Structure & development
Narrow upper arch, crossbite, crowding, jaw discrepancy, or eruption concerns.
ExploreFor healthcare professionals
Shared observations.
Coordinated next steps.
Refer for evaluation of dental structure and oral function when those findings may contribute to a patient’s broader clinical picture.
Start airway evaluation (opens in a new tab)A useful referral question
What would you like
the team to assess?
Oral function
A defined tongue-mobility concern, lip attachment issue, swallowing pattern, or oral habit.
ExploreCoordinated care
Dental or skeletal findings alongside an established or suspected sleep-related breathing disorder.
ExploreClinical education
A referral should identify the clinical question
Describe the structural or functional indication
A useful referral states the finding that requires assessment: transverse maxillary deficiency, posterior crossbite with a possible functional shift, an eruption disturbance, a significant sagittal discrepancy, or a specific limitation in oral movement. Distinguish observed findings from provisional explanations. For example, persistent open-mouth posture is an observation; a suspected contribution from nasal obstruction remains a question for the appropriate assessment. This level of specificity helps identify the discipline needed and avoids implying that the patient is already committed to a procedure.
Separate the dental referral from sleep-disorder diagnosis
When sleep-disordered breathing is suspected, include the symptom history and any medical referral already arranged. If obstructive sleep apnea has been diagnosed, a relevant sleep-study report is more informative than a nonspecific description of a small airway. Include the date, interpreting clinician, prior treatment, and whether the study reflects an untreated or treated state. The dental consultation can assess dentofacial findings and possible adjunctive treatment; it should not be used to retrospectively assign a sleep diagnosis from photographs, scans, or dental casts.
Transfer interpretable records through the confirmed secure process
Relevant records may include clinical photographs, dental models or scans, an orthodontic summary, existing radiographs with their dates and indication, and selected ENT or sleep-medicine reports. Send the records that address the referral question rather than an undifferentiated archive. The office should confirm the intended recipient and its secure transfer method before identifiable information is transmitted. Existing records can help determine whether further imaging is clinically justified; a referral does not automatically require a new three-dimensional scan.
Clarify the requested decision and subsequent handoff
State whether the request is for diagnostic assessment, timing advice, an orthodontic or surgical opinion, functional evaluation, or joint treatment planning. Identify the clinician managing any established sleep or airway disorder and the provider who will monitor it. A useful consultation response should distinguish confirmed findings, additional investigations needed, treatment options, and follow-up responsibilities. For patients traveling within the DC–Maryland–Virginia region, confirming the appointment type and location before travel helps align the consultation with the actual clinical need.
Supporting sources: AAPD: Policy on Obstructive Sleep Apnea, 2026 ATS: Persistent pediatric OSA clinical practice guideline, 2024
Start with what you have noticed
A clearer next step.
More room to breathe.
Bring your breathing, sleep, and development concerns into one conversation. Begin with our online airway evaluation.
Start airway evaluation (opens in a new tab)Educational screening only. An in-person assessment determines diagnosis and treatment options.