Diagnosis and Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pediatric Patients

1.0 continuing education credit

Join Us January 22, 2025

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder of breathing during sleep that disrupts normal ventilation during sleep and normal sleep patterns. OSA is both prevalent and underdiagnosed in children and has harmful central nervous system, cardiovascular, and metabolic consequences.

OSA in children is produced by an imbalance between upper airway load and neuromuscular tone, however many factors can influence this imbalance. Dentist are in an ideal position to help diagnose OSA in pediatric patients. We can also play a crucial role in the treatment and management of this condition.

Dr. Perez is dually trained in Pediatric Dentistry as well as Orofacial Pain. She joined the University of Kentucky as a resident in 2008, as a faculty member since 2012 and has been Division Chief for Pediatric Dentistry and Residency Program Director since 2017. She works with Pediatric Dental residents, predoctoral students as well as Orofacial Pain Residents. Her areas of interest include Children with cleft lip and palate, sleep disorders in children, and Temporomandibular Disorders in children and adolescents.

  American Academy of Orofacial Pain is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.  ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. American Academy of Orofacial Pain designates this activity for 1.0 continuing education credits.