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Marshall Health

Marshall Health Network now offers facial pain, sleep apnea care under the direction of leading dental sleep medicine expert, Dr. James Metz

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Health Network now offers specialized care for chronic facial pain and sleep-related breathing disorders under the direction of James E. Metz, D.D.S., FACD, ABDSM, a nationally-recognized expert in dental sleep medicine. Based at the Erma Ora Byrd Clinical Center at 1249 15th Street, Suite 3015, in Huntington, the new clinic provides patients with advanced, non-invasive treatment options to improve sleep and relieve pain. 

Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans, yet many patients remain undiagnosed or struggle with standard treatments like CPAP therapy. Similarly, facial pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can be complex and often require specialized expertise for effective management. The new clinic integrates dental sleep medicine into Marshall’s multidisciplinary network of care, offering patients advanced oral appliance therapy and individualized treatment plans. 

“Many patients with major health issues, including hypertension and type II diabetes, suffer silently with sleep apnea or chronic facial pain because they don’t know there are other options,” Metz said. “Our goal is to provide comprehensive care that improves quality of life through non-invasive treatments that are both effective and easier for patients to use.” 

Metz specializes in the use of oral appliance therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic snoring, as well as the evaluation and management of facial pain and TMD. His expertise provides patients with access to proven alternatives to CPAP therapy, particularly for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea. 

A renowned expert in dental sleep medicine, Metz joins the dental faculty of the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine as an associate professor. He is certified by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. A fellow of the American College of Dentists, Metz chairs the Dental Interest Group of the American Thoracic Society and serves on multiple national committees advancing oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. He is a past board member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and an active educator and researcher. His recent study through Northwestern University School of Medicine demonstrated outcomes with oral appliance therapy comparable to CPAP. 

 “This clinic represents a significant advancement in the way we care for patients with these challenging conditions,” said Raj K. Khanna, D.M.D., M.D., professor and chair of dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “Dr. Metz’s expertise brings an exceptional level of care to our community and strengthens our ability to offer innovative solutions to our patients.” 

 The clinic is now accepting referrals and scheduling new patient consultations. To make an appointment with Metz, call Marshall Dentistry & Oral Surgery at 304.691.1247 or visit marshallhealth.org/services/facial-pain-sleep-apnea to learn more.