By: Danielle Duncan

Have you implemented dental sleep medicine into your practice yet? First founded in 1991 as the Sleep Disorders Dental Society (SDDS) by a group of dentists who were fascinated with the idea of studying, researching, and ultimately practicing dental sleep medicine later changed to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, this amazing academy has made it their mission to help dental practices to start successfully treating obstructive sleep apnea in their patients. 

Unfortunately, despite the fact that up to 1 in every 15 Americans suffer from sleep apnea, not all dentists understand just how important their role is in diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnea in their patients. 

But, did you know that implementing sleep medicine into your practice and seeing more sleep patients can greatly benefit a dental practice in several ways? 

How does seeing more sleep patients or implementing dental sleep medicine into your practice help? 

Expanding services to include sleep apnea treatment can provide dental practices with numerous benefits. Let’s consider some of the benefits:

• Offering sleep apnea treatment can also lead to better collaboration with other healthcare providers, such as physicians and sleep specialists. By working together, dental practices can provide more comprehensive care to patients and improve overall health outcomes.
• In addition to treating sleep apnea, dental practices can also provide oral appliance therapy (OAT) to help patients with snoring and other sleep-related issues. OAT is a non-invasive and effective treatment option that can be customized to meet the unique needs of each patient.
• By providing sleep apnea treatment, dental practices can help reduce healthcare costs by preventing or managing chronic conditions associated with sleep apnea. This can lead to improved patient outcomes and lower healthcare expenses over time.
• Dental practices can also benefit from offering sleep apnea treatment by gaining a competitive edge. With more and more patients seeking comprehensive care, practices that offer advanced services such as sleep apnea treatment are more likely to attract and retain patients.
• Finally, expanding services to include sleep apnea treatment can also provide dental practices with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. By helping patients improve their sleep and overall health, dental professionals can make a meaningful difference in their patients’ lives.

Let’s delve deeper

First and foremost, expanding services to include sleep apnea treatment can increase revenue and attract new patients. There is a significant demand for sleep apnea treatment, especially when it is convenient, safe, and doesn’t require an overnight stay in a foreign place. By offering these services, dental practices can tap into a new market and differentiate themselves from competitors.

In addition to the financial benefits, providing sleep apnea treatment can also have a positive impact on patient health and well-being. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can lead to a variety of health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. By offering treatment for OSA, dental practices can help improve the quality of life for their patients and potentially even save the lives of those patients who would have otherwise not been diagnosed. 

As a dental professional, you know just how important patient experience is. Patients who receive screening and treatment for OSA often report feeling more rested, alert, and productive during the day. This can lead to improved work and personal relationships, as well as an overall better quality of life. Improving the life and overall wellness of a patient’s life is the priority of any dentist practice.

Overall, expanding services to include sleep apnea treatment can benefit both the financial health of dental practices and the physical and mental health of their patients. It’s a win-win situation that is worth considering for any dental practice looking to grow and differentiate itself in the market.

Lastly, treating sleep apnea can also improve the overall reputation of a dental practice. By offering advanced services and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in dentistry, practices can position themselves as leaders in the field. This can help attract top talent and establish the practice as a trusted provider in the community.

In conclusion, seeing more sleep patients can greatly benefit a dental practice in several ways. By expanding services to include sleep apnea treatment, practices can increase revenue, attract new patients, improve patient health and satisfaction, enhance the dentist-patient relationship, and boost overall reputation. Remember, dental practices that prioritize comprehensive care and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies are more likely to succeed and thrive in today’s competitive healthcare landscape.

Not sure where to start? Imagn Sleep is here to help! Schedule a call with our knowledgeable staff or view our demo today! 

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