Abstract

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children is increasingly recognized as a significant health concern, yet it often remains underdiagnosed in dental practice. Pediatric dentists are uniquely positioned to identify early risk factors and guide families toward appropriate care, as children typically visit their dentist more frequently than their physician. This lecture will focus on the dentist’s role in patient education, parent coaching, and early recognition of potential sleep-related breathing problems in children. Drawing on recent evidence and practical case experience, participants will learn how to integrate screening protocols into routine pediatric visits, communicate effectively with parents, and understand when referral to a sleep specialist is warranted. The session will highlight the importance of collaborative prevention strategies and the impact of patient education in improving outcomes for children at risk.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize common signs and symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing in children during dental visits.
• Understand key risk factors (such as tonsillar hypertrophy, obesity, malocclusion, and family history) without delving into growth/structural mechanisms.
• Implement simple screening tools and chairside questions to identify children who may be at high risk.
• Educate and coach parents on recognizing warning signs and the importance of early intervention.
• Establish referral pathways by knowing when and how to guide families toward pediatric sleep specialists for comprehensive management.
• Integrate preventive strategies into pediatric dental practice to enhance oral and general health outcomes.