DENTAL (symposium session): Paediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: differences from adults and evolving multidisciplinary treatment pathways

Tracks
Track 6
Saturday, November 14, 2026
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Details

Paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) differs fundamentally from adult OSA in pathophysiology, clinical presentation and treatment strategy. Yet interdisciplinary management pathways are often fragmented. This 90-minute symposium brings together a paediatric sleep physician, ENT surgeon and orthodontist to examine how paediatric OSA differs from adult disease, review current evidence for medical, surgical and orthodontic interventions, and explore evolving models of collaborative care. Topics will include adenotonsillar hypertrophy, craniofacial development, residual OSA post-adenotonsillectomy, orthodontic expansion and early intervention strategies. Through structured presentations and extended panel discussion, this session will provide practical, evidence-based guidance for clinicians involved in paediatric sleep care.


Speaker

Agenda Item Image
Associate Professor Jasneek Chawla
Smo Paediatric Respiratory And Sleep Medicine
Children's Health Queensland

Describe key pathophysiological differences between paediatric and adult OSA

11:00 AM - 11:25 AM

Biography

A/Professor Jasneek Chawla is an experienced Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Specialist at Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane and a clinician researcher leading the Kids Sleep Research Group at the Child Health Research Centre, University of Queensland. Her clinical and research interests include sleep in children with complex disability, other vulnerable populations and translating emerging paediatric sleep technologies for clinical practice. As the theme leader for Children and Disability within UQ’s Disability Collaboratory Group, Jas is a strong advocate for children with disability and works closely with many consumer representative organisations and individuals with lived experience in her work. Jas is the current president of the Australasian Sleep Association and is passionate about improving sleep for all Australians.
Hannah Burns

Evaluate the current evidence supporting adenotonsillectomy, nasal sprays and other ENT interventions in children

11:25 AM - 11:50 AM

Biography

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Dr Sunny Cheung
Orthodontist
The Orthodontic Centre

Understand the role and limitations of orthodontic expansion and craniofacial modification in paediatric OSA

11:50 AM - 12:15 PM

Biography

Dr Sunny Cheung received his general dentistry degree from the University of Melbourne, graduating with Honours and multiple awards. He then worked as a general dentist for 8 years before returning to the University of Melbourne to obtain a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics) degree. Sunny enjoys sharing his knowledge and has been involved in teaching and examining dental students at the University of Melbourne. He has also held positions as an examiner for the Australian Dental Council and a reviewer for the Australasian Orthodontic Journal. During his specialist training, Sunny completed his research thesis on the effects of functional appliances on the airway. He has a keen interest in the relationship between orthodontic treatment and the airway, having lectured and published research on this topic.
Dr Moya Vandeleur
Paediatric Respiratory And Sleep Specialist
The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne

Chair

Biography

Dr Stephen Kao
Ent Surgeon
Adelaide & Hills ENT

Chair

Biography

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