Thu 06 March 2025 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Sleep apnoea uncovered: A panel discussion with medical and dental experts
There is a noticeable increase in awareness of sleep apnoea, due largely to the growing use of smartphone apps and wearable technologies. These innovations have made it easier for individuals to monitor their sleep patterns, track snoring, and even detect potential signs of sleep apnoea.
A panel discussion focused on the identification and management of sleep apnoea by a team of medical and dental experts is an important opportunity to address both the growing awareness of this condition and the evolving role of dental professionals in its diagnosis and treatment.
Dentists are increasingly involved in recognising signs of sleep apnoea during routine dental exams (e.g., signs of bruxism, enlarged tonsils, airway obstruction). The conversation will focus on how dentists can identify signs of sleep apnoea, collaborate with other healthcare providers, and offer effective treatments such as oral appliances to improve patient outcomes. With growing awareness of the link between sleep disorders and overall health, this session will delve into the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities for dental professionals in managing sleep apnoea.
Presented by Dr Andrew Gikas, Dr Linda Schachter, Dr Harry Ball, Dr Jason Savage, Dr Nathan Hayward, Dr Sunny Cheung
CPD hours: 1 clinical hour
RSVP by 27/02/2025.
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Schedule
Speakers
Dr Andrew Gikas 
Dr Gikas is a dental surgeon with over 34 years of private practice experience, an experienced NFP Board Director and a Dental Sleep Medicine (DSM) expert. He is currently the Clinic Director at the Melbourne Dental Clinic (MDC), Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics (MTHC) and a Board Director at the Australian Dental Association (ADA) where he chairs the Nominations and Remuneration Committee and the Dental Education and Training Committee. He has previously served on the Board of the Australasian Sleep Association as the Annual Scientific Conference Chair and the Membership Committee Chair.
Andrew holds a Visiting Medical Officer in dental services position at The Alfred Hospital, running an oral appliance clinic for patients prescribed and referred for oral appliance therapy for their diagnosed snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnoea. He also holds Honorary positions at The University of Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Austin’s (IBAS) Institute for Breathing and Sleep. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Dentistry International, the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and a recipient of the President's Award from the Australasian Sleep Association (ASA) for his work in Dental Sleep Medicine (DSM).
Andrew is passionate about advancing the dental profession, improving the oral health, the sleep health and the general health of the community, through volunteering, education, advocacy and some clinical research.A/Prof Andrew Gikas is a dental surgeon with over 30 years of private practice experience, an experienced NFP Board Director and a Dental Sleep Medicine (DSM) expert. He is currently the Clinic Director at the Melbourne Dental Clinic (MDC), Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics (MTHC) and a Board Director at the Australian Dental Association (ADA) where he chairs the Nominations and Remuneration Committee and the Dental Education and Training Committee. He has previously served on the Board of the Australasian Sleep Association as the Annual Scientific Conference Chair and the Membership Committee Chair. Andrew holds a Visiting Medical Officer in dental services position at The Alfred Hospital, running an oral appliance clinic for patients prescribed and referred for oral appliance therapy for their diagnosed snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnoea. He also holds Honorary positions at The University of Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Austin’s (IBAS) Institute for Breathing and Sleep. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Dentistry International, the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and a recipient of the President's Award from the Australasian Sleep Association (ASA) for his work in Dental Sleep Medicine (DSM). Andrew is passionate about advancing the dental profession, improving the oral health, the sleep health and the general health of the community, through volunteering, education, advocacy and some clinical research.
Dr Jason Savage 
Dr Savage is a Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, he has a particular interest in the multidisciplinary management of obstructive sleep apnoea, combining his skills in orthognathic surgery with advanced airway management to provide tailored solutions for patients. He currently holds consultant teaching positions at the Royal Melbourne and Alfred Hospitals, along with private practice in Brighton East and Mornington.
Dr Sunny Cheung 
Dr Sunny Cheung received his general dentistry degree from the University of Melbourne, graduating with Honours and multiple awards. He then worked as a general dentist for 8 years before returning to the University of Melbourne to obtain a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics) degree.
Sunny enjoys sharing his knowledge and has been involved in teaching and examining dental students at the University of Melbourne. He has also held positions as an examiner for the Australian Dental Council and a reviewer for the Australasian Orthodontic Journal.
During his specialist training, Sunny completed his research thesis on the effects of functional appliances on the airway. He has a keen interest in the relationship between orthodontic treatment and the airway, having lectured and published research on this topic.
