Snoring and sleep apnea are topics of Sept. 16 Science Cafe in Lincoln

Snoring and sleep apnea are the topics of the next Science Café at 7 p.m. on Sept. 16 at the Courtyard Marriott, 808 R St., in downtown Lincoln.

Ronald Attanasio, D.D.S., a professor and director of the TMD and orofacial pain section in the department of adult restorative dentistry at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in Lincoln, is the featured speaker.

Dr. Attanasio will describe the physiological processes that contribute to snoring and sleep apnea, address the adverse health consequences and explain treatment options.

Dr. Attanasio earned his dental degree and specialty training in prosthodontics from the University of Maryland.  He has a part-time private practice at Nebraska Dental Sleep Medicine in Lincoln which is limited to the management of sleep disorders and TMD.  He is past-president of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.

Dr. Attanasio has published numerous articles and book chapters including a textbook Dental Management of Sleep Disorders, which is the first text of its kind to focus on the role of the dental office as part of a medical team for the treatment of sleep disorders.  He has provided local, regional and national presentations on these topics as well as contributed to the development of curriculum guidelines for the study of TMD in the dental schools within the United States.

Science Cafés involve a face-to-face conversation with a scientist about current science topics. They are open to everyone (21 and older), and take place in casual settings like pubs and coffeehouses. Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. A scientist gives a brief presentation followed by a question and answer period.

Light snacks will be provided. For more information about Science Cafes, go to www.unmc.edu/sciencecafe.

Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.