For doctors: Why prescribe Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a proven treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and should be presented as an option to patients seeking therapy for OSA.
OAT is effective
Studies have demonstrated that OAT effectively treats OSA through reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and respiratory disturbance index in patients. Studies have demonstrated similar effectiveness between OAT and CPAP, even among patients with moderate-to-severe OSA.
OAT provides the same short and long-term health benefits as CPAP
Reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality
Reduction in blood pressure
Improved sleep quality
Reduced daytime sleepiness
Reduced depression
Improved driving performance
Better quality of life
Patients comply with OAT
CPAP is often prescribed as the first-line therapy for those with OSA; however, about 50% of patients will become non-compliant with their treatment after one year. Studies have indicated that up to 93% of patients are compliant with OAT.
Many patients prefer OAT
As many as 81% of patients prefer OAT to CPAP because it is effective, easy to use, easy to transport, quiet, comfortable, noninvasive, and less obtrusive.
Qualified dentists (not DME companies) manage OAT
Once prescribed by a physician, oral appliances are provided by a qualified dentist, who is trained in the delivery of oral appliances, as well as the nuances of coordinating treatment for a medical disorder with the diagnosing physician. If patients have a problem with their oral appliance or experience side effects, they simply call their qualified dentist.
Why Dr. Semco?
In addition to practicing dentistry and orthodontics since 1992, Dr. Semco has earned the designation of “Qualified Dentist” by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and achieved board certification in dental sleep medicine by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. He has completed the Tufts University Dental Sleep Medicine Program and graduated from the AADSM Mastery Program - a clinically-focused and evidence-based, comprehensive oral appliance therapy course. Dr. Semco avidly pursues educational opportunities and has obtained hundreds of hours of continuing education in dental sleep medicine.
A U.S. Army veteran, Dr. Semco studied at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where he graduated first in his class. He completed his orthodontic residency at the Mayo Clinic, a world-renowned teaching and research hospital, which accepts only one resident per year.
Dr. Semco is dedicated to the care and wellbeing of every patient he treats. He is passionate about changing and restoring his patients’ lives using oral appliance therapy - so they can do the things they love again.
Referring your patient
At Sleep Apnea & TMJ Therapy of Southern New England, it is required that all snorers and patients with sleep apnea be evaluated by a physician or sleep specialist before obtaining treatment with a dental device. It is our policy to keep referrers updated on our patients’ treatment progress.
To facilitate the referral process, please email us at info@SleepRI.com to request business cards, referral prescription pads, and practice brochures. If you would like to refer a patient for treatment, please submit one of the patient referral forms linked below.
Downloadable referral forms:
If you are a physician or dentist, please complete one of the forms (respectively) below and email to info@SleepRI.com or fax to 401-848-5225.
