Possible Texas Dental Law Changes May Enhance Collaboration of Physicians & Dentists in Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

 The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners does not recognize OSA diagnosis and treatment within the current scope of dentistry and Houston sleep expert Jerald H. Simmons, MD recognizes the partnerships needed to treat this sleep disorder. This team-based care will be the focus at the 9th Annual Sleep Education Consortium's (SEC) conference, Feb 8-9, 2013 in Houston that brings the dentist and the physician together for continuing education classes, said SEC's Founding-Director, Dr. Simmons. 

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a medical condition where repeated narrowing of the throat occurs during sleep which either partially or completely blocks the airway. This blockage can repeatedly stop breathing for many that lasts 20 seconds or longer. OSA can occur at any age and it is estimated that more than 12 million Americans have this disorder. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine about 80 to 90 percent of adults with OSA remain undiagnosed.
Many physicians are not recognizing the problem leaving so many untreated. This has created a niche for those dentists who may recognize the symptoms of OSA and step-in to fill this void. However, many dentists are now providing services to patients for OSA, a medical condition, which is technically outside of the scope of dentistry. Recognizing this trend, the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) is evaluating the situation to determine a formal position on this topic. Jerald H. Simmons, MD, who is triple board-certified by the American Board of Sleep Medicine, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology presented to the dental board his expert opinion at their January 25th Austin meeting.
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