Michelle Sands, the Sleep Department Director at Silent Night Therapy of Babylon Dental Care, said that the practice is adopting a proactive approach to identify sleep apnea early through airway screening.
"Silent Night Therapy of BDC is already ahead of the game with airway screening," said Sands.
Airway screening is becoming increasingly prevalent in sleep healthcare. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, such screenings can lead to earlier intervention and improved outcomes for patients who may unknowingly suffer from sleep-disordered breathing. This condition can have significant implications for cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Recently, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) endorsed a new policy encouraging dental hygienists to incorporate airway screenings into routine exams. The ADHA states that this policy empowers hygienists to identify conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), allowing patients to address these issues before they develop into serious health concerns.
The benefits of airway screening are well-documented. The Mayo Clinic reports that untreated sleep apnea can lead to complications such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, highlighting the importance of early detection through routine assessments.
Silent Night Therapy, with its emphasis on preventive care through airway screenings, is setting an example that other healthcare providers may follow. According to the National Sleep Foundation, integrating routine airway screenings can not only improve a patient's quality of life but also reduce healthcare costs by identifying sleep-related issues early.
According to the Silent Night Therapy website, Sands joined the practice in 2011, bringing over 25 years of expertise as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She recently completed postgraduate training and certification in Myofunctional Therapy and now serves as the Sleep Department Director, focusing on a holistic strategy for treating sleep apnea.
