Since 1992 concerted efforts by clinical researchers have developed diagnostic criteria for pain in the orofacial region, with a focus on Temporomandibular Disorders. Recently these have undergone significant revision and have subsequently been incorporated into the American Academy of Orofacial Pain classification guidelines.

Over the past three years a collaboration of major orofacial and head pain groups has worked on developing a classification scheme for oral and facial pain that is aligned to the major pain and headache diagnostic systems in use. The goal is to provide an International Classification of Orofacial Pain which enhances clinical management and research of orofacial pain, increases awareness of this pain to other pain professionals and researchers, encourages collaboration in clinical management, research and education and ultimately integrates dental and systemic health for the improvement of individual and community health and wellbeing.

The International Classification of Orofacial Pain, like all diagnostic systems, dynamically changes with clinical and research advances, and this will facilitate the continuation of international collaboration between clinicians, researchers and educators.

Professor Chris Peck is a prominent pain expert. A strong advocate for multidisciplinary patient management, he is internationally renowned for his leadership and contributions to translational research in orofacial pain and leading the clinical arm of projects involving researchers from biomedicine to mathematics. Research outcomes have focussed on pain classification and screening, pain-muscle activity interactions, nervous system changes and the transition from acute to disabling chronic pain conditions. This research has led to improvements in pain diagnoses, management of impaired jaw function and in our understanding of central nervous system changes and perpetuating factors with persistent pain.

He is a senior facial pain expert in the State’s public health care system in Sydney, involved in patient care, clinical supervision and research. Professor Peck is the Director of the University of Sydney’s Westmead Initiative, leading the development of academic activities across the multi-billion dollar precinct which includes four hospitals and three medical research institutes.

Professor Peck’s role as Dean of Dentistry, for the past eight years comprised developing and leading the multidisciplinary strategy integrating dental and systemic health; curriculum reform and the introduction of innovative education programs including the Doctor of Dental Medicine and the first Australian postgraduate orofacial pain program. He also led the NSW Ministerial Taskforce into Oral Health, leading to the Oral Health Strategic Plan 2020 and led the NSW Health Specialist Services Review.