lobbezoo, F., Tuomilehto, H., Könönen, M., Pihakari, A., & Ahlberg, J. (2014). Mandibular advancement device therapy in obstructive sleep apnea and snoring in community dental care: two-year followup study on self-reported sleep quality, side effects, and compliance. Journal of Sleep Disorders & Therapy, 3(5), 1000180. DOI: 10.4172/2167-0277.1000180 General rightsIt is not permitted to download or to forward/distribute the text or part of it without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), other than for strictly personal, individual use, unless the work is under an open content license (like Creative Commons). Disclaimer/Complaints regulationsIf you believe that digital publication of certain material infringes any of your rights or (privacy) interests, please let the Library know, stating your reasons. In case of a legitimate complaint, the Library will make the material inaccessible and/or remove it from the website. Please Ask the Library: http://uba.uva.nl/en/contact, or a letter to: Library of the University of Amsterdam, Secretariat, Singel 425, 1012 WP Amsterdam, The Netherlands. You will be contacted as soon as possible. AbstractStudy background: Obesity is constantly increasing health problem worldwide and so are its detrimental consequences, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are proven to be efficient in treating mild to moderate OSA and snoring. We followed for two years 103 patients treated with a titrable MAD in a Community Dental Care setting. Methods:A follow-up questionnaire was mailed in 2012 to 124 patients who had participated in a survey 2010 and given their consent for further study. Results:Of all the 103 respondents 85% (n=88) still used MAD. Subjective tiredness (p<0.05) and the presence of any snoring (p<0.01) were reported more often in the long-term study than in the short-term study. In contrast, difficulty in initiating sleep with the device in situ was seen less often (p<0.05). According to the logistic regression, reduced loud snoring was significantly associated with the compliance of frequent wear of MAD (p<0.05). The majority (82%) of the patients also reported a positive impact of MAD in social (family) life due to reduced loud snoring. Conclusion:Titrable MAD is a noteworthy treatment modality for mild to moderate OSA and especially snoring. Compliance in using MADs and reported subjective health seem to remain at good level. General dentists could probably perform a great part of the care. However, possible worsening of OSA and side effects of MADs should be borne in mind.

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