Objective : The Japanese Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine conducted a questionnaire survey to investigate the current status of education on dental sleep medicine for dental students in Japan.
Method : Questionnaires concerning education on dental sleep medicine were sent to and collected from teaching staff at dental universities and colleges in Japan.
Results : Responses were obtained from 29/29 schools. The average duration of education including lectures and practical training was 2.7 hours （sleep physiology）, 2.5 hours （sleep disorders）, and 3.4 hours （OSA: obstructive sleep apnea）. In terms of educational content, the three items on sleep physiology were taught in 79-97％ of schools. Of the nine items on sleep disorders, central apnea and sleep bruxism were taught in more than 50％ of schools, but sleep-related gastroesophageal reflux and drug and substance induced insomnia/hypersomnia were taught in only 28％. For the 22 items related to OSA, more than 75％ of schools offered lectures on OSA diagnostic criteria, anatomical factors, and oral appliances, while less than 40％ offered lectures on pediatric OSA characteristics, sleep diary, nasal endoscopy, and orthodontic treatment.
Conclusion : The content of lectures, availability of practical training, lecture time, and courses taught varied among universities. This survey revealed the need for the Japanese Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine to create an educational guideline for dental sleep medicine, reflecting the contents of this questionnaire.
