Dr. Abdelhakim El-Gheriani Achieves Diplomate Status with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
Dr. Abdelhakim El-Gheriani is pleased to announce a significant professional milestone: achieving Diplomate status with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM).
The American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine is an independent organization focused on assessing knowledge and clinical proficiency in dental sleep medicine, including the management of sleep-related breathing disorders such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea through dental approaches. American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
Achieving this designation requires dentists to meet the ABDSM’s educational and eligibility requirements and successfully complete its examination process. The ABDSM describes the designation as recognition of a professional commitment to education, knowledge, and experience in dental sleep medicine.
A Continued Commitment to Airway and Sleep
For Dr. El-Gheriani, this achievement represents another step in his continued focus on the relationship between orthodontics, airway, breathing, sleep, and craniofacial development.
As a Consultant Orthodontist, his approach extends beyond tooth alignment alone. Evaluating jaw development, facial structure, breathing patterns, and sleep-related concerns can form an important part of understanding the wider clinical picture.
Dental sleep medicine also works within a multidisciplinary model. Patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea require appropriate medical assessment and diagnosis, while dentists trained in dental sleep medicine may contribute to treatment with oral appliance therapy when clinically appropriate and in collaboration with the patient’s medical team. The AADSM describes dental sleep medicine as focusing particularly on oral appliance therapy for patients diagnosed with sleep-related breathing disorders.
What Does the ABDSM Designation Represent?
The ABDSM credential reflects advanced education and assessment in dental sleep medicine. According to the organization, it demonstrates a commitment to the knowledge and professional judgment required in this area of patient care. American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
It is important to note that the ABDSM designation does not represent a separate dental or medical specialty and does not independently confer additional licensure or scope of practice.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
Snoring, disrupted sleep, breathing difficulties, jaw development, and airway concerns can sometimes be interconnected.
Dr. El-Gheriani continues to advocate for comprehensive assessment and multidisciplinary collaboration when evaluating patients with possible sleep-disordered breathing.
His approach remains centered around one principle:
“Let’s assess, not guess.”
Concerned about snoring or sleep apnea?
Learn more about Dr. Hakim’s approach to airway and sleep assessment and complete the online Sleep Assessment.
