title: Obstructive Sleep Apnea and the Role of Dental Hygienists.
abstract: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most commonly undiagnosed sleep disorder and is gaining more recognition in dentistry. Dental hygienists are at a pivotal position to discuss risks, characteristics, medical referrals and treatment options for OSA, as well as detect if an individual has OSA through questionnaires and other tools that can be done during an examination. Dental hygienists need to receive appropriate education about OSA and should be well versed in their knowledge to educate patients. The purpose of this literature review is to identify the role of the dental hygienist in detecting the risk of OSA and gain knowledge on the topic in order to educate patients.
authors.forename: Elizabeth Collins
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Kornegay
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Brame
mesh_terms: D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D019186:Mandibular Advancement / Q000295:instrumentation; D008403:Mass Screening; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010361:Patients; D024382:Professional Role; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: OSA detection; dental hygiene; obstructive sleep apnea; sleep disorders