Policy on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Purpose
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs in the pediatric population. Undiagnosed or untreated OSA is associated with cardiovascular complications, impaired growth (including failure to thrive), learning problems, and behavioral problems.1 In order to reduce such complications, AAPD encourages healthcare professionals to routinely screen their patients for increased risk for OSA and to facilitate medical referral when indicated.