# Current orthodontic education status in the North American region on treating patients with obstructive sleep apnea

## TL;DR

This study assesses how orthodontic programs in North America are currently teaching the management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

## Contribution

The study identifies a lack of standardized education and protocols for treating OSA in orthodontic training programs.

## Key findings

- 96% of programs provide education on OSA management, but teaching formats vary.
- 74.1% have special protocols for OSA patients, but methods and assessments are inconsistent.
- The study highlights the need for standardized curricula to improve patient outcomes.

## Abstract

In 2019, American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) published the white paper on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and orthodontics, eliciting the role of the orthodontic specialty in the management of OSA. This study aims to evaluate the current status of OSA management education in the North America region to identify areas for improvement to enhance orthodontic training and, ultimately, better patient health outcomes.

Multiple-choice survey links were distributed via Qualtrics to postgraduate orthodontic program directors and department chairs, requesting anonymous responses in July-September 2024.

The response rate was 36.5% (27 responses). 96% of respondents indicated that their program provided education on orthodontic management and treatment of OSA patients, while 74.1% reported having special protocols for managing these patients. However, teaching formats, faculty backgrounds, screening or treatment methods, and competency assessments had varying responses.

In summary, it seems there is a lack of standardization in the post-graduate residency curriculum on OSA patient management.