Howard J. Hoffman, DDS Profile Image

Howard J. Hoffman, DDS

Medical Reviewer
Dental Sleep Medicine Dentist

Biography

Dr. Howard J. Hoffman is a dentist specializing in dental sleep medicine and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. With more than four decades of experience in dentistry and over 25 years focused on sleep apnea treatment, he works with physicians and sleep specialists to help patients manage sleep-disordered breathing using oral appliance therapy.

Dr. Hoffman earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry after completing his undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University. Early in his career, he served in the U.S. Public Health Service in Guam before opening a private dental practice in Florida.

In the late 1990s, Dr. Hoffman was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea and began exploring alternative treatments after difficulty tolerating CPAP therapy. This personal experience led him to focus his clinical practice on dental sleep medicine and oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea. Since 1997, he has dedicated his work to helping patients improve sleep and overall quality of life through customized oral appliances and multidisciplinary sleep care.

Education

  • Medical Degree: University of Maryland School of Dentistry
  • Advanced Training: American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Harvard University
  • Organizations:
  • American Dental Association
  • American Academy of General Dentistry
  • American Academy of Craniofacial Pain
  • American Academy of Sleep Medicine
  • American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
  • American Academy of Physiologic Medicine and Dentistry

Read Dr. Hoffman's Latest Medically Reviewed Articles

Mouth Taping for Sleep

March 4, 2026

Mouth Taping for Sleep

Wondering whether mouth taping might help you stop snoring? Learn about mouth taping for snoring, whether it’s safe, and other…

A man in bed with head pain

April 21, 2026

Can Sleep Apnea Cause Seizures?

Sleep apnea and seizures may be linked in some cases. Learn how breathing disruptions during sleep can affect seizure risk…

Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV)

April 13, 2026

Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV)

Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) treats central and complex sleep apnea by adjusting pressure in real time. Learn how it works and…

senior man in bed holding his head in pain

December 8, 2025

Sleep Apnea Headache

Do you have morning headaches? Learn about sleep apnea headaches, how they differ from other types of headaches, and how…

Middle-aged Asian men have problems breathing and snoring concepts

March 19, 2026

Micrognathia and Sleep Apnea

Micrognathia can result in a smaller airway and increase the risk of sleep apnea. Learn more about the causes, diagnosis,…

Apnea Sciences ApneaRx Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece

March 4, 2026

Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea

Do you wonder if an oral appliance is right for you? Learn more about how oral appliances treat sleep apnea…

Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)

April 29, 2026

Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)

AHI stands for apnea-hypopnea index, a measure used to diagnose sleep apnea and determine its severity. Learn how AHI is…

How to Tell if You Have Sleep Apnea

March 5, 2026

How to Tell if You Have Sleep Apnea

Many people don’t realize they have sleep apnea. Learn the signs and symptoms, as well as how doctors diagnose it,…

Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea

March 4, 2026

Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea

Lifestyle changes, together with medical treatment, may improve sleep apnea in some people. Learn about home remedies to help you…

STOP-Bang Score for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

March 4, 2026

STOP-Bang Score for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The STOP-Bang Questionnaire may help your doctor assess your risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Learn more about STOP-Bang scores and…

Philips CPAP Recall

March 12, 2026

Philips CPAP Recall

Worried about the Philips CPAP recall? Learn about which devices are affected, the potential health risks, and what steps to…

FDA Warns Against Certain At-Home CPAP Cleaning Machines

April 24, 2026

FDA Warns Against Certain At-Home CPAP Cleaning Machines

Keeping your CPAP machine clean is important. Learn why the FDA recommends washing your machine by hand and avoiding devices…

How to Clean a CPAP Machine

April 24, 2026

How to Clean a CPAP Machine

CPAP machines require regular upkeep to minimize grime and keep the device from malfunctioning. Learn how and when to clean…

CPAP Alternatives

March 19, 2026

CPAP Alternatives

CPAP isn’t the only sleep apnea treatment. Learn about CPAP alternatives, including oral appliances, surgery, and lifestyle changes.

What Is a CPAP Machine?

April 24, 2026

What Is a CPAP Machine?

A reliable therapy, CPAP is often used to treat obstructive and central sleep apnea. Learn about how CPAP works, its…

Hypoventilation

June 8, 2026

Hypoventilation

Hypoventilation disorders involve slowed or shallow breathing. Learn about the types of these disorders, as well as their causes and…

Sleep Study (Polysomnography)

March 31, 2026

Sleep Study (Polysomnography)

Sleep studies help diagnose disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia. Learn about how sleep studies work, what equipment is used,…

Elderly couple in bed sharing an intimate, affectionate moment. Captures warmth and love.

June 17, 2026

Can Sleep Apnea Affect Sex Drive?

Obstructive sleep apnea can negatively impact your sex life. Learn about the effects of sleep apnea on sex drive and…

Sleep Apnea Surgery

March 13, 2026

Sleep Apnea Surgery

Sleep apnea surgery can help certain people who haven't found success with other treatments. Learn about the types of surgery…

Central Sleep Apnea

July 1, 2026

Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea affects breathing during sleep when the brain doesn't send proper signals to the breathing muscles. Learn about…

Apnea Sciences ApneaRx Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece

May 5, 2026

Sleep Apnea Mouth Guards

Sleep apnea mouth guards are an increasingly popular treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea. Learn what they are and how…

Hypopnea

January 13, 2026

Hypopnea

A hypopnea is a breathing event that people with sleep apnea commonly experience. Learn how it is measured, along with…

Sleep Apnea and Obesity

December 3, 2025

Sleep Apnea and Obesity

Both obesity and obstructive sleep apnea are increasing in prevalence. Discover how they are related.

BiPAP vs. CPAP

March 17, 2026

BiPAP vs. CPAP

CPAP and BiPAP are both effective treatments for sleep apnea. Learn about their differences such as how they work, how…

Man in White Robe Standing In Front of a Mirror

April 16, 2026

Nighttime Urination and Sleep Apnea

Experts aren't sure if sleep apnea causes frequent nighttime urination, but the two are linked. Learn how treating sleep apnea…

Sleep Apnea and Teeth Grinding

March 4, 2026

Sleep Apnea and Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding while asleep sometimes overlaps with obstructive sleep apnea. Learn about how the two may be related and how…

Acupuncture for Sleep Apnea

March 4, 2026

Acupuncture for Sleep Apnea

Wondering whether acupuncture might help with your sleep apnea? Learn more about acupuncture as a complementary or alternative treatment for…

CPAP Machine Troubleshooting

March 4, 2026

CPAP Machine Troubleshooting

Having trouble using a CPAP machine? Find our top tips for troubleshooting the most common CPAP problems and mask issues.

What Causes Snoring?

March 4, 2026

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring is a common sound produced while sleeping. Learn more about why we snore and when it may be a…

What Is Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

March 4, 2026

What Is Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Although CPAP therapy is standard treatment for sleep apnea, it can be uncomfortable for some. Learn about Inspire sleep apnea…