AAOP Scientific Meeting Highlights Need for Orofacial Pain Specialists

Minnesota, United States - June 14, 2022 —

It was the organization’s first in-person meeting since the orofacial pain specialty status was granted and announced. To recap; The American Dental Association’s National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards (NCRDSCB) announced in March of 2020 the dental field of Orofacial Pain (OFP). At that time, the American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP) wrote how this was recognized as the newest dental specialty to help patients with related facial pain conditions.

The AAOP defines OFP as “the specialty of dentistry that encompasses the diagnosis, management, and treatment of pain disorders of the jaw, mouth, face, and associated regions.”

Approximately 400 attended this 46th Scientific Meeting, including several global participants.

Dr. Jeff Okeson, founder of the University of Kentucky's Orofacial Pain Program, was the keynote speaker. With orofacial pain being a new specialty, he summarized this 40 year journey: challenges, letdowns, and finally recognition of the specialty. Okeson highlighted James Fricton, DDS MS of the MN Head & Neck Pain Clinic as a driving force of persistence to attain this. 

“It was nice to see Dr. Paul Durham, Missouri State University Center director for Biomedical and Life Sciences, share research on the importance of how proper nutrition and a healthy digestive system supports a healthy nervous system. His research shows this bidirectional relationship as he discussed the importance of a balanced diet to support both the cells in our gut and the bacteria residing there. He showed how chronic unmanaged stress and anxiety, and poor dietary choices have a negative effect on both the digestive and nervous systems. Dr. Durham’s research supports what we’ve seen in clinical practice and gives credence to the holistic “mind-body” philosophy we’ve incorporated for 40 years at MHNPC - using integrated multidisciplinary treatment.” – Dr. Cory Herman

The field of Orofacial Pain continues to grow. Yet, the numbers are startling with escalating needs for access to care for chronic pain treatment and only approximately 400 board certified orofacial pain specialists attending.

It's recognized that for most complex pain conditions only a specialist can best serve patient needs. This is also true for people suffering from orofacial pain symptoms; and yet broadly, consumers don’t know about the specialty. Physicians currently often send patients to ear/nose/throat doctors as that aligns with the information they are familiar with. The AAOP’s work helps more dentists become aware of OFP and to send referrals for related facial pain conditions.

The Abop.net, the governing specialty board, provides a directory of Certified Orofacial Pain Specialist by state. Minnesota lists 19 individuals but no Certified Orofacial Pain Specialist is listed in either North or South Dakota!

“Management of the Symptomatic TMJ Post-Surgical Patient”, “Dry Needling and Pain Neuroscience Education in Orofacial Pain”, and “Clinical Insights for The Treatment Planning of The Patient with TMD and Orofacial” sessions discussed creating positive change for TMD/Orofacial Pain patients.

From benchmarks to clinical care – the event also covered headache pain treatment, obstructive sleep apnea and clinical pain management news.

Cory Herman, DDS, MS

About Us: The Minnesota Head and Neck Pain Clinic offers diagnosis and management of patients with TMJ disorders, orofacial pain, neck and back pain, and headaches. We provide a multi-specialty and interdisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and management of patients via Telemedicine and office visits. James Fricton, DDS, MS is co-founder and Cory Herman, DDS, MS is an Orofacial Pain Specialist. Both teach on chronic pain management.

Contact Info:
Name: Cory Herman, DDS, MS
Email: Send Email
Organization: Minnesota Head & Neck Pain Clinic
Address: 3475 Plymouth Blvd #200, Plymouth, MN 55447
Phone: (763) 577-2484
Website: https://www.mhnpc.com

Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6VQH6QBKFk

Release ID: 89076645

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