How is your Sleep? DO YOU SNORE?
Dr. Colleen Allen recently became designated as a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM). The ABDSM is the leading national testing organization for dentists who treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. Earning Diplomate status from the ABDSM is a unique honor that recognizes special competency in dental sleep medicine. Prior to completing the board examination, Dr. Allen completed a mini-residency at University of Michigan School of Dentistry including over 100 hours of continuing education credits in dental sleep medicine.
While CPAP is the standard treatment for sleep apnea, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) estimates up to 50 percent of sleep apnea patients do not comply with or tolerate CPAP. In contrast to a CPAP machine, oral appliances are a mouth guard-like device worn only during sleep to maintain an open, unobstructed airway. Patients like oral appliance therapy because it is comfortable, easy to wear, quiet, portable and easy to care for.
“Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option that offers a higher rate of patient compliance than CPAP,” said Dr. Allen. “I work with my patients, and their sleep physicians, to identify the right oral appliance design, then custom fit appliances to each patient and make any needed adjustments to ensure an open airway and a more restful sleep.”
Patients with loud snoring and diagnosed sleep apnea sufferers with difficulty tolerating CPAP should contact Dr. Allen at Saline Dental Care, (734) 429-9744, to schedule a consultation appointment. Dr. Allen works closely with physicians to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Patients should talk to Dr. Allen at there up-coming appointment about any concerns with snoring or sleep apnea.
About the ABDSM and AADSM
The American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) is the only non-profit testing organization dedicated exclusively to the practice of dental sleep medicine. The ABDSM tests knowledge and clinical proficiency in dental sleep medicine and designates those who meet its requirements as Diplomates. The ABDSM is associated with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) which is the only non-profit national professional society focused exclusively on dental sleep medicine. The AADSM provides educational resources for dentists and promotes the use of oral appliance therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing. Established in 1991, the AADSM has more than 3,000 member dentists worldwide. Visit www.abdsm.org for information on the ABDSM and visit www.aadsm.org for information on the AADSM.