International Academy of Sleep
The Winning Formula to Achieving Success in Dental Sleep Medicine

Keeping up and staying relevant in dental education, coaching and consulting for over a decade is no small feat. One organization, however, challenged this status quo. The International Academy of Sleep (IAOS) has stood the test of time and carved a niche in the dental sleep medicine (DSM) domain, equipping dentists with the expertise and confidence to excel in the rapidly evolving and highly specialized field.

The IAOS success story begins with its founder, former dentist Avi Weisfogel, whose firsthand experience navigating the challenges of this unique medical-dental hybrid field laid the groundwork for the company’s comprehensive DSM training and coaching programs. His journey of trial and error led to valuable insights that now form the backbone of IAOS’s curriculum, offering real-world strategies to aspiring dental sleep professionals.

IAOS takes a different approach from the conventional. It recognizes that genuine success in DSM demands more than just basic knowledge. It requires a deep understanding of the complexities within the field, paired with hands-on experience and ongoing support, ensuring dentists are fully prepared to integrate DSM into their practices with lasting impact. It meets this demand with robust educational courses paired with practical coaching. Covering essential topics, from clinical expertise and business strategies to patient communication, these programs equip practitioners to stand out in their communities as leading sleep experts.

The thorough approach has significantly influenced the growth of the specialty and shaped the careers of many successful dental professionals.

Targeted Strategies For Overcoming Key Dsm Issues

“The dental sleep industry is difficult. What IAOS does is train practitioners to grasp what is required fully, so they understand how to excel in this field,” states Weisfogel.

Navigating the complexities of DSM requires a shift from traditional dental practices to a more collaborative approach. In conventional dentistry, a dentist can independently diagnose and treat patients. DSM requires a coordinated strategy involving multiple medical professionals. A primary care physician or sleep specialist is often needed to identify potential sleep apnea concerns, and a board-certified sleep specialist plays a crucial role in diagnosis and treatment recommendations. This requirement for collaboration adds complexity to the practice, particularly in terms of billing and reimbursement, which many dentists need to be more accustomed to handling.

Another layer of complexity arises from the different operational models. Dentists are typically immersed in the dental care model, dealing with dental insurance, dental patients, and specific dental procedures. Transitioning to DSM demands a shift to the medical insurance model, which is more evidence-based and driven by reimbursement policies. The shift necessitates a comprehensive understanding of medical billing practices, legal regulations, and procedural compliance, making it a significant learning curve for those accustomed to the dental field.

IAOS addresses these challenges through a detailed and immersive training program covering every DSM aspect. The company’s initial training phase includes a multi-day workshop on clinical skills, business strategies, and the nuances of working with physicians. This foundational training is complemented by a year-long diplomate program, offering continuous education and support. Weekly coaching calls provide practical advice and troubleshooting, addressing both clinical and business issues as they arise.

“People have different goals, so when they enter our coaching program, it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is an intense, individualized coaching relationship with attention to the details of the business side of dental practice,” says Dr. Mark Murphy, Executive Director.

Beyond training, IAOS provides essential support services to bridge the gap between theory and practice. It offers assistance with software implementation, credentialing with medical insurance companies, and business development. Immersion programs allow dentists to observe successful DSM practices firsthand, gaining insights into effective operations and strategies. In addition, IAOS’s tailored coaching programs help practitioners transition from essential DSM services to more advanced, specialized care, enabling them to transform their practices and meet their professional goals.

From Small Goals to Major Milestones

The program’s effectiveness is best illustrated by the milestones reached by its members. Many dentists who joined IAOS with little or no experience in sleep medicine have gone on to build thriving practices, significantly expanding their patient base and revenues.

Among them is Dr. Brandon Hedgecock, who started with the modest goal of expanding his practice’s capabilities in DSM and increasing patient volume. At the outset, his practice managed three to five sleep apnea cases monthly—a notable achievement within his initial context and among peers.

However, he faced several significant challenges. Initially, his practice needed more experience and capacity in DSM, making scaling difficult. Integrating DSM into the existing operations proved complex, mainly when navigating medical insurance and establishing effective collaborations with physicians.

IAOS stepped in with a comprehensive support system tailored to Dr. Hedgecock’s specific challenges. Weekly coaching calls provided continuous guidance and actionable feedback, while extensive training sessions addressed the nuances of DSM procedures, medical insurance, and physician partnerships. Hands-on learning opportunities allowed Dr. Hedgecock to observe thriving DSM practices and gain insights from established professionals.

The impact of this support was profound. His practice leaped from a handful of cases to 300 to 400 patient referrals each month, setting new benchmarks within the industry. His practice expanded across multiple locations, significantly boosting its influence and revenue streams. Through the expansion, he achieved his initial objectives and profoundly enhanced patient care, enabling him to address a broader spectrum of sleep disorders and improve overall patient health and well-being.

“I don’t believe there’s a better support organization or program out there that truly helps you treat more patients and ensure more people are taken care of,” Dr. Hedgecock wrote in endorsing the IAOS model.

His experience is a testament to the potential for specialized training programs to revolutionize practices and elevate the standard of care in niche medical fields.

Thriving in a Changing Dental World

The landscape of dentistry has changed dramatically, with significant corporate consolidation and the rise of the Dental Service Organization (DSO) model. For dentists entering the field today, establishing a successful practice is more challenging than before. The competitive environment now requires innovative approaches to stand out.

”The dental sleep industry is difficult. What IAOS does is train practitioners to grasp what is required fully, so they understand how to excel in this field”

IAOS recognizes these shifts and provides a unique advantage through its focus on DSM. Unlike traditional dental specialties, this field does not require extensive and costly training, making it an accessible and practical choice for dentists seeking to differentiate themselves. The company’s training equips dentists with skills that can be immediately applied, allowing them to build successful practices even in competitive markets.

As the organization continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to providing top-tier coaching and resources, ensuring its members stay ahead of industry developments. Through its innovative approach to DSM, IAOS supports individual dentists’ accomplishments and the advancement of the discipline, representing a narrative of perseverance and leadership in the dental world.