Introduction:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent respiratory sleep disorder, significantly impacting patients’ systemic and oral health. Despite its relevance, Dental sleep medicine (DSM) remains underrepresented in undergraduate dental education programmes. Incorporating DSM education, particularly regarding OSA diagnosis and management, into dental programs could improve students’ competence in recognizing and addressing this condition. This study aims to assess the current knowledge of DSM among undergraduate dental students and their interest in incorporating DSM-related training into their education.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate dental students at the University of Valencia. The survey comprised two sections. The first section assessed students' current knowledge of dental sleep medicine and obstructive sleep apnea, including their awareness of DSM and its relevance to dental practice, familiarity with OSA symptoms, risk factors, and oral manifestations, understanding of mandibular advancement device therapy as a treatment option, and their exposure to DSM-related topics in their current curriculum.

The second section explored students’ interest in further education and training in dental sleep medicine. It examined their willingness to receive more in-depth DSM training, interest in incorporating diagnostic tools for OSA in dental education, preference for integrating clinical sessions on DSM into the education program, and interest in engaging in practical training within hospital-based sleep units.

Results:
A total of 102 students from the “Practicum I for Pediatric Patients” subject in their fifth year of the dentistry degree completed the questionnaire. The sample consisted of 70 females (68.6%) and 32 males (31.4%), with a mean age of 22.4 years (SD = 1.8). Among the respondents, 75% stated that they had limited knowledge of the DSM, and only 18% had had previous contact with DSM topics. In terms of interest in further training, 84% were willing to receive additional training on the DSM, 79% supported the incorporation of diagnostic tools for OSA in the curriculum and 81% were in favour of integrating clinical sessions on the DSM. In addition, 76% of the respondents showed a high interest in practical training in hospital sleep units. On a 5-point Likert scale, the mean rating of interest in further training was 4.2 (SD = 0.8), indicating a high level of enthusiasm for incorporating DSM training into the educational programme.

Conclusions:
The results highlight a gap in the education of DSM within undergraduate dental programmes. Given the high interest of students to learn more about DSM and gain practical experience, it could be beneficial to integrate structured DSM modules, including clinical training and interdisciplinary education. This study highlights the need for educational programmes to be reformed to better prepare future dental professionals in the treatment of OSA and other sleep-related disorders.

Keywords: Dental Sleep Medicine, Undergraduate Dental Education, Dental Training, Obstructive Sleep Apnea.