Development of Orofacial Pain Programs in Dental Schools

This paper discusses the critical issues that surround the develop-ment of an orofacial pain program in a dental school and suggests strategies to address them. Since the University of Minnesota has an established orofacial pain program involved in both predoc-toral and postdoctoral teaching, clinical and basic research, and interdisciplinary patient care over the past 20 years, this article uses this as a model for development of an orofacial pain pro-gram. The proposal includes overall goals, background and ratio-nale, specific aims, and program activities, including teaching, research, patient care, and financial and resource needs. These fea-tures may be of assistance to those considering the development of such programs in the United States and elsewhere in the world.

orofacial pain; temporomandibular disorders; dental curriculum; educational conference

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