OSA in Drug-Resistant Hypertension

Plus: 10 Commandments of 7-figure Offices

Good morning. This is More Than Teeth. The newsletter that helps dental sleep professionals get 1% better every week.

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Did you know 83% of patients with drug-resistant hypertension also have OSA?

Discover the link and how you can help. Plus, dive into the 10 Commandments that 7-figure Offices HAVE to follow!

Let’s get started!

In Today’s Edition:

  • OSA in Drug-Resistant Hypertension

  • 10 Commandments of 7-figure Offices

  • Industry Events

  • olympic status sleep program

5-minute read👇

Clinical Corner

🥼Use the clinical corner as your secret weapon to impress your colleagues and patients!

Key Takeaways🔑

OSA Prevalence in Drug-Resistant Hypertension: 83% of patients with drug-resistant hypertension have OSA, far exceeding the general population’s 24% prevalence.

Gender Differences: 96% of men and 65% of women with drug-resistant hypertension have OSA. Men experience an average of 32.2 events/hour; women, 14.0 events/hour.

Clinical Actions: Collaborate with cardiologists, educate patients on the OSA-hypertension link, and use custom oral appliances to improve OSA management and reduce hypertension.

Hypertension is a silent killer. But what happens when it resists the strongest treatments?

A recent study reveals a shocking connection between drug-resistant hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Let’s dive into the details and explore how dental sleep professionals can play a crucial role in addressing this hidden threat.

The Alarming Statistics

The study, conducted at a university hypertension clinic, examined 41 adults with drug-resistant hypertension. The findings were startling:

  • 83% of participants had OSA.

  • 96% of men versus 65% of women were affected.

  • The average age was 57.2 years.

  • The average body mass index (BMI) was 34.0 kg/m².

These figures highlight a severe under-recognition of OSA in patients with drug-resistant hypertension. OSA’s prevalence in this group far exceeds the general population, suggesting a significant, overlooked link.

Gender Differences in OSA Severity

The study also uncovered gender-specific trends:

  • Men had a higher prevalence and severity of OSA than women.

  • Men: 32.2 events/hour

  • Women: 14.0 events/hour

  • Women with OSA were older and had a distinct cardiovascular profile, including higher systolic blood pressure and slower heart rate.

Implications for Dental Sleep Professionals

As dental sleep professionals, we’re in a unique position to identify and manage OSA. Here’s how you can make a difference:

  1. Collaboration with Physicians: Work closely with cardiologists and hypertension specialists to ensure comprehensive care. These findings shocked us and it is going to shock them too! If you haven’t started your referral network, this would be a good starting point for collaboration!

  2. Patient Education: Educate patients about the connection between OSA and hypertension. Explain how treating OSA can improve their blood pressure control and overall health and to ask their doctors about their risk.

  3. Treatment Options: Oral appliances may be a good option to help aid these patients in their journey. However, “lifestyle changes” will help further solve the root problem here.

Key Takeaways for Your Practice

  • Holistic Approach: Collaborate with other healthcare providers to offer comprehensive care.

  • Education and Empowerment: Equip your patients with the knowledge and tools they need to manage OSA effectively.

This is just one of many things that we should be looking out for with our patients. They don’t teach this in dental school. We write More Than Teeth to help give you the knowledge you need to help educate your patients about these life-threatening concerns!

What percentage of patients with drug-resistant hypertension had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the study?

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Business of Sleep

📈Better businesses = more lives saved!

10 Commandments of 7-figure Offices

There are many things that make an office a well-oiled machine. Here are 10 of our favorites. #4 is our personal favorite! We have provided links to help you along if you’re not checking these off.

Is your office doing all of these?

🌐 1. Digital First Impressions Count Your website and social media aren't just business cards—they're your first hello. Regular updates? Critical. Dealing with comments? Absolutely. Consider a digital expert to keep your online reputation gleaming.

✍️ 2. Feedback is Your BFF Ask and ye shall receive! Seek out feedback from those loyal sleep apnea patients. And if someone drops a 1-star bomb? Engage, empathize, and evolve.

⏰ 3. Be the Early Bird & Night Owl Why limit your practice to the 9-5 grind? Consider earlier starts or late evening slots. You might just woo the 9-5 working crowd!

📞 4. Answer. That. Phone. That ringing? It's opportunity calling. No voicemails during business hours. Make every caller feel like they're the only patient you have.

🔬 5. Lab Partnerships = Patient Retention Choose a dental lab that shares your commitment to excellence. A comfortable denture or seamless bridge can turn a one-time visitor into a lifelong patient.

6. Streamline Scheduling Implement real-time booking solutions like NexHealth, making it easier and faster for patients to secure appointments.

🔔 7. Keep Patients Engaged Send friendly reminders, catchy follow-ups, and informative post-care notes to ensure they're in the loop.

💳 8. Simplify Payments Offer a variety of digital payment methods and consider flexible payment plans.

🎉 9. Celebrate Successes Acknowledge and celebrate successful treatments with patients, enhancing their loyalty and likelihood to refer others.

📊 10. Use Data Intelligently Utilize analytic tools to gain insights and improve patient retention strategies.

Something Sweet

🍭Stuff so sweet you might get a cavity..

Industry Events

Event

Dates

Location

Link

Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine 6th Annual Scientific Conference

Sep 12 - 15

Chicago, IL

Click Here

Collaboration Cures 2024

Sep 12-14

Reno, NV

Click Here

Transform Dental Sleep Symposium

Jan 31 - Feb 1, 2025

Scottsdale, AZ

Click Here

Have an event you would like to post? (free) [ click here ]

Miscellaneous

😅P.S. … I forgot something

Check out the olympic status sleep program! How does yours stack up?

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