TMD & Orofacial Pain Program
This program provides an opportunity to acquire clinical assessment and treatment skills for TMD and orofacial pain, within the context of graduate education that focuses on the acquisition of research skills and a scientific knowledge base.
Fall 2021 Enrollment
Applications will be accepted July 1 - December 1, 2020.
Interviews for fall admission will take place January - March.
Admissions decisions will be released March - April.
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Are you unable to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL because of a testing site closure?
The university has updated its policy on English language proficiency requirements for students affected by the closure of testing sites for TOEFL, IELTS and PTE. The University at Buffalo will accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for proof of English proficiency. This test can be taken online, in your own home. More information can be found on the Graduate School’s website.
About the Program
This program leads to an MS in Oral Sciences and a certificate in TMD & Orofacial Pain.
The focus of the clinical program is to provide the resident with experience in managing a variety of orofacial pain conditions, focusing on diagnosis and interdisciplinary management.
This educational area is not currently recognized by the American Dental Association as a dental specialty area. Therefore, dentists graduating from this program cannot announce that they are specialists, as recognized by the American Dental Association. However, this Advanced Certificate Program in Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain is recognized by New York State Education Department.
Program Goals
The principle goals of the TMD and Orofacial Pain Program are to prepare a graduate to:
- Care for patients with TMD and other orofacial pain disorders.
- Understand the structural, biological and behavioral factors underlying pain in general and orofacial pain specifically.
- Interact with other health care professionals in order to facilitate the patients' health care.
- Utilize critical thinking analysis and evidence based care in treatment decisions and continuous quality improvement.
- Conduct research in TMD, orofacial pain, or in a closely related field.
- Teach clinical care of TMD & orofacial pain patients.
Length of Program
This is a 24-month program.
Accreditation
The program in TMD and orofacial pain is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of accredited without reporting requirements. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is www.ada.org/en/coda.
Faculty
Interim Department Chair & Associate Professor
Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences
355 Squire Hall School of Dental Medicine University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone: (716) 829-3590
Email: ohrbach@buffalo.edu
Patricia Nisbet, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Program Coordinator; Clinical Assistant Professor
School of Nursing
Estimated Expenses
Advanced Education General Expenses, 2020/2021 School Year *
| NY State Resident | Out-of-State US Resident | International Non-US Resident | |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Tuition | $11,310 | $23,100 | $23,100 |
| UB Fees & Other Costs | |||
| Broad-Based UB fees | $2822 | $2822 | $2822 |
| Medical Insurance | $2,298 | $2,298 | $1,792 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,422 | $1,422 | $1,422 |
| Direct Loan Origination Fee | $109 | $109 | |
| International Student Fee | $200 | ||
| Fees & Costs Sub Total | $6,651 | $6,651 | $6,236 |
University Tuition plus Fees & Costs
|
$17,961
|
$29,751
|
$29,336
|
Estimated Living Expenses (9.5 Months) Living Alllowances, Transportation and Personal Expenses | $19,674 | ||
| TOTAL: Tuition, Fees & Living for students in Biomaterials, Oral Biology, Oral Sciences and AEGD International Scholars Program | |||
| $37,635 | $49,425 | $49,010 | |
| |||
| School Clinical Fees | |||
| Clinic Management System (CMS) Fee* | $10,000 | ||
| Post-Graduate Fee** | $9,000 | ||
| TOTAL: Tuition, Fees & Living for students in Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Orofacial Pain, Orthodontics, Periodontics and Prosthodontics. Additional expenses may be required for program completion (e.g. special supplies); contact program for information. | |||
| **All Endodontics students: Add $2,000 for sterilization and equipment fees | |||
| Total Cost (incudes Living Expenses plus Tuition and Fees) | $56,635 | $68,425 | $68,010 |
| NYS resident | Out-of-State Resident | International Non-US Resident | |
Explanation of Fees
- Broad-based UB Fees: Charged to all UB Students. Includes Student Activity Fee, Comprehensive Fee, and Academic Excellence and Success Fee. More information available: www.buffalo.edu/studentaccounts/tuition-and-fees/broad-based-fees.html
- Medical Insurance Premium: Waived for students who document appropriate, alternative coverage.
- Books & Supplies: Estimate; based on course requirements.
- *CMS Fee: To cover dental instrument sterilization, maintenance & replacement and to support clinic computing costs; does not apply to Orofacial Pain.
- **Post-Graduate Fee: For expenditures, equipment, computers, instruments, and supplies needed for higher level course instruction; does not apply to Oral Pathology.
- International Student Fee: ($100/Semester) Applicable to all matriculated international students.
- For more information: www.buffalo.edu/international-student-and-scholar-services.htm
NOTE: The tuition and fee rates shown are subject to change without prior notice pending official approval from the SUNY Board of Trustees.
Courses & Curriculum
Didactic Curriculum - First Year: Fall Semester
ODS 560: Research Seminar in Pain, 1.0 credit
OS 512: Research Design in the Oral Sciences, 2.0 credits
ODS 513: Bioelectrical Measurements, 3.0 credits
ODS 603: Medical Biophysics, 3.0 credits
ODS 500: TMD: Conceptional Foundations, 2.0 credits *
ODS 514: Anatomy and Physiology of the Masticatory System, 3.0 credits *
*offered every other year-may be taken second year fall semester
Didactic Curriculum - First Year: Spring Semester
OS 518: Statistical Methods in the Oral Sciences, 4.0 credits
OS 502: Oral Sciences: Physiology of Pain, 2.0 credits
ODS 560: Research Seminar in Pain, 1.0 credit
ODS 651: Research 2.0 credits
CLD 555: Head and Neck Anatomy, 1.0 credit *
ODS 952: Literature Review, 1.0 credit
NPM 569: Neurobiological Basis of Mental Health and Addictive Disorders
*offered every other year, may be taken second year spring semester
Didactic Curriculum-Second Year: Fall and Spring Semesters
ODS 560: Research Seminar in Pain, 1.0 credit
ODS 651: Research, 4.0 to 6.0 credits
ODS 653: Thesis Guidance, 1.0 credit (spring semester only)
Clinical Curriculum: Year-Long
ODS 942: TMD: Orofacial Pain Clinic, 4.0 credits
ODS 940: TMD: Clinical Pain Seminar (Case Conference), 1.0 credit
ODS 955: Teaching TMD and Orofacial Pain, 1.0 credit
ODS 952: Literature Review, 1.0 credit
Clinical Rotations
Neurology, Headache, Sleep Medicine and Imaging
Funding
The combined MS in Oral Sciences and TMD & Orofacial Pain program does not have a stipend or tuition waiver available at this time.
Fall 2021 Applicants — Important Dates
| Step | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Applications Accepted | July 1 - December 1, 2020 |
| Interviews | January - March |
| Acceptance Notices Sent | March - April |
All applicants are required to apply to the Combined TMD & Orofacial Pain and Oral Sciences, MS program.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a DDS, DMD or equivalent.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit all documents listed below. Your application will not be complete until these items have been received and you have submitted your application for formal review.
Required (All candidates applying via the UB Application)
1. The On-line UB Application
- Please complete all questions on the application completely and accurately.
- You must select your desired entry term (i.e. Fall 2020) and intended program of study as you begin the application.
- The personal information section of the application provides special instructions for international applicants; be certain to following instructions on how to accurately enter your name.
2. $50.00 non-refundable application fee paid on UBePay
- Once you have submitted your online application for review, you will be able to pay the application fee by credit/debit card. Your application cannot be reviewed until the fee has been paid. Please note that the $50 application fee is non-refundable.
3. CV/Resume (upload with your application)
4. Personal Statement (upload with your application or type statement directly into the application)
5. Letters of Recommendation
- Two letters of recommendation and a Dean's letter (if graduated from a US or Canadian dental school), otherwise three letters of recommendation.
- Recommendation letters must be uploaded electronically by your recommenders.
- You will submit names, titles and email addresses for three recommenders. They will receive an email request to electronically submit a letter on your behalf. The notification is traditionally sent to recommenders after the application is submitted for review. However, you can opt to have the email requests sent immediately as you enter recommender names; this option is suggested for candidates who are applying close to the application deadline to ensure sufficient time for upload.
6. Unofficial transcripts from EVERY college/university attended
- If you are accepted into the program you will be asked to submit original transcripts with proper signatures, seals or stamps. Academic documents that are not in English must be accompanied by an exact, certified translation; ECE course-by-course report is preferred. International applicants please include copy of certificate with proof of degree.
7. Unofficial NBDE Scores (optional)
- Unofficial scores from the National Board of Dental Examination Part I and/or Part II; optional for all programs not using the PASS application.
- International applicants — please also include unofficial course-by-course evaluation conducted by ECE (Educational Credential Evaluation). Internationally trained dentists, regardless of citizenship status, must submit a TOEFL score that meets the UB requirement of 79; IELTS will be accepted in place of the TOEFL.
Additional Requirements — International Applicants
In addition to the requirements listed above, please submit the following:
1. Unofficial TOEFL Score Report that meets University Requirements
TOEFL score report must be at or above minimum of 550 (written) / 213 (computer based) / 79 (internet based) or better obtained within eighteen months of the application deadline. An official score report must be provided upon acceptance. UB’s School Code is: 2925.
2. UB Financial Form
- All International applicants must complete and upload the UB financial form documenting all sources of anticipated educational support. The upload option will appear in the applicant portal after application is submitted for review.
Note: Financial documentation is required for visa issuance - documentation may be submitted after acceptance but I-20 documentation cannot be issued without it.
3. Photocopy of Passport Biographical Page
4. Photocopy of Your Current I-20 AND the F-1 Visa Stamp in Your Passport (if currently an F-1 Student)
* All documents become property of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and are not returnable to the applicant.
Questions?
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International Students
Get information about immigration deadlines, visas requirements and other important details from UB’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services.