Background: Dentists are strategically positioned to screen for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) due to frequent patient interactions. However, their effectiveness depends on foundational knowledge acquired during undergraduate training. This study assessed the awareness and understanding of OSA among undergraduate dental students. 

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 320 undergraduate dental students from years three to five at a single academic institution. A validated 25-item questionnaire was used to evaluate knowledge of OSA risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and the dentist's role in management. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA to compare knowledge scores across academic years.

Results: The response rate was 89.1% (n=285). While 94.7% of students were aware of OSA, significant knowledge gaps were identified. The mean overall knowledge score was 58.4% (±14.2). Students were most familiar with common symptoms like loud snoring (92.3%) and daytime sleepiness (85.6%), but knowledge of diagnostic criteria (Apolipnea-Hypopnea Index) was poor (22.1%). Only 31.2% correctly identified all major risk factors. Furthermore, only 28.4% felt confident in their ability to screen patients for OSA. A statistically significant increase in knowledge scores was observed with progression in academic years (p < 0.01), with fifth-year students scoring highest. 

Conclusion: Although baseline awareness of OSA is high, undergraduate dental students possess insufficient knowledge regarding its core clinical aspects and the dental professional's role in its management. These findings underscore the need for enhanced, structured educational modules on sleep-related breathing disorders within the dental curriculum to better prepare future dentists for their crucial role in interdisciplinary OSA management.