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Biomedical subjects

L I Barsh

Publications and source records attributed to L I Barsh.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Dentistry's role in the recognition and treatment of sleep-breathing disorders: the need for cooperation with the medical community.

While oral appliance therapy for the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing can be an exciting and rewarding adjunct to the practice of dentistry, it is essential that dentists realize that snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are medical and not dental problems. Sleep-disordered breathing and its sequelae are diseases that should remain in the purview of the medical community. While the dentist can identify patients with sleep-breathing disorders and participate in their treatment, it is essential to emphasize that sleep-breathing disorders are potentially life-threatening diseases whose diagnosis and treatment are the domain of the medical profession. Accepting dentistry's position as part of a treatment team, ongoing review of scientific literature, cooperation with medical colleagues, and attendance at educational meetings dedicated to the study of sleep-related disorders are essential to proper and ethical dental participation in the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing.

Dental Care for Chronically Ill↗
PubMed1996

Responsibilities of the dental profession in recognizing and treating sleep breathing disorders.

The recognition and treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are two medical areas where dentistry can play a valuable role. Oral appliance therapy has been accepted by the American Sleep Disorders Association as an appropriate treatment modality for some patients. It is essential, however, that dentists work as part of the treatment team and not assume responsibility for diagnosis and treatment without the involvement of a physician or sleep specialist. There are currently more than 35 different oral appliances on the commercial market designed to ameliorate the symptoms and/or treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Dentists interested in pursuing this area should receive sufficient training and education and commit to the study of oral appliance therapy for sleep disordered breathing with the same intensity and integrity applied to the rest of their clinical practice.

Adult↗