Ames, IA – Local dentist Rebecca Metzger is helping Ames residents get a more restful night’s sleep. Dr. Metzger of Campustown Dental was designated as a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) in 2020. The ABDSM is the leading national testing organization for dentists who treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. Earning Diplomate status from the ABDSM is a unique honor that recognizes special competency in dental sleep medicine.

While CPAP is the standard treatment for sleep apnea, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) estimates up to 50 percent of sleep apnea patients do not comply with or tolerate CPAP. In contrast to a CPAP machine, oral appliances are a mouth guard-like device worn only during sleep to maintain an open, unobstructed airway. Patients like oral appliance therapy because it is comfortable, easy to wear, quiet, portable and easy to care for.

“Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option that offers a higher rate of patient compliance than CPAP,” said Dr. Metzger. “I work with my patients, and their sleep physicians, to identify the right oral appliance design, then custom fit appliances to each patient and make any needed adjustments to ensure an open airway and a more restful sleep.”

Dr. Metzger is located at 137 Lynn Ave. on Iowa State’s Campus. Patients with loud snoring and diagnosed sleep apnea sufferers with difficulty tolerating CPAP should contact Dr. Metzger at (515)292-7262 to schedule a consultation appointment. Dr. Metzger works closely with physicians to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. 

About Rebecca Metzger

Dr. Rebecca Metzger is originally from the small town of Madrid, IA.  She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa and continued to Marquette University School of Dentistry to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2007.  Dr. Metzger studied advanced patient care, surgery, special-needs patient care, and anesthesia during a General Practice Residency at the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, IL.  She owned and operated a family practice, Metzger Family Dental PLLC, for eleven years and began her extensive training in dental sleep medicine.  In 2020, Dr. Metzger earned the distinct honor of becoming an American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine Diplomate.  She has pursued this specialty and is currently studying Orofacial Pain at USC while continuing her work in dental sleep medicine.  She lives with her husband, two sons, and rescue dog in Ames and is passionate about improving the health and quality of life of her patients.