In this episode,' we dive into the crucial role dental hygienists play in airway evaluation and the management of sleep-disordered breathing. Hygienists are in a unique position to identify signs and symptoms of sleep-related issues that often go unnoticed. We'll explore what to look for, the questions to ask, and how to initiate conversations with patients about sleep disordered breathing.

Bethany highlights the importance of continuing education in dental sleep medicine for hygienists, offering practical advice on where to start and how to integrate this knowledge into daily practice.

This episode emphasizes the importance of dental-medical integration, advocating for a more collaborative approach between dental professionals and medical providers to enhance patient care. We encourage our listeners to embrace the opportunities in dental sleep medicine, not only to expand their professional skill set but also to play a pivotal role in improving their patients' overall health and quality of life.

Whether you're new to the concept of dental sleep medicine or looking to deepen your knowledge, this episode is a call to action for hygienists to start to implement airway evaluations and become knowledgeable about dental sleep medicine. Tune in to discover how you can make a difference in the lives of your patients by educating on sleep disordered breathing.

Bethany Montoya, BAS, RDH, is a practicing dental hygienist, editorial director of DentistryIQ's Clinical Insights newsletter and a key opinion leader. She has advanced knowledge and training in complex cosmetic dentistry, dental sleep medicine, and implant dentistry. Recently, she has devoted her time to dentistry’s personal and interpersonal aspects through her social media brand, @humanrdh.

Contact Bethany at [email protected]