Contemporary Diagnosis and Management of Orofacial Pain

Dentists frequently encounter patients presenting with orofacial pain complaints, many of which can be diagnosed and managed with conventional dental therapies. However, a subset of patients presents with persistent, complex, or non-odontogenic pain conditions that require a broader interdisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach. This course brings together experts in dentistry/orofacial pain, neurology, psychology, pain management, and surgery to discuss contemporary concepts in the evaluation and treatment of orofacial pain disorders.

Panelists will review current classification systems, diagnostic strategies, and evidence-based management approaches for temporomandibular disorders, neuropathic pain, and other chronic facial pain conditions. Emphasis will be placed on differentiating odontogenic from non-odontogenic pain, identifying red flags that warrant referral, and understanding the role of behavioral and psychosocial contributors in chronic pain presentations.

Through interdisciplinary lectures and case-based discussions, attendees will gain practical clinical insight into collaborative care models and emerging treatment strategies. Real-world cases submitted from you will be reviewed to illustrate diagnostic challenges, treatment planning, and long-term management considerations for complex orofacial pain patients.

• Contemporary Classification and Diagnosis of Orofacial Pain- Jeffry R. Shaefer, DDS

• Medical Management of Chronic Facial Pain – Hsinlin Cheng, MD (Neurology)

• Surgical Approaches to Refractory Facial Pain – Jeffry Schweitzer, MD (Neurosurgery)

• Psychological and Behavioral Considerations in Chronic Pain – Ronald Kulich, PhD (Pain Psychology)

• Interdisciplinary Case Discussions and Audience Q&A – Shruti Handa DMD, Jennifer Cheng, NP