Snoring, Maxillary Constriction, and Sleep Apnea

The landscape of dental treatments for pediatric patients dealing with sleep-disordered breathing has centered on maxillary expansion. However, the mechanisms underlying the impact of anatomical changes on orofacial functions and the pathophysiology of sleep-related breathing disorders remain a realm yet to be comprehensively understood. Sleep apnea has become a buzzword word and the role orthodontics can play in the management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has become controversial. This presentation will aim to critically appraise the evidence on the relationship between sleep-disordered breathing and craniofacial growth and development. Material on pediatric airway issues and other airway concerns in the growing child will be explored, including testing the clinical assumptions of what a typical child with OSA looks like and how they will respond to commonly suggested treatments. Should we expand the maxilla of every patient? Can CBCT imaging help detect sleep-disordered breathing in patients? Will it cause harm if extractions are prescribed during orthodontic treatment? Early identification of etiological factors and a comprehensive grasp of pathophysiology will be presented. A proposal for modifying orofacial growth and development for sleep-disordered breathing children, integrating the latest techniques to achieve optimal skeletal structures and reprogram orofacial muscle functions will be described. Practical incorporation of airway and sleep considerations for inclusion into routine clinical practice will be demonstrated.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Understand the relationship between anatomical changes and the pathophysiology of sleep-disordered breathing in pediatric patients.
2. Review the natural history and epidemiology of sleep-disordered breathing.
3. Critically appraise the literature pertaining to orthodontic treatment in children with OSA breathing.
4. Identify the etiological factors and early markers associated with sleep-related breathing disorders to enhance preventive approaches.
5. Develop a practical, and rational approach to the management of OSA in practice.
6. Explore the orthodontic methodologies used for modifying orofacial growth and development, utilizing the latest techniques to achieve ideal skeletal structures.
7. Implement strategies to integrate airway and sleep considerations into everyday clinical practice for a comprehensive approach to addressing sleep-disordered breathing in pediatric dentistry.

Agenda

9:00am	Introduction
9:00-10:15am	Dr. Benjamin T. Pliska
10:15-10:30am	Morning Break
10:30-11:45pam	Dr. Benjamin T. Pliska
11:45-12:45pm	Lunch Break
12:45-2:00pm	Dr. Audrey Jung-Sun Yoon
2:00-2:15pm	Afternoon Break
2:15-3:30pm	Dr. Audrey Jung-Sun Yoon
3:30-4:30pm	Question & Answer Session

Printable Agenda – Click Here

Disclosure Statement

In accordance with the ADA CERP Standard V., everyone involved in planning or presenting this educational activity will be required to disclose any relevant financial relationships with commercial interests and this information will be made available to participants at the start of the activity.

As a continuing education provider, UNC Adams School of Dentistry is responsible for ensuring the content, quality, and scientific integrity of all continuing dental education activities for which credit is provided. The School is also responsible for taking steps to protect against and/or disclose any conflict of interest of the faculty/instructors presenting those courses.

Cancellations and Refunds

A registration refund, less a $50 fee, will be issued for cancellations received by 4:00pm on Friday, April 5, 2024 . Cancellations must be received in writing either by fax (919) 445-2110 or by email to cde@dentistry.unc.edu. The cancellation request must include the name of the activity, the name of the person registered, the name of the person requesting the cancellation, and the reason for the cancellation. No refunds will be issued after the cancellation date given for each specific event. A specific date will be listed on the individual event pages and in any promotional pieces. No refunds will be issued after Friday, April 5, 2024. The UNC Adams School of Dentistry Continuing Dental Education Program cannot be responsible for the refund of any part of the registration fee as a result of emergencies, unforeseen circumstances, or events beyond its control after the cancellation date.

The University reserves the right to cancel or postpone any course due to unforeseen circumstances. In the event of cancellation or postponement, the University will fully refund registration fees but is not responsible for any related costs or expenses to participants, including cancellation fees assessed by hotels, airlines, rental cars, or travel agencies.

ADA Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, or sexual orientation. If you require reasonable accommodations for a disability in order to participate fully in this continuing education course, please call 919-537-3400.

By providing my information, I consent to receive communication via mail, email, fax, and phone from the University of North Carolina Continuing Dental Education office. The Continuing Dental Education office will not share your information with anyone.

Dental education institutions have an obligation to disseminate new knowledge related to dental practice. In so doing, some presentations may include controversial materials or commercial references. Sponsorship of a continuing education course by the University of North Carolina does not necessarily imply endorsement of a particular philosophy, procedure, or product by this institution.

The University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry cautions continuing dental education participants that there are potential risks of using limited knowledge when incorporating new techniques and procedures into the practice of dentistry, especially when the continuing education course has not provided supervised clinical experience and/or competency tests in the techniques or procedures.