• Kelly R Magliocca and Joseph I Helman.
• Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA. cottrk@hotmail.com
• J Am Dent Assoc. 2005 Aug 1;136(8):1121-9; quiz 1166-7.

BackgroundPatients with undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) represent a major public health problem, and studies suggest that the incidence of OSA may be even higher than estimated.Types Of Studies ReviewedThe authors reviewed current literature describing comorbidities of patients with OSA.ResultsSleep medicine is a relatively new field. Dental practitioners may lack educational exposure and, as a result, feel uncomfortable asking their patients sleep-related questions. While patients with well-controlled OSA present few difficulties for routine dental treatment, it is imperative that health care professionals understand the comorbidities associated with OSA and that untreated OSA may contribute to increased morbidity and mortality.Clinical ImplicationsDental professionals have a unique doctor-patient relationship that affords them a role in recognizing sleep disorders by exploring the history of patients who are sleepy.

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