THE ROLE OF THE DENTIST IN THE INTERDISCIPLINARY MANAGEMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA IN ADULTS IN BRAZIL

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent condition that remains frequently underdiagnosed in Brazil, with significant repercussions for public health and patients' quality of life. This study aimed to analyze the role of dentists in the interdisciplinary management of OSA in adults, seeking to understand how their training and integration with Sleep Medicine contribute to early diagnosis and therapeutic effectiveness. This is a bibliographic and documentary study with a qualitative approach, based on scientific articles and national and international guidelines published between 2009 and 2025, retrieved from the PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, and ScienceDirect databases. The literature review demonstrated that dentists play a strategic role in identifying patients with suspected OSA through the application of screening protocols, clinical assessment, and referral for specialized diagnosis, in addition to participating in treatment with oral appliances in selected cases. It is concluded that professional qualification and the integrated practice between Dentistry and Sleep Medicine contribute to expanding early diagnosis, improving treatment effectiveness, and enhancing patient care for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea.