Is Dental Sleep Medicine Ready for PrimeTime?
Dental Sleep Medicine (DSM) appears promising: a growing patient population, unmet clinical needs, and a potential new revenue stream. But behind the opportunity lies a fragmented and immature business environment plagued by reimbursement uncertainty, regulatory inconsistencies, and market confusion. This article briefly details the business challenges, opportunities, and risks involved in DSM for providers and commercial stakeholders THE SCOPE AND COST OF OSA Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) affects roughly 30 million Americans, but 80% remain undiagnosed. Untreated OSA is linked to significantly increased risks of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline. Sleep deprivation is so serious that the…