FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Contact:
CRANIOFACIAL PAIN ASSOCIATES OF OKLAHOMA
Liz Bennie 405-321-8030
lbennie@tmj-pain.com

ACSDD Contact:
Saaum Chim 215-832-0182
saaum.chim@acsdd.org

New Options for Sleep Sufferers Come to Oklahoma, with Special Screenings for National Sleep Week

Local Dentist, Robert L. Talley, DDS, One of First in Country to be Certified By New Sleep Dentistry Society

February 10, 2004 – Norman, OK – Dentist Dr. Robert L. Talley’s commitment to use his training and skills to address the serious health problems caused by the widespread prevalence of airway-related sleep disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) was reinforced yesterday when he received Certification in Sleep Disorders Dentistry from the newly-formed Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Dentistry (ACSDD); special screenings are now available at Craniofacial Pain Associates of Oklahoma as part of National Sleep Week (March 29 - April 4).

“Almost 20 million Americans suffer from OSA and we believe that dentists are ideally positioned as the first-line of defense against the potentially devastating cardiovascular, neurologic and interpersonal consequences of this disorder,” said Dr. Talley. “As health professionals who evaluate the airway of every patient we see, dentists offer patients a unique opportunity to get screened and into care.”

According to the National Institutes of Health, over 20 million people have OSA and it is associated with cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, heart disease and stroke. Snoring is considered a major indicator of OSA and risk factors include weight gain, age, and family history. Symptoms include daytime tiredness, headache, memory loss, mood changes, relationship disturbances and decreased personal effectiveness.

The Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Dentistry trains, supports and certifies dentists who wish to identify, diagnose and manage OSA using a rigorous comprehensive clinical protocol; dentists provide screening and specialized assessment of the airway and use FDA approved dental appliances to manage mild-moderately affected patients and those who cannot adhere to other forms of treatment. Patients who do not respond appropriately are referred for specialized care.

For dental screening for sleep disorders, or more information, contact Craniofacial Pain Associates of Oklahoma (ph: 405/321-8030, fax: 405/321-2108) or visit www.tmj-pain.com.

More information about Sleep Disorders Dentistry can be found at www.acsdd.org.