Michael Simmons, DMD Joins Snoring Isn't Sexy, LLC: Dr. Simmons, Who Treats Snoring and Sleep Apnea Patients With Oral Appliance Therapy in his Tarzana, CA Dental Office, Emphasizes The Need for Physicians and Dentists to Work Together for The Health of Their Mutual Patients

    TARZANA, CA, January 19, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In these stressful times, a good night's sleep has become especially valuable, and increasingly difficult to get. Snoring and sleep apnea (a medical problem where the airway collapses during sleep) rob people and their bed partners of the rest they need to face their daily challenges.

45% of the population snores and 20 million people in the United States alone have sleep apnea. Of these, only 10% have been diagnosed and treated; and of those treated, some cannot tolerate their prescribed medical device known as CPAP (continuous positive air pressure supplied through a nasal mask) - which supports the airway during sleep.

Snoring Isn't Sexy, LLC was formed to alert the public to the medical dangers and social hazards of snoring and sleep apnea, and to introduce an alternative treatment that can be provided by specially educated dentists for patients who cannot wear their CPAP units and those who may prefer an oral appliance.

Small, comfortable, dental mouthpieces that hold the lower jaw in a forward position have been proven to support the airway to prevent collapse, and have been approved as a primary treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea - and, as an alternative to, or in conjunction with CPAP when needed.

Dr. Michael Simmons of Tarzana, CA is now affiliated with Snoring Isn't Sexy. Dr. Simmons received his D.M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1981. From 1985-1986, he completed a Preceptorship at the UCLA TMJ and Orofacial Pain Clinic. In 1986 he earned his Certification in Thermography. In 1986 & 1987, Dr. Simmons held a Fellowship in Pain Management at the UCLA Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine. He was a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry in 1987 and of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain in 1989. From 1987-1990, Dr. Simmons was an Assistant Clinical Professor, Pain Management Center, Department of Anesthesiology, at UCLA's School of Medicine. From 1990 - 1993, Dr. Simmons was the Clinical Supervisor at the UCLA Pain Clinic, Department of Orofacial Pain & Occlusion; and has been a lecturer at UCLA's Dental School since 1987. He served on the Patient Record Subcommittee for UCLA's Dental School from 1990-1996.

Dr. Simmons now acts in the capacity of Ethics Chair California Dental Association, San Fernando Valley Chapter, a position held since 2007. In 2008, he was appointed Director of Pre Doctoral program in Dental Sleep Medicine UCLA and started as a Lecturer at the USC School of Dentistry in Dental Sleep Medicine.

Dr. Simmons has authored original research, book chapters, scientific presentations and scientific articles. He has also made numerous television appearances on "Looking Good Feeling Good," as well as on the local Time Warner Cable channel - discussing Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Dr. Simmons has been called upon as a Medicolegal expert in multiple trials, including expert witness testimony in Federal Court. He was featured in newspaper articles on dental sleep medicine in 2008. He continues to serve as a Community and University Lecturer; and currently holds various positions in Dental professional organizations, including on two National committees for the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Dr. Simmons considers oral appliance therapy a life saver for many who can't tolerate a CPAP machine, or who are not candidates for invasive surgeries. "As a dentist with extra training and expertise in Dental Sleep Medicine I find I can save more than teeth. I have had the privilege of saving a marriage by reducing the second-hand effects of snoring...and have even saved lives by the early identification and co-treatment of obstructive sleep apnea," says Simmons.

More information about snoring, sleep apnea and Dr. Simmons can be found at his web site at MichaelSimmonsDMD.SnoringIsntSexy.com.

About Snoring Isn't Sexy, LLC

Snoring Isn't Sexy, LLC was founded in 2008 by Laurence I. Barsh, DMD, a dentist who has been involved with sleep medicine since 1992 and who now devotes full time to educating the public about dentistry's role and responsibility in the recognition and management of snoring and sleep apnea. Dr. Barsh and the dentists associated with Snoring Isn't Sexy, LLC feel strongly that management of sleep-breathing disorders is a shared responsibility of both the medical and dental professions.

Snoring Isn't Sexy,LLC consists of independently owned and operated affiliated offices. Visit www.SnoringIsntSexy.com for a directory of all participating dentists.

Dr. Barsh is available for interviews about the company and can be reached at [email protected] or 888.203.0488.

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