Sleep-Disordered Breathing: The Dentists’ Role – A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: Although dentists have an important role related to sleep disorders, there is a concern about how far dentists can go when screening or treating these patients. The objective of this systematic review is to present guidelines, recommendations, and studies designed with the intention to describe and guide the role of dentists in sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)-related issues. 1 Methods: The eligibility criteria were guidelines, protocols, and recommendations focused on determining the role of dentists in the sleep disorders topic. The search was conducted through the databases Cochrane, EMBASE, Medline, LILACS, PubMed, and Web of Science. This systematic review was reported according to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA). 1 Results: Overall, a total of 1,432 studies were found in the 6 databases searched. After removing duplicates, the studies were evaluated by title and abstract. In the second phase, 231 studies were evaluated by reading their full text. Twenty-two studies matched the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: Through this systematic review it is possible to conclude that the guidelines describe the role of dentists in screening patients for SDB/obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as follows: refer the patients suspected of SDB/OSA to sleep physicians; apply, manage, and follow up the use of oral appliances. Clinical significance: All dentists should screen for SDB/OSA; however, only well-trained dentists with good knowledge of dental sleep medicine should be part of the multidisciplinary team to treat patients with SBD/OSA.

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