Q: Why are dentists entering the field of sleep-disordered breathing?

Dr. Levine: Some individuals typically see their dentists on a more regular basis than they see their primary care physician. That gives a dentist the unique opportunity to screen patients for OSA risk factors, which include an oral exam of the oropharynx. In many cases, a dental appliance can be fabricated to keep the airway open while sleeping as a possible alternative to using a CPAP device. Only a dentist can make an oral appliance.