
Out of Breath
More than 30 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, a dangerous and deadly disease that the healthcare community is struggling to put a dent in.
We have effective treatments, namely CPAP and oral appliance therapy, but the industry is in the throws of a controversy that’s pitting dentists against physicians, device manufacturers against each other, and has left many with questions about the scope of practice, who can practice dental sleep medicine, and what the future of medico-dental collaboration looks like.
Join Madan Kandula, MD, and Jason Tierney for unfiltered conversations about what’s working in sleep medicine collaborations, what isn’t, and what a brighter future will look like.
Latest episodes

Oct 4, 2023 • 32min
The Letter (Ep 4)
A heated controversy erupted at a dental sleep medicine conference, triggered by an anonymous letter. Participants dissect misunderstandings and the implications for reputations, highlighting the need for transparency. Concerns rise over non-dentists managing oral appliance therapy, stressing patient safety and the necessity for healthcare collaboration. A dental organization reveals strategies for entering new markets, prioritizing comprehensive patient care. The conversation also sheds light on misconceptions about training in oral appliance therapy amidst competitive tensions.

10 snips
Sep 29, 2023 • 31min
The Handoff (Ep 3)
Dive into the crucial collaboration between physicians and dentists in tackling sleep disordered breathing. Explore the hurdles of effective communication and the challenges of patient follow-ups. Hear about evolving referral practices and the blend of dental and medical expertise to enhance care. Discover personal insights into overcoming distrust and establishing smoother handoffs in unfamiliar settings, emphasizing the power of teamwork for better patient outcomes.

17 snips
Sep 29, 2023 • 39min
The Wall (Ep 2)
Over 30 million Americans face obstructive sleep apnea, igniting debates among healthcare providers. The conversation reveals power struggles in sleep medicine and advocates for integrated care. Innovative procedures like turbinate reduction are critiqued, emphasizing simpler, holistic solutions. Highlighting the importance of nasal breathing, the discussion calls for collaboration between dentists and physicians. The podcast champions educating patients about their options, promoting oral appliances over CPAPs, and optimizing care through the 'breathing triangle' concept.

14 snips
Sep 29, 2023 • 36min
Physicians and Dentists (Ep 1)
Over 30 million Americans are battling obstructive sleep apnea, yet there's a hidden struggle among healthcare providers. The conversation shifts from general ENT practices to a targeted approach in sleep medicine, introducing the 'breathing triangle.' Collaboration between dental and ENT fields is essential for promoting oral appliance therapy, but adoption rates remain low. The speakers call for better awareness and communication about treatment options, aiming to challenge outdated beliefs in the dental community and advocate for innovative patient care.

Sep 29, 2023 • 17min
The Confession (Ep 0)
Dive into a candid conversation about the complexities of sleep medicine, where a surprising confession sets the stage for lively discourse. The hosts also take a musical detour, reminiscing about their college days as DJs and sharing their love for thrash metal. A transformative experience at a Taylor Swift concert reveals how live performances can shift musical perceptions. Discover how this journey to appreciate Swift’s evolving sound and emotional depth adds an unexpected twist to their identities as fans.