The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) has updated its standards for dentists who utilize teledentistry in the treatment and management of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring with oral appliance therapy, states an April 22, 2025, press release from the organization. The revised standards, which reflect the latest advancements in the industry, offer guidelines on how teledentistry can be integrated in a way that maintains the highest standards of patient care.
“We understand patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea want convenient solutions,” says Michelle Cantwell, DMD, president-elect of the AADSM's board of directors. Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition that significantly impacts quality of life and is associated with serious health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. We feel this new guidance strikes the right balance between leveraging teledentistry for convenience and preserving the in-person care that patients should receive for effective treatment.”
In the standards, AADSM emphasizes that in order to ensure treatment accuracy, patient safety, proper fit, and long-term success when delivering oral appliance therapy, certain critical in-person components of the treatment should be completed, including the following:
- The performance of a comprehensive examination where the patient's existing restorations, teeth, bite, temporomandibular joints, and craniofacial structures are assessed to ensure suitability for oral appliance therapy
- The acquisition of precise impressions (traditional or digital) to facilitate fabrication of a custom appliance that fits correctly, is comfortable, and effectively treats obstructive sleep apnea
- The acquisition of a bite registration to aid in finding the best starting position for appliances
“The AADSM's updated standards provide much-needed clarity on the role of teledentistry in oral appliance therapy,” Cantwell adds. “While virtual appointments can improve access to care, clinical experience and expertise show that certain steps should be performed in person to ensure optimal outcomes.”
According to AADSM, the updated standards are intended to serve as a vital resource for dentists who provide oral appliance therapy, providing a framework that balances the benefits of technological innovation with the in-person needs of patient care. The organization believes that it is essential to uphold rigorous clinical protocols in order to advance the field of dental sleep medicine in a way that prioritizes patient care and treatment effectiveness.
For more information about the updated AADSM standards, please visit: https://www.aadsm.org/standards_for_practice.php
