Oral health practitioners and sleep disordered breathing: When, whom and what

Rama Krsna Rajandram
Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a multifaceted condition with systemic consequences that span cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurocognitive domains. While respiratory physicians remain central to diagnosis and medical management, oral health practitioners—particularly dentists, orthodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons—are uniquely positioned to contribute to early detection, risk stratification, and therapeutic interventions across the lifespan. This session explores the evolving role of oral health professionals as integral members in the holistic care of sleep-disordered breathing. It highlights how routine dental encounters offer a strategic touchpoint for screening craniofacial risk markers, recognizing subtle phenotypes of SDB, and initiating timely referrals. From pediatric airway development to adult obstructive sleep apnea, oral health practitioners can support holistic care through appliance therapy, airway-conscious orthodontics, and PSG-guided surgical planning. Drawing on clinical pathways, case-based evidence, and interdisciplinary models, this session advocates for a collaborative framework where respiratory physicians and oral health experts co-manage patients with sleep-disordered breathing.