25 Oct Dr. Drake’s Journey to Becoming a Diplomate of Dental Sleep Medicine
The first time I heard the words “Obstructive Sleep Apnea” was in the hospital when my wife was admitted for an uncontrolled episode of atrial fabulation of her heart.
As I began to study about the connections between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other common medical conditions, I know I had to do something about it. Being a dentist I look into hundreds of mouths and with the right knowledge I could alert my patients to the possibility of this overlooked but serious condition.
Over several years, I was able to help a number of patients have life-changing results with getting a better night’s sleep. Several years ago, I decided to devote a portion of my dental practice to dental sleep medicine. I began a two-year study program, culminating in passing a board exam by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine in August 2021. There are less than twelve other dentists in the Kansas City area who have achieved this Diplomate status.
My patients benefit from the extensive knowledge, experience and effective results this training has given me. I am very passionate about helping as many people as possible find solutions to waking up tired every day. Twenty percent of American adults have OSA, but 80% of these people are unaware they have it.
Come see me at KC Sleep Health for an introductory airway evaluation.