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It is well known by now the American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA) is preparing for a meeting with congress in Washington D.C. on September 27, 2016 where over 60 congressmen, senators and regulators will be in attendance. The objective for the meeting is to make oral appliances the true benchmark for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Although government officially said in 2006 oral appliance therapy (OAT) should be a treatment option, big CPAP manufacturers have their lobbyists that have made sure it hasn’t become a part of the treatment protocol.
Consider that earlier this year, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York declared that conductors and engineers with two commuter railroads must be tested for sleep apnea. The move came two and a half years after a deadly derailment in the Bronx that killed four and injured dozens. The conductor was found to have “severe sleep apnea.” Mr. Cuomo said the testing would be required for employees of the Long Island Rail Road and the Metro-North Railroad.
The next meeting on September 27, 2016 will make the third visit to Congress by the American Sleep and Breathing Academy. With news of this third congressional hearing granted to the ASBA, it is clear the academy is a mover and a shaker for rules and regulations in the sleep industry. I urge everyone to join the ASBA, because as a dental sleep professional who really cares about changing the lives of my patients, I know it starts with policy reform. And by increasing our membership, we can become the preferred dentists across the country to treat transportation workers. How about being a part of an academy working on your behalf with government that also sends patients through your door?
I am currently establishing a membership committee. Members of the committee will have access to ASBA support staff and various resources that will aide in improving the ASBA directory. Any member interested in being a part of this committee can email info@myasba.com.