OSA Education and Advocacy is Redefining the Roles of Dentists Around the World
Pharyngometry to Measure the Airway
Evidence-based knowledge of sleep medicine, coupled with technology can markedly increase effectiveness of Dental Sleep Medicine Oral Airway Device therapy.
Dentists from around the world are attending dental continuing education courses focusing on the dental treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. Dental sleep medicine education company, Sleep Group Solutions has instructed thousands of dentists on implementing a proper sleep protocol. SGS Instructor, and dental sleep medicine expert, Dr. Daniel Tache, encourages other dentists to become advocates, by learning how to identify and offer treatment for sleep disordered breathing patients, by attending the SGS program.
Wisconsin Dentist, and Dental Sleep Medicine expert, Dr. Daniel Tache is no stranger to airway issues. Since 1974, Dr. Tache has been heavily involved in assessing patients’ airways, and continuing his education in snoring and sleep apnea. As the first dentist to become President of the Wisconsin Sleep Society, Dr. Tache has helped pave the way in dental sleep medicine, and continues to do so. “It began about 7 years ago, when I treated my first adolescent sleep patient,” says Dr. Daniel Tache when asked why he is an advocate for sleep apnea treatment. At the time, 14 year old patient, ‘A.N’ was referred to Dr. Tache by his pediatric neurologist, and described as having a ‘failure to thrive’.
In the course of 24 months, Dr. Tache witnesses a remarkable recovery and change in A.N’s health, development and over all demeanor. “This child, A.N., had his life changed because a dentist took the time to learn the basics of Dental Sleep Medicine from an excellent entry-level weekend course, like the ones offered by Sleep Group Solutions,” says Daniel Tache, DMD, Diplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. From this point on, the entire office became advocates for treatment, and has since treated thousands of sufferers through oral appliance therapy. (Read the full case review.)
As an avid advocate for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea, Dr. Tache continues to encourage other dentists, from around the world, to learn up-to-date techniques, and get familiar with technology that can assist in treatment. “Evidence-based knowledge of sleep medicine, coupled with technology can markedly increase effectiveness of Dental Sleep Medicine Oral Airway Device therapy,” says Dr. Tache. He adds the importance of using technology in the particular case of A.N, as this patient would not respond to mandibular advancement alone, and in order to stabilize A.N’s airway, an increased opening was needed. “Acoustic Pharyngometry helped us to determine how much opening we needed, and we incorporated that information into the fabrication of his mandibular repositioning device (MRD). A.N would have not responded to advancement alone,” says Dr. Tache on the use of technology.
To increase existing knowledge of dental sleep medicine, or to learn it for the first time, attending a dental continuing education course with Sleep Group Solutions is a great starting place, according to Dr. Daniel Tache. For those interested in learning with Dr. Daniel Tache, dentists can register for his upcoming course in Eau Claire, WI on October 26/27th.
About Daniel Tache, DMD, Diplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
A native of Salem, MA, Dr. Tache’ has been practicing dentistry since 1975. He received his undergraduate degree from St. Anselm’s College in Manchester, NH, and his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1974. Dr. Tache began lecturing for SGS in 2006 and is currently serving as President of the Wisconsin Sleep Society.
About Sleep Group Solution
Sleep Group Solutions is an airway diagnostic technology company serving the needs of physicians and dentists interested in screening, diagnosing and treating sleep apnea and other upper airway disorders. Sleep Group Solutions offers the latest screening and diagnostic equipment solutions for patients with allergy, sinus congestion, rhinitis, deviated septum, nasal polyps, snoring and sleep apnea. SGS offers the most comprehensive dental sleep medicine CE seminars in the industry focused on teaching dentists the protocols needed to make the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea part of their practice. Sleep Group Solutions offers sleep study interpretation, oral appliances (Norad Boil & Bite, Respire), online directory 1800SleepLab.com and online marketing for sleep patients. SGS is the manufacturer of the Eccovision Systems Rhinometer and Pharyngometer, and offers Home Sleep Testing devices from Watermark Medical.
