Dear Dr. Mintz,

I appreciate that someone with your credentials and commitment to our profession reached out with concerns.

I do not charge for the use of the GEMPro because I strongly believe that money should not get in the way of patients agreeing to additional screening, which might lead to the treatment of a potentially life-threatening disorder. I first conduct a clinical airway screening at the chair and, when I recognize that there might be bruxism, clenching or some type of airway issue, I suggest further screening with the GEMPro. Then, if the data indicates oxygen desaturations with or without excessive snoring and bruxism, I refer the patient to a physician for an evaluation and diagnosis. Once diagnosed, I treat the patient accordingly. If the data does not indicate oxygen desaturations or excessive bruxism, I treat the patient’s primary snoring or bruxism with the proper appliance and ensure airway issues are not introduced with that appliance (see chart below). Never would I suggest a dentist diagnose obstructive sleep apnea or place a sleep appliance without a written prescription, as I know the limits of the dental profession.

I encourage you and other interested professionals to read my newest article in this issue that shows the objective data produced by the GEMPro Wellness Monitor and how a clinician can use it to make recommendations and referrals. Sleep dentistry is very important to me on a personal level, which is why I have spent so many years advocating for the screening of patients through my lectures and courses.

Regarding the references used in the article in question, you are correct in noting that they are not about the GEMPro Wellness Monitor. Those references were used to call attention to the dangers of sleeping less than seven hours a night and the self-reported numbers of adults in my home state who get insufficient sleep, with the purpose of getting clinicians to realize the importance of screening for sleep-related disorders.

I hope I have addressed your concerns and cleared up any confusion about my article and my passion for sleep dentistry.

Sincerely,
Suzanne Haley, DMD