Vol. 11, Issue 2, Part D (2025)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a chronic, multifactorial sleep-related breathing disorder marked by repeated episodes of partial or complete upper airway collapse during sleep. With a prevalence ranging from 5% to 20%, and an alarming 80-90% of cases remaining undiagnosed, OSA poses significant risks to cardiopulmonary, metabolic, neurocognitive, and immunological health. As new evidence highlights anatomical and non-anatomical factors across age groups, the role of dental professionals in screening, early intervention, and interdisciplinary management has come into sharper focus. This comprehensive review explores the evolving and collaborative roles of Pediatric dentists, Orthodontists, and Prosthodontists in the diagnosis and treatment of OSA. Pediatric dentists are pivotal in early detection during craniofacial growth, particularly when tonsillar hypertrophy and malocclusions coexist. Orthodontists play a therapeutic role using functional appliances and maxillary expansion to remodel the airway. Prosthodontists contribute significantly to adult OSA care through oral appliance therapy in CPAP-intolerant patients. This article further discusses current diagnostic tools-including the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), pulse oximetry, and sleep questionnaires-as well as recent advancements such as biomimetic expanders, neuromodulation devices, and tele-dentistry screening. A unified, interdisciplinary dental approach is essential to bridge the diagnostic gap, optimize patient outcomes, and integrate OSA management into routine dental care.