Spear-Airway vs. Occlusion: The Role of the Dental Profession, Part 1

Instructor: Dr. Kevin Kwiecien

Introduction

Sleep disorders, particularly sleep apnea and nighttime bruxism, are increasingly gaining attention for their far-reaching health implications. Dr. Kevin Kwiecien spearheads this essential course to help dental practitioners navigate the complex interplay between oral health, sleep quality, and airway management. Focused on aiding the identification of risk factors for sleep-disordered breathing and offering practical appliance solutions, this course serves as the prelude to a more in-depth exploration in Part 2.

Course Analysis

This foundational course lays the groundwork for understanding the multifaceted relationship between dental health and sleep disorders. It provides valuable insights into the limitations of traditional dental appliances in managing sleep-disordered breathing and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach.

Key Features

1. Initial Exams: Learn how to tailor initial exams to include the identification of risk factors for sleep-disordered breathing.
2. Centric Relation: Understand the importance of fully-seated condylar position (centric relation) in both dental and airway health.
3. Appliance Selection: Discuss the challenges and considerations in selecting dental appliances that serve dual purposes: tooth protection and airway management.

Learning Objectives

1. Risk Identification: Understand the role of the initial exam in identifying potential risk factors for sleep-disordered breathing.
2. Centric Relation: Gain a clear understanding of what centric relation is and its relevance to sleep and airway health.
3. Bruxism & Appliances: Understand the limitations of well-adjusted dental appliances in treating nighttime bruxism, especially when sleep disorders are involved.
4. Sleep and Sleep Disorders: Gain a foundational understanding of sleep physiology and common sleep disorders, especially those involving breathing.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for dentists, dental hygienists, orthodontists, and other professionals in the dental field who aim to expand their knowledge and practice to include aspects of sleep and airway management.

Personal Reflection

The course is insightful and helps bridge the knowledge gap between traditional dentistry and modern healthcare needs. Dr. Kwiecien presents the material in an accessible manner, making complex subjects understandable.

Conclusion

“Spear-Airway vs. Occlusion: The Role of the Dental Profession, Part 1” serves as an excellent starting point for dental professionals keen on adapting their practice to the evolving understanding of sleep and airway management. It offers both theoretical knowledge and practical guidance that can be readily applied in a clinical setting.

Course Rating and Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A must-take course for any dental practitioner aiming to offer comprehensive and up-to-date healthcare services. It provides actionable insights and paves the way for the more advanced topics covered in Part 2. Highly recommended!

Course Presenter

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Kevin Kwiecien

D.M.D, M.S.

Release Date:09/14/2015

Review Date:09/14/2021

Expiration Date:09/14/2024