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Dr. Jernigan Is Now a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine

added on: March 27, 2026
A picture of Dr. Sylvia Jernigan | ABDSM Diplomate

Achieving excellence in dentistry requires dedication, advanced education, and a deep commitment to patient care – qualities that Dr. Sylvia Jernigan continues to exemplify. We are proud to announce that Dr. Jernigan has officially become a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM), one of the highest distinctions in the field of dental sleep medicine.

What This Achievement Means

Becoming a Diplomate is not simply an added credential – it represents a significant professional milestone that reflects years of focused training, rigorous examination, and a passion for improving patients’ quality of life. Dental sleep medicine is a specialized area of dentistry dedicated to the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea and chronic snoring. These conditions are far more than nightly inconveniences – they can have serious implications for overall health, including increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and daytime fatigue.

Dr. Jernigan’s achievement places her among an elite group of dental professionals who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge and clinical proficiency in this highly specialized field. To earn this designation, candidates must complete extensive continuing education, submit detailed case studies, and pass a comprehensive examination that evaluates their expertise in both the science and clinical application of dental sleep medicine. It is a challenging and highly selective process – one that underscores just how meaningful this accomplishment truly is.

What This Means for Patients Seeking Sleep Apnea Treatment

For patients, this milestone brings a powerful advantage. With her Diplomate status, Dr. Jernigan is uniquely qualified to provide advanced, evidence-based treatment options for sleep apnea and related conditions.

Patients can feel confident knowing they are receiving care from a provider who not only understands the complexities of sleep-disordered breathing but is also trained to deliver customized oral appliance therapy as a comfortable and effective alternative to traditional treatments like CPAP machines.

Advancing the Standard of Care in Dental Sleep Medicine

From a practice standpoint, this distinction elevates the level of care offered within the office. It reflects a commitment to staying at the forefront of dental innovation and expanding services to meet the evolving needs of patients. Dental sleep medicine is an area of growing importance, and Dr. Jernigan’s advanced certification ensures that the practice remains a trusted resource for comprehensive, whole-health dentistry.

More broadly, this accomplishment highlights the evolving role of dentistry in healthcare. Dentists are increasingly becoming key players in identifying and treating systemic conditions, and sleep medicine is a perfect example of this integration. By achieving Diplomate status, Dr. Jernigan is helping bridge the gap between dental care and medical wellness – bringing a more holistic approach to patient health.

We congratulate Dr. Sylvia Jernigan on this remarkable achievement. Her dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence continue to set a standard for exceptional care. Patients can rest easier, literally and figuratively – knowing they are in the hands of a true leader in dental sleep medicine.

About The Author
Dr. John M. Highsmith
Doctor of Dental Surgery

Dr. John M. Highsmith boasts advanced training in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He is one of only five accredited members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in North Carolina, a diplomate of The International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and a Fellow at the Misch Implant Institute. He is affiliated with the American Dental Association, the Western NC Dental Society, and the NC Dental Society. Dr. Highsmith pursued continuing education courses at the Las Vegas Institute (LVI) for Advanced Dental Education and served as a clinical instructor there, teaching his dental peers modern techniques in cosmetic and functional dentistry.

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