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Did you know sleep disorder patients are nearly 5 times more likely to develop alopecia areata? Or that 71% of alopecia patients show excessive daytime sleepiness?

This emerging bidirectional relationship has major implications for your sleep practice screening protocols.

In Today’s Edition:

• The Hidden Sleep-Hair Loss Connection

• Strategies for Boosting Treatment Plan Conversion Rates

• Industry Events

5-minute read👇

Clinical Corner

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

Key Takeaways🔑

The Hidden Sleep-Hair Loss Connection: Why It Matters for Your Practice

For dental sleep professionals screening patients, hair loss might be the last symptom on your radar. But new research suggests it should be on your checklist - especially when treating sleep apnea patients.

The numbers are striking: sleep disorder patients are nearly five times more likely to develop alopecia areata (AA), while AA patients face almost four times the risk of developing sleep apnea. This bidirectional relationship, revealed in a 2022 systematic review, has direct implications for sleep practice screening protocols.

Understanding the Connection

Sleep quality consistently suffers in AA patients, with studies showing increased sleep latency and greater daytime dysfunction. Women appear particularly vulnerable, demonstrating higher Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores than men. The reverse holds true as well - poor sleep increases AA risk, with young patients (ages 0-24) showing the highest vulnerability.

Clinical Screening Updates

Add these elements to your patient screening process:

• History of unexplained hair loss, particularly in patches

• Recent changes in hair texture or volume

• Family history of autoimmune conditions

• Current dermatological treatments

Physical examination should note:

• Patchy hair loss areas

• Signs of scalp inflammation

• Changes in facial hair patterns

• Photos for baseline documentation

Communicating with Patients

When discussing this connection with patients, focus on actionable insights rather than creating anxiety. Consider these talking points:

"Just as sleep affects many aspects of health, we're now seeing connections with autoimmune conditions like alopecia. Let's monitor both to ensure the best outcomes."

"Early detection gives us more treatment options. That's why we're adding these screening questions to our regular assessment."

Building Your Referral Network

Establish relationships with local dermatologists for bidirectional referrals:

• Share your screening protocols

• Define clear referral criteria

• Create efficient communication channels

• Schedule regular case reviews

Implementing these changes doesn't require a major practice overhaul. Start with simple intake form updates and basic staff training on AA recognition. This proactive approach can help catch both conditions early, leading to better patient outcomes through coordinated care.

Remember, you're not diagnosing AA - you're identifying patients who might benefit from dermatological evaluation while monitoring their sleep health. This holistic approach aligns with the growing understanding of sleep's role in overall health and positions your practice at the forefront of comprehensive patient care.

Rehan, Syeda Tayyaba^a; Khan, Zayeema^a; Mansoor, Hussain^a; Shuja, Syed Hasan^a; Hasan, Mohammad Mehedi^b,*. Two-way association between alopecia areata and sleep disorders: A systematic review of observational studies. Annals of Medicine & Surgery 84():, December 2022. | DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104820

Business of Sleep

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Strategies for Boosting Treatment Plan Conversion Rates

Navigating Challenges and Maximizing Success in Sleep Apnea Treatment

Now let's talk about the important topic of treatment plan conversion rates. These rates are crucial for the long-term success and growth of any dental sleep practice. It's important to understand that these rates directly impact how effective and profitable the practice is. By focusing on improving these rates, dental sleep practices can increase their success in getting potential patients to accept treatment plans. This leads to more money, happier patients, and a better reputation. So, it's important for dental sleep practitioners to always evaluate and improve their strategies to increase their treatment plan conversion rates and make their practice successful and sustainable.

The Challenge: A Case Study

Imagine a thriving general dentistry practice on the West Coast, expertly treating sleep apnea, but suddenly facing a drastic drop in treatment plan conversion rates – from a robust 70% to a mere 16%. The culprit? The all-too-familiar impact of COVID-19.

Embracing Resilience

In the face of such challenges, it’s essential to adopt a proactive stance. As Abraham Lincoln wisely said, "Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle." This ethos is critical in overcoming adversity and enhancing practice resilience.

Treatment Plan: A Dual Focus

The effectiveness of a treatment plan hinges on two pivotal aspects: the Clinical Treatment Plan and the Financial Treatment Plan. The former encompasses the clinical path, including sleep test reviews and treatment discussions. The latter, managed by your "Closer," involves presenting the financial aspects, from detailing the value to discussing payment options. Both components need to synergize for successful patient outcomes and practice growth.

Crafting a Comprehensive Treatment Approach

The key to a successful Comprehensive Treatment Plan is creating a clear, value-driven pathway for the patient. This path includes everything from case initiation to oral appliance provision (with a 2-year warranty), adjustments, titrations, and follow-up sleep studies.

Leveraging Third-Party Financing

In today's credit-based economy, offering third-party financing options can significantly enhance treatment plan acceptance. This strategy aligns with your service warranty and adjustment period, making it a financially viable option for both the practice and the patient.

Effective Communication: Sealing the Deal

Effective communication is paramount in clinching treatment plan acceptance. Here are some tips:

• Divide and Conquer: Separate the treatment plan into clinical and financial segments. Tailor the conversation to your area of expertise.

• Building Value: Ensure your "Closer" communicates the treatment plan clearly and simply, avoiding jargon and complexities.

• Payment Options: Present all payment options upfront. Ask the patient which option aligns best with their budget.

• Keep It Super Simple (K.I.S.S.): Complexity can derail a treatment plan. Strive for simplicity to secure patient agreement.

In Conclusion

Adversity in dental sleep practices, such as fluctuating conversion rates, demands resilience, strategic planning, and effective communication. By focusing on these key areas, your practice can not only survive but thrive, even in challenging times.

Something Sweet

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Industry Events

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