RICK VAN GURP
BE AN
ADVOCATE
D
ental sleep medicine is incredibly rewarding , which is why I have developed a passion for it . Patients are genuinely appreciative and I can understand why . Many times , we are their last hope . They ’ ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea , they ’ ve tried CPAP and for whatever reason , it didn ’ t work out . And as a result , these patients are literally suffering for it .
While oral appliance therapy may not help every OSA patient , those that can be helped are genuinely grateful . I ’ ve had patients ( and spouses ) come up to me in restaurants thanking me for helping them . And of course , if we pay attention , we can see it ourselves . The patient prior to therapy who is lethargic , seemingly disinterested returns during or after therapy with a skip in their step . This is a service that is literally life changing .
Unfortunately , many people don ’ t realize that oral appliance therapy is an option . 80-90 % of people with OSA are un-diagnosed . I cannot help but wonder , of those who are undiagnosed , how many suspect they have sleep apnea but don ’ t pursue it because they believe CPAP is their only option ? We ’ ve all heard it : “ If I have to wear CPAP , I just won ’ t do anything .”
Oral appliance therapy is increasingly becoming an option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea . As research continues to be brought forth regarding the concept of mean disease alleviation , this will only add fuel to the fire .
With this in mind , it is very important that dentists commit to being above board in providing this service . Some dentists are only interested in adding dental sleep medicine as an arrow in the quiver of their general practice and there is nothing wrong with that . Others endeavor to develop a practice that is completely devoted to this service . Also good . But regardless of one ’ s vision , it is important to uphold the highest standard of care . After all , sleep physicians and potential patients are watching . Three things come to mind here :
First , any successful CEO will tell you that systems are important . There is a right way and a wrong way to do things and the better your systems , the more smoothly your organization will run . This is where DS3 absolutely shines . DS3 provides the framework for every aspect of achieving success in dental sleep medicine ( clinical and administrative ).