One-Day Practitioner Training Course
When?
Date: Sunday, 10th August 2025
Who is this course for?
Designed for healthcare professionals (Dental practitioners)
How long is the course?
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Where?
TLC, 86 Brookes St, Fortitide Valley
Course Objectives: This course aims to provide dental professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the impact poor sleep has on overall health, and how dental teams can play a crucial role in identifying sleep disorders and assisting patients in seeking appropriate treatment.
Key Topics Covered:
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The Impact of Poor Sleep on Health
Examine the extensive effects of poor sleep on physical and mental well-being. Understand how untreated sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea, can lead to serious health complications, including cardiovascular issues, cognitive decline, and a reduced quality of life.
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Identifying Sleep Disorders in a Dental Setting
Learn how dental teams are uniquely positioned to detect signs of sleep disorders in patients. This module focuses on key symptoms and indicators that can be observed during routine dental examinations, and how to guide patients towards appropriate testing and treatment.
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Facilitating Sleep Testing for Patients
Acquire practical strategies for assisting your patients in obtaining sleep tests. This includes understanding the types of sleep tests available—home sleep tests versus in-lab studies—and how to streamline the process from the dental chair to diagnosis with a sleep physician.
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Importance of TMJ Consideration in Appliance Design
Explore the significance of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) when designing oral appliances for sleep. Learn how proper appliance design can ensure comfort, reduce potential TMJ issues, and increase long-term treatment success.
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Pros and Cons of Available Oral Sleep Appliances
Gain a critical overview of the different oral sleep appliances available, including the advantages and disadvantages of each type. This will aid practitioners in making informed decisions when recommending appliances to patients with sleep disorders.
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Hands-On Training in Oral Sleep Appliances
Participate in practical training on oral sleep appliance therapy, with insights and instruction provided by three leading appliance companies. This session ensures participants can confidently incorporate appliance therapy into their practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the impact that poor sleep has on our overall health.
- Understand how sleep disorders can be easily identified by the Dental team
- Learn how to help your patients get their sleep tested
- Importance of considering TMJ with appliance design
- Pros and Cons of available Oral Sleep Appliances
- Training in Oral Sleep Appliances by 3 appliance companies
By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance patient care in the area of sleep health, from diagnosis to treatment with oral appliances.
Presenters:
Dr. Karina Patel (BDS, DABCP, DABCDSM, DABDSM) graduated from King's College London, UK, and holds multiple diplomate certifications, including from the American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, and the American Board of Craniofacial Pain.
With advanced training in the USA, UAE, UK, and Australia, Dr. Patel specialises in craniofacial pain and sleep-related breathing disorders. Her passion in these areas led her to serve as Director of TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centres in London, Devon, and Dubai for over a decade.
At The London Sleep Centre, Dr. Patel collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of physicians and allied health professionals to develop efficient patient care pathways, treating over 10,000 individuals suffering from sleep breathing disorders and chronic pain.
A respected international lecturer on sleep and pain, Dr. Patel relocated to Australia in 2020, where she continues to raise awareness about sleep disorders and improve patient outcomes.
Sarah Beach OHT (Adult Scope), DH, DT, BHSc (Public Health), BA (Communication and Media Management), Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist
- Graduated as a Dental Therapist and went on to become an Oral Health Therapist at the University of Qld in 2005.
- Co-founder of Sleepwell AU/NZ E-Learning Platform, and co-creator of Fast and Functional TMD and Orofacial Pain Education.
- Works across 4 clinics to apply all the skills gained over her international career, including expertise in aesthetic dentistry, TMD management, breathing rehabilitation, and dental sleep medicine.
**Presented by Sleepwell AU/NZ Education, a company committed to advancing dental practitioners' education by ensuring they remain informed on the latest healthcare research and clinical techniques. Sleepwell AU/NZ founders, Dr Karina Patel and Sarah Beach OHT, are dedicated advocates for the wide range of career opportunities that ongoing CPD offers Dental & Oral Health Therapists and Hygienists.