Oorfacial Pain: The 12TH Specialty
CE Credit:1.5 Hr
Course Summary
Orofacial Pain (OFP) was declared as an ADA recognized sub-specialty in March 2020. One of the main reasons this recognition came about, is the realization of the fact that globally, the level of pain education in dental schools is either abysmally small or non-existent. With the acceptance of this new specialty, a new era of understanding of “normal” and “abnormal” pain that general practitioners and specialists come across in their careers. This ninety-minute presentation is intended to introduce to the audience the concept and scope of Orofacial Pain. We will describe the entities that an OFP specialist is equipped to manage. This presentation is also aimed to start the awareness of the “red flags” in dental pain and prime the listener for a basic understanding of non-odontogenic pains, pains, and chronic dental and orofacial pain.
Course Objectives
Learning Objectives
To have a fundamental knowledge in Orofacial Pain, the 12th ADA recognized sub-specialty of dentistry.
To understand the red flags in pain, and to recognize when to refer the patient.
To have a basic understanding of non-odontogenic tooth aches and Temporo-Mandibular joint Disorders (TMD).
Featuring
Dr. Davis Thomas
Dr. Davis Thomas completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from India. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and one year of Advanced Education in General Dentistry from NYU. While in private practice, he then went on to further his education in the following twenty years to include multiple master’s degrees including orofacial pain (Rutgers University), headache pain management (University of Edinburgh), and sleep medicine (University of Sydney). As an assistant clinical professor (12 years), Dr. Thomas now continues his research in Pain Management at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. The experience and education Dr. Thomas has acquired over the years has allowed him to lecture extensively all around the world. He has been a commissioned officer in the United Sates Army since 2001. He also has multiple faculty appointments in national and international hospitals and universities. Currently, he is the director for OFP/TMD/Sleep medicine courses for Roseman University/Smile USA Academy.