Orofacial Pain Introductory Webinars & In-Person Courses

The American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP) is excited to announce three complimentary webinars for any
dentists and other health care professionals interested in learning more about the field of Orofacial Pain.

Through completion of these three webinars, attendees will gain in-depth understanding of the specialty of orofacial pain, the most common orofacial pain disorders and their impact, how to assess and understand patient complexity, and the goals of evidence based treatments.

These three webinars will be followed by a 2 full-day Orofacial Pain Introductory Program that will take place in-person, in Orlando, FL on Thursday, 5/4/2023 and Friday, 5/5/2023, during the 2023 AAOP Annual Conference.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. YOU MAY REGISTER ON SITE AT THE GRAND FLORIDIAN ON MAY 3-7, 2023

Attendees of the Orofacial Pain Introductory Program (In Orlando) will also be able to attend the general session of the AAOP conference on
Saturday 5/6/2023 and Sunday 5/7/2023.

Previously Recorded Webinars

Dr. Jeffrey Okeson: Orofacial Pain: The Newest Dental Specialty. Past, Present and Future

Session Preview

View the FULL presentation

Dr. Laurel Henderson: Epidemiology and Impact of Orofacial Pain; Most Common Orofacial Pain Disorders

Session Preview

View the FULL presentation

Dr. Gary Klasser: Evidence Based
Treatment Strategies
for Orofacial Pain

Session Preview

View the FULL presentation

The subsequent course in Orlando will provide an in-depth overview of the multiple aspects involving the clinical practice of Orofacial Pain, and help attendees establish a strong foundation to build upon.

IN-PERSON OROFACIAL PAIN INTRODUCTORY PROGRAM

Thursday, May 4, 2023

8:00 – 8:10 am: Welcome and Introduction to Orofacial Pain – Mariona Mulet, DDS, MS

8:10 – 9:00 am: Functional Anatomy of the Masticatory System, TMJ Imaging – Sherwin Arman, DMD, MPH

This lecture will review the basic anatomy of the temporomandibular joint, muscles of mastication as well as clinically relevant innervation and blood supply. A review of the different modalities of TMJ imaging as well as indications for imaging will be included.

Sherwin Arman, D.M.D., M.P.H. is the director of the orofacial pain program at the UCLA School of Dentistry. He joined the faculty as a lecturer in 2012 and also had a practice limited to Orofacial Pain. He is involved with the American Academy of Orofacial Pain and the American Board of Orofacial Pain. His interest is to promote Orofacial Pain education to healthcare providers and students as well as the integration of Orofacial Pain education into dental education curricula.

9:00 – 9:50 am: Interview Taking and Physical Examination of the Orofacial Pain Patient –  Thomas Weber, DDS, MS

Thomas Weber is an orofacial pain specialist in the U.S. Air Force. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Indiana University (2006) and then completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at Wright-Patterson Medical Center (2007). Dr. Weber completed a residency in the Orofacial Pain Center at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, where he received his certificate in Orofacial Pain (2014) and Master of Science degree (2015). He currently practices at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where he serves as assistant professor in the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and a clinical instructor in the Eglin AEGD residency. Dr. Weber is a diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and a fellow of the AAOP.

10:15- 11:05 am: Diagnosis of Muscular Disorders – Mary Charles Haigler, DMD, MS

This presentation will review muscular disorders that affect the head and neck and therefore may be encountered in the Orofacial Pain practice. We will review characteristics, how to identify these, and a there will be a few cases as well.

Learning Objectives
1) What muscular symptoms are abnormal?
2) What are some Neuromuscular disorders?
3) What should we look for to differentiate and reach a diagnosis?

She is providing conservative and minimally invasive care for Orofacial Pain Patients at Carolinas Center for Oral and Facial Surgery- part of Flagship Specialties.
She is Co-Director of the Clinical Rotation in Orofacial Pain for Medical University of South Carolina, a presenter for the General Practice Residency at Prisma Health, and speaks at many other Continuing Education Programs. She enjoys speaking on the topics of Orofacial Pain and TMD.

Dr Haigler can be reached at mhaigler@mycenters.com

11:05 – 11:55 am: Diagnosis of TMJ Intraarticular Disorders – Mary Charles Haigler, DMD, MS

This presentation will review Intraarticular TMJ disorders. We will discuss the difference between normal and abnormal structure and function. We will review characteristics and how to identify these and use the findings to reach diagnosis.

Learning Objectives
1) What findings are abnormal in the TMJ soft tissue?
2) What findings are abnormal for the TMJ hard tissue?
3) What are possible intracapsular diagnoses?

She is providing conservative and minimally invasive care for Orofacial Pain Patients at Carolinas Center for Oral and Facial Surgery- part of Flagship Specialties.

1:25 – 2:15 pm: Neuroanatomy of Orofacial Pain – Maram Taema DDS & Qiman Gao DDS, PhD

Learning Objectives
1) To understand the anatomy and physiology of the orofacial system with emphasis on trigeminal sensory-motor system.
2) To better appreciate the complexity of the orofacial pain pathways
3) To highlight the clinical implications orofacial pain system.

2:15 – 3:05 pm: Headache Disorders – Steve Bender, DDS

Headache disorders are a common presentation in the population and encountered frequently in the orofacial pain practice. Headache presentations can often mimic dental pain, temporomandibular disorders or other orofacial pains. Therefore, it is imperative for the orofacial pain practitioner to become familiar with the various headache presentations to appropriately diagnose these patients and avoid unnecessary therapies.

Learning objectives:
1. Understand the International Classification of Headache Disorder terminology to utilize it in practice.
2. Gain a better understanding of the primary headache disorders.
3. Be able to better appreciate the differences between migraine and tension type headache.
4. Be able to identify the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACS)

Dr. Bender is a Clinical Associate Professor at Texas A&M School of Dentistry in Dallas Texas and serves as the director of the Clinical Center for Facial Pain and Sleep Medicine, Texas A&M Health, Dallas, TX. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and has earned Fellowships in the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, the American Headache Society, the International Academy of Oral Oncology and the American College of Dentists. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas in 1986 and practiced general and restorative dentistry in Plano, TX for 12 years. From 1998-2000, he studied orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders at the Parker E Mahan Facial Pain Center at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville Florida.
From 2000-2015, Dr. Bender maintained a private practice limited to orofacial pain and sleep disorders before becoming a full-time faculty member at the School of Dentistry in 2016. He is a past president of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain as well as the Fourth District Dental Society of Texas and the Dallas Academy of General Dentistry.
Dr. Bender has authored and coauthored numerous articles and book chapters and has lectured locally, nationally, and internationally on the topics of headache, TMD, facial pains, pharmacology, anatomy, and sleep topics. Dr. Bender regularly mentors post graduate students during their research projects and dissertation preparation at the School of Dentistry.

3:30 – 4:20 pm: Neuropathic pain disorders –  Marcela Romero Reyes, DDS, PhD, FAHS

Neuropathic pains are induced by a lesion or disorder in the peripheral or central somatosensory system. In the orofacial region, the most common neuropathic pain is of trigeminal origin and can arise after sensitization from nerve injury secondary to dental procedures, inflammation, infection, facial trauma, neoplasia and some metabolic disorders. Evidence has shown that this maladaptive response to sensitization, is associated with neuroplastic changes in the nervous system. Evaluation and a careful diagnosis are critical since these type of pains may appear as dental pain. Orofacial neuropathic pains can be devastating for the quality of life of the sufferer therefore, the clinician needs to recognize that multidisciplinary management may be required for better patient outcomes.

Learning Objectives
1) The attendee will be introduced to the pathophysiology of neuropathic pains.
2) The attendee will be familiarized with the most common episodic and continuous neuropathic pains.
3) The attendee will recognize the importance of the evaluation and differential diagnosis to identify odontogenic vs non-odontogenic pains to avoid unnecessary dental procedures as well as to differentiate peripheral vs centralized trigeminal neuropathic pains.
4) The attendee will learn about the pharmacological management of neuropathic pains and recognize the importance of a multidisciplinary team of care.

Dr. Marcela Romero Reyes is a clinical professor and Director of the Brotman Facial Pain Clinic at the Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland, School of Dentistry. She is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in the fields of orofacial pain and headache disorders. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain, Fellow of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP) and fellow of the American Headache Society (AHS). Dr. Romero has been distinguished by numerous awards including the prestigious Steven B. Graff-Radford Orofacial Pain and Headache lectureship by the AHS.
Dr. Romero graduated from the School of Dentistry at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). She obtained her PhD in Oral biology and Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction certificate at UCLA, School of Dentistry and postdoctoral training in neuroscience with a focus in primary headaches at the UCLA Headache Research and Treatment Program now known as the Goldberg Migraine Program in the department of Neurology, David Geffen, School of Medicine. Dr. Romero is a NIH and DoD funded researcher. Her research and interests involve the study of neuro-immune and nitroxidative mechanisms in orofacial pain, the discovery of new targets for the management of TMD, trigeminal neuropathic pains and headache disorders and their translation to the clinical setting, in addition to non-pharmacological approaches of management.

Friday, May 5, 2023

8:40 – 9:30 am: Initial Management Strategies in Orofacial Pain – Selfcare, Pharmacology – Connor Peck, DDS, MS

The field of orofacial pain encompasses a wide array of diagnoses which often have unique, specific treatment protocols. This talk will highlight key principles that can be applied to the management of orofacial pain patients starting at the initial visit, regardless of the specific diagnosis. We will discuss the importance of patient education, self-care strategies, and home exercises. We will also cover important medications and delivery vehicles that every orofacial pain practitioner should have in their toolbox. We will review medications used for both acute and chronic musculoskeletal, headache, neurovascular, and neuropathic pain conditions.
Learning Objectives:
1) Understand the importance of patient education during the initial visit, as well as why setting realistic treatment goals is critical to achieving a positive outcome
2) Become familiar with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) self-care instructions and confident prescribing basic home exercises to a patient at the first visit
3) Develop a protocol for prescribing medications to the orofacial pain patient in acute mild-moderate and moderate-severe pain
4) Review pharmacologic options for chronic orofacial pain management, including the following classes and delivery types: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antihypertensives, triptans & ditans, CGRP-targeting drugs, muscle relaxants, and topicals

Dr. Peck is a graduate of Marquette University School of Dentistry. After dental school, he completed a 2-year Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine residency program at the University of Minnesota, receiving a certificate degree in Orofacial Pain and a Master of Science degree in Dentistry. During his time in Minnesota, he gained extensive clinical experience in orofacial pain management while researching neural processing abnormalities in chronic TMD pain patients.
Dr. Peck currently works in Wisconsin in a private group practice limited to orofacial pain and dental sleep medicine. His professional interests include the diagnosis and management of several conditions, including TMD, headaches, neuropathic pain, and sleep-related breathing disorders.
Dr. Peck is an advocate for non-invasive treatments when possible and believes in a multi-disciplinary, holistic approach to care that involves working closely with a team of physical therapists, physicians, dental colleagues and especially the patient.

9:30 – 10:15 am: Role of Behavioral and Psychological Management in Orofacial Pain – Ian Boggero, PhD

Director of Psychological Services, Orofacial Pain Center
Director of Research, Orofacial Pain Center

10:40  – 11:25 am: Role of Physical Therapy in the Management of Orofacial Pain – Emily Kahnert, PT

Physical Therapy is an effective management strategy for many patients with orofacial pain. This presentation will discuss evidence-based physical therapy assessment and treatment for this patient population to support successful multidisciplinary care. Case examples showing a range of patient complexity will provide additional insight regarding the physical therapist decision-making process.

Learning objectives:
1) Understand the Physical Therapy approach to assessment and treatment of orofacial pain conditions
2) Discuss the evidence-based effectiveness of PT interventions for individuals with OFP
3) Facilitate collaboration with PT as part of a multidisciplinary care team for patients with OFP

Emily Kahnert, DPT, CCTT is a physical therapist in the Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine Clinic at the University of MN School of Dentistry. She completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at the University of Minnesota in 2005, where her interest in treating performing artists led her to pursue specialty work in TMD and orofacial pain. She has practiced exclusively with TMD and orofacial pain populations in multidisciplinary settings for nearly seventeen years. She earned her Certified Cervical and Temporomandibular Therapist (CCTT) designation through the Physical Therapy Board of Craniofacial and Cervical Therapeutics (PTBCCT) in 2019 and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of MN studying telerehabilitation for individuals with TMD. Her research interests also include TMJ biomechanics and diagnostic classification. When not studying, working, or spending time with her family, she enjoys speaking about her practice area, teaching physical therapy and dental students, and playing her cello.

11:25 am – 12:10 pm: Intraoral Splints for Temporomandibular Disorders – Brijesh Chandwani, DMD

Brijesh P. Chandwani is a residency-trained and board certified (American Board of Orofacial Pain) in orofacial pain specialty. Additionally, Dr. Chandwani is a licensed acupuncturist and often incorporates acupuncture and complementary medicine in his practice if possible. Dr. Chandwani has extensive training and more than 15 years of experience in Orofacial pain including sleep medicine.
Dr. Chandwani has authored scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and is an invited reviewer for Journal of American Dental Association and Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. He teaches Orofacial pain and sleep medicine to post-graduate residency programs and dental schools. Additionally he has lectured nationally and internationally on various topics of Orofacial Pain. He is a fellow and council member at the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.

1:45 – 2:30 pm: Sleep Disorders, Sleep and Pain, Intraoral Appliances for Obstructive Sleep Apnea –
Isabel Moreno Hay, DDS, PhD

Dr. Moreno Hay is currently the Division Chief and Program Director of Orofacial Pain at the College of Dentistry, University of Kentucky. She is an Assistant Professor at the College of Dentistry, University of Kentucky. She is a graduate of the University Complutense of Madrid, School of Dentistry (Spain). In 2005, she completed a fellowship in implant prosthodontics at the University Complutense of Madrid. Dr. Moreno received a European Ph.D. degree in 2011 from University Complutense of Madrid. Her doctoral thesis on electromyography examined the electrical activity of masticatory muscles, stressing the role of electromyography in dentistry. Dr. Moreno graduated from the 2-year CODA approved program in Orofacial Pain at the University of Kentucky in 2013. She became a Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain in 2015, and Diplomate of the American Board Dental Sleep Medicine. She is member of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. She has published several research articles in peer review journals and book chapters. She has also lectured in national and international meetings. Her present areas of interest are the use of botulinum toxin for the management of neuropathic pain and the long-term effects oral appliance therapy in sleep related breathing disorders.

2:30 – 3:15 pm: Diagnostic and Interventional Injections – Brijesh Chandwani, DMD

Brijesh P. Chandwani is a residency-trained and board certified (American Board of Orofacial Pain) in orofacial pain specialty. Additionally, Dr. Chandwani is a licensed acupuncturist and often incorporates acupuncture and complementary medicine in his practice if possible. Dr. Chandwani has extensive training and more than 15 years of experience in Orofacial pain including sleep medicine.
Dr. Chandwani has authored scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and is an invited reviewer for Journal of American Dental Association and Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. He teaches Orofacial pain and sleep medicine to post-graduate residency programs and dental schools. Additionally he has lectured nationally and internationally on various topics of Orofacial Pain. He is a fellow and council member at the American Academy of Orofacial Pain.

3:35 – 4:35 pm: Case Presentation – Faculty