TMD & Orofacial Pain Certificate
This program provides an opportunity to acquire clinical assessment and treatment skills for Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and Orofacial Pain, within the context of graduate education that focuses on the acquisition of research skills and a scientific knowledge base.
FALL 2025 ENROLLMENT | Applications accepted July 1 - December 1, 2024
Program Director:
Yoly M. Gonzalez-Stucker, DDS, MS, MPH
Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, 355 Squire Hall
About the Program
This program leads to a certificate of advanced study in Temporomandibular Disorders & Orofacial Pain.
The opportunity exists for dual-enrollment in the Oral Sciences, MS program. Candidates must apply to each program separately by posted deadlines. Acceptance into each program is a separate process.
The focus of our clinical program is to provide each resident with experience in managing a variety of orofacial pain conditions, focusing on diagnosis and interdisciplinary management.
Orofacial Pain is recognized by the American Dental Association as a dental specialty area. Our 24-month advanced certificate program in Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain is also recognized by the New York State Education Department. Details on CODA accreditation are provided below.
The principle goals of the Temporomandibular Disorders (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.
Why Choose Our Program
- Experienced faculty, many who are involved in NIH funded research
- Large patient practice
- Multidisciplinary in nature
- Our holistic approach of treatment
- We practice cultural humility
Accreditation
The program in Temporomandibular Disorders 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.
Length of Program
The program length is 24 months of full-time attendance beginning August 1st, the first year. Combined programs may entail a longer period of matriculation depending on the chosen graduate program. Students concurrent enrolled in a Master's program typically complete both programs within two years. Students opting for a PhD program typically complete both programs within five or six years.