February 2024 Newsletter

Jeffrey I Goldberg

Letter from President

Probably everyone who has done any downhill skiing has had this experience: at the top of the hill, you start moving toward an easy slope that you feel pretty comfortable with, only to discover that you somehow got on the wrong path and are headed toward something a little – or a lot – more challenging than you were expecting. I don’t understand why they can’t seem to do a better job of labelling the slopes, making this mistake all too common. Anyway, on skis you don’t have much choice but to go with it. And so you do the best you can, and one way or another get to the end. It is tempting to stick with what we know and are comfortable with, but somehow these things tend to happen, and from that comes a new experience, a new story, and if you’re lucky, maybe some new confidence in your ability.

There is an analogy here, of course, with AAOP. This has been a year of surprises and challenges for which I, and many of us, were not entirely prepared. Some challenges have come at from the outside – the most recent being the change in ownership of our longtime companion, the Journal of Oral and Facial Pain and Headache. With Quintessence selling the journal to a new publisher, we are suddenly making decisions about maintaining that relationship or finding a new journal, and determining what we want and need in a journal. Other challenges come from within, as leaders and other members develop new initiatives to make our organization better and more impactful. Please don’t think that challenges are a bad thing – they are very much a good thing as the organization should be evolving and improving and re-evaluating all the time, just as the beginner skier should be striving to get better even if it comes at him or her a little faster than expected.

The People who have stepped up are amazing – these are the kinds of people you want to work alongside of.

So what are some of the projects on the horizon? First, we have an incredible team, under the leadership Isabel Moreno Hay and Tom Weber, preparing the 2024 annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting in Scottsdale. The meeting will have several new elements including evidence-based debates, concurrent sessions, and new fundraising activities like a silent auction. We are even providing lunch and breakfast for everyone with more education during meals, in a departure from recent years. Our annual sleep program has been converted to an online curriculum delivered over the course of the year, enabling greater access around the world. We are collaborating with other medical and dental societies as well as patient advocacy groups more than ever before. Providing new resources for private practice on a newly designed website. Developing study clubs with online discussion forums for members with special interests. Presenting more webinars, podcasts, and other online education, and developing partnerships with other leading continuing education providers.

Of course, the more we set out to do, the more people we need on the team getting it done. The People who have stepped up are amazing – these are the kinds of people you want to work alongside of. Whatever your interests and whatever your skills and talents, there is room for you to get involved. Please contact me or Dr. Brijesh Chandwani to discuss these opportunities.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey I. Goldberg, DDS, MS, MBA

 

Message from the 2024 Program Committee

The American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP) is honored to invite you to its 48th clinical & scientific meeting on May 9-12, 2024 at the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. As the official sponsoring organization of the dental specialty of Orofacial Pain, the AAOP is the premier professional academy dedicated to alleviating the suffering of patients afflicted with painful disorders of the jaw, mouth, face, head and neck. Our meeting in Scottsdale presents dentists and other healthcare professionals with a unique opportunity to tap into the interdisciplinary knowledge of dental specialists, physicians, physical therapists, and researchers whose expertise is dedicated to treating pain and promoting patient wellness.

The theme of our meeting – “Management of Orofacial Pain: Weighing the Evidence” – reflects AAOP’s commitment to provide attendees with information that is up to date, scientifically supported, and clinically relevant. We invite you to review the world-class speakers and the schedule of presentations, which includes sessions on temporomandibular disorders, headache, dental sleep medicine, pain neuroscience education, and more. We are confident that you will leave this meeting empowered with knowledge and tools to better serve your patients and to bolster your practice.

We encourage you to register as soon as possible by visiting our registration page at aaop.org. Room reservations for the Talking Stick Resort are available at a discounted rate to meeting attendees.

We look forward to seeing you in Scottsdale!

Isabel Moreno Hay, DDS, PhD, ABOP, ABDSM
Co-Chair
2024 Annual Scientific Meeting

Thomas Weber, DDS, MS
Co-Chair
2024 Annual Scientific Meeting

2024 Annual Scientific Meeting Committee
Jennifer Bassiur, DDS
Eveline Erni, PT, MA, CMA, CCTT, CODN
Alberto Herrero Babiloni, DDS

 

See the workshop and session schedule now at aaop.org/2024-conference

Member Spotlight

Dr. Reny de Leeuw, DDS, PhD, MPH

Reny de Leeuw, DDS, PhD, MPH is a graduate of the University of Groningen, School of Dentistry in Groningen, The Netherlands. She completed a five-year Ph.D. Program at the University of Groningen in 1994, after which she completed a three-year residency training program at the University of Kentucky.

She joined the faculty of the University of Kentucky full-time in 1998. She went through the tenure track regular title series and reached full professor status in 2013. She was appointed Division Chief of Orofacial pain in 2004, and Director of Graduate Studies in 2009. While in these positions, she completed a Master of Public Health at the University of Kentucky in 2012, and she graduated from the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine Course provided by Drexel University in 2013. She fulfilled the previously mentioned two leadership positions at the College of Dentistry until 2015, when she was appointed as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

In May of 2022, she decided to retire from the University, but resumed a part-time position as clinical teaching professor in the UK orofacial pain CODA approved program. She has published over 55 research articles on Orofacial pain conditions in internationally known journals. She is the editor of the 4th and co-editor of the 5th and 6th edition of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain’s Guidelines on Orofacial Pain. She chaired or was a member of numerous AAOP committees. She is Past-President, and Fellow of the AAOP, and a Past-President, and Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain. She continues to serve on the Oral Exam Committee of that organization. Her research interests are in the relationships between chronic orofacial pain and post-traumatic stress and other psychological disorders, and the relationship between nicotine and orofacial pain.

Dr. de Leeuw took the time for a brief interview to share more about her origins in the field of Orofacial Pain, her perspective of the field as it has grown, and advice for early-career professionals.

Upon graduation, I wanted to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. But at that time, women were not easily admitted to the field. So, I decided to pursue a PhD in the field of TMD (TMJ osteoarthritis and internal derangement) which was housed in the OMFS division, thinking my hard work would change the professors’ minds. However, as I moved on with my PhD, I became less interested in OMFS and more interested in the field of orofacial pain, witnessing several ambiguous cases of facial pain. Having done mostly research and just half a day a week of clinical work, I wanted to get more experience in the clinical area. That is when I met Dr. Jeffrey Okeson at the retirement conference of my PhD mentor (mind you: I had sent my PhD thesis to most participants of this conference and was lobbying for a job). Dr. Okeson was very interested in the research work I had done, and he asked me to apply to his clinical program. I was elated and “hopped” to Lexington from a conference in Denver. I interviewed and was accepted into the program. After spending three years in the program, I was able to obtain a faculty position in the field of Orofacial Pain at the University of Kentucky, and the rest is history!

The field has gained a lot of interest in the different medical and dental disciplines, but definitely not enough. Numerous dentists, dental specialists and medical professionals still do not have sufficient knowledge of Orofacial Pain conditions and still this lack of knowledge leads to unnecessary and irreversible treatments. The recognition of Orofacial Pain as a Specialty by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and the addition of a competency statement by that Commission on graduating dental students needing to be competent in providing care for patients with temporomandibular disorders are major achievements in the right direction. In addition, it is hoped that this requirement will result in additional education in the field of Orofacial Pain in dental schools as well as the addition of new Orofacial Pain Programs, which are desperately needed. Also, the recognition of the American Board of Orofacial Pain as the certifying board for our field by the National Commission of Recognition of Dental Specialties and Specialty Boards has been another great accomplishment. Yet, the recognition as a specialty needs much more advertisement in the dental and the medical field, and especially the third-party providers need to gain a better understanding of the treatment options for patients with Orofacial Pain.

The most challenging, I feel, are the chronic multi-comorbid patients, the overlapping chronic pain condition patients, as well as those with a heavy psychological component. We are lucky that we have a great behavioral science team on board. They can make a world of difference. Some of the most rewarding aspects are when we are able to make small differences in patients’ behaviors that result in major results. Another rewarding aspect is getting patients with neuropathic pain, especially trigeminal neuralgias, or patients with TACs the right diagnosis and treatment. That also makes a world of difference for them.

This question really depends on what the goal of the person is. For all, I would recommend attending a CODA-approved program and attending AAOP meetings to network with future colleagues, mentors and/or employers. In addition, I would recommend getting board certified in Orofacial Pain, if planning to work in the USA. For those aiming to be in academia, I recommend presenting and publishing as much as possible during their CODA approved program and keeping a CV of those accomplishments. For those wanting to have a private practice in Orofacial Pain, I would recommend they consult with practitioners who are already running an orofacial pain clinic only.

I love to spend time outside: walking, hiking, gardening, playing with my dog, you name it. I also enjoy traveling, cooking, reading and playing brain games.

Upcoming Webinars and CE Opportunities

The next webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19. Our presenter will be Dr. Mitchell Levine, DMD, current president of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and Associate Professor at the St. Louis University School of Medicine.

 

Education

AAOP continues to be the leader in orofacial pain education. Two online educational resources are now available with updated access.

Journal: MRE Press is now the publisher of the Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache. View the latest articles and all past issues at https://www.jofph.com/

Online CE Learning: Available to our 2024 members, the AAOP Learning Portal is now online. The AAOP Learning Portal includes recorded webinars and select presentations from AAOP scientific meetings.

CE forms are available within the AAOP Learning Portal for members.

Take advantage of this membership benefit by accessing the AAOP Learning Portal at http://aaop.org/aaop-learning-portal/

Note: Use your member email and AAOP membership number as the password to access the learning portal.

AAOP Learning Portal homepage

AAOP Podcast

Featuring special guest Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, DDS, FAAOP, private practitioner in New York City

The latest edition of the AAOP podcast features Dr. Nojan Bakhtiari, DDS, FAAOP. Dr. Bakhtiari runs a private practice in New York City focused on TMJ, facial pain, oral pain, and headaches. In this episode, he takes the time to talk with us about how to build and operate a successful orofacial pain practice.

Visit the AAOP Learning Portal at http://aaop.org/aaop-learning-portal/ to find the link to this and previous episodes of the AAOP podcast. All podcast episodes are eligible for CE credits.

Attending AAOP 2024 in Scottsdale? Dr. Bhaktiari will be leading an in-person workshop on orofacial pain private practice on Thursday, May 9. Find the complete schedule for the Thursday workshop plus the full meeting on http://aaop.org/2024-aaop-conference/

Committee Highlights

Access to Care Committee

The advocacy working group of the ATC Committee worked with the TMJ Association to provide content for an upcoming newsletter raising awareness of the specialty of orofacial pain and encouraging their members to seek care from Orofacial pain specialists.

 

Industry Relations Committee: Safeguarding Orofacial Pain Excellence

The American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP) stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of orofacial pain, dedicated to advancing the science and practice of this vital discipline. At the heart of AAOP’s commitment to excellence lies the Industry Relations Committee, a dynamic force playing a pivotal role in the academy’s continued success.

The Industry Relations Committee is not just another committee within AAOP; it’s the author of the Conflict of Interest Guidelines, and it serves as the primary interface between the academy and the industry. Here, we delve into the multifaceted role of this committee and explore how it contributes to AAOP’s mission.

Protecting the Public Trust

The foremost responsibility of the Industry Relations Committee is to protect public trust. Orofacial pain affects countless individuals seeking relief from debilitating conditions. AAOP’s commitment to the highest standards of patient care is unwavering. Through its guidelines and actions, the committee ensures that industry interactions align with the public’s best interests.

Safeguarding Orofacial Pain’s Scientific Integrity

Science is the cornerstone of orofacial pain management. The Industry Relations Committee is critical in preserving the scientific integrity of AAOP’s endeavors. Establishing clear guidelines and fostering transparent relationships with industry partners helps maintain the purity of research and education within the field.

Upholding AAOP’s Professional Integrity

AAOP’s reputation as a leader in orofacial pain is built on its unwavering commitment to professionalism. The Industry Relations Committee is at the forefront of maintaining AAOP’s professional integrity. It ensures that the academy’s engagements with industry entities are ethical, legal, and in line with the highest professional standards.

Guiding AAOP Members on Conflict of Interest Issues

Members of AAOP are held to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. The Industry Relations Committee provides invaluable guidance to AAOP members regarding conflict-of-interest issues. Offering clear directives and counsel empowers members to navigate the complex landscape of industry interactions while upholding AAOP’s core values.

Gateway to Potential AAOP Meeting Sponsors

Furthermore, it is through the Industry Relations Committee that potential AAOP meeting sponsors first engage with the academy. These partnerships are vital in organizing educational events and ensuring that AAOP can continue to provide high-quality education to its members.

In conclusion, the Industry Relations Committee is the guardian of AAOP’s values and reputation. It plays a crucial role in protecting the public trust, safeguarding scientific and professional integrity, and guiding AAOP members through the intricate terrain of conflict of interest. By fulfilling its mission, this committee ensures that AAOP remains a beacon of excellence in orofacial pain, dedicated to advancing the field and improving the lives of those it serves.

Members: Dr. Kaspo (Chair), Dr. Brijesh P Chandwani, Mayoor Patel, Saranya Varun

Upcoming Meetings

2024 IADR general session and exhibition
New Orleans, LA, USA
March 13 – 16
Register

American Academy of Neurology
Denver, CO, USA and online
April 13 – 18
Register

AADSM Annual Meeting
New Orleans, LA, USA
May 17 – May 19
Register

AHS 66th Annual Scientific Meeting
San Diego, CA, USA
June 13 – 16
Register

IASP 24th World Congress on Pain
Amsterdam, Netherlands
August 5 – 9
Register

Job Opportunities

The AAOP website includes listings for private practice and academic employment opportunities for specialists in orofacial pain. Visit the page at aaop.org/employment-opportunities to see the latest listings.

Want to add a listing for AAOP members to find easily? Contact us at [email protected] with a brief description and link to the listing for your opportunity.