150 - Pediatric Dentists’ Behaviors and Attitudes Regarding Sleep Apnea

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of screening and attitudes regarding sleep apnea among currently practicing pediatric dentists.

Methods: A survey consisting of 23 questions was sent out via SurveyMonkey to AAPD members. The data was collected over a 4-week period in 2021. Simple statistics and Cronbach’s alpha were used. Assessment was performed of personal, practice, and demographic variables associated with pediatric dentists’ evaluation and treatment of sleep apnea in pediatric patients.

Results: The response rate was 9%. Almost all dentists reported knowing what sleep apnea is, and 74% reported having training. Dentists were internally consistent regarding their attitudes on screening and barriers (Cronbach’s alpha= 0.90 and 0.72, respectively). On 5-point Likert scale from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5), they felt screening should be done (x̄= 4) but were not as confident about their ability to screen (x̄=3). Furthermore, lack of adequate compensation was perceived as a barrier to implementation (x̄=3). Dentists (68%) reported screening for sleep apnea. Many routinely screened new or recall patients; of those dentists who didn’t routinely screen, some screened when parents had concerns regarding mouth/tonsils/oral cavity (81%), or when there were self-reported sleeping issues (78%). Tonsil size and verbal discussion with parents (89%) were some tools/markers used. No variables were found to be associated with likelihood of screening.

Conclusion: Dentists have a role in detecting sleep apnea, but barriers remain before it’s standard practice. Because of the low response rate, results must be evaluated cautiously, with the need for further data on this subject.