TMD & Orofacial Pain Program
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.
Applications will be accepted July 1 - December 1, 2023.
Interviews for fall admission will take place January - March.
Admissions decisions will be released March - April.
On this page:
Domestic and internationally-trained dentists are eligible to apply to this program.
The University sets general admissions requirements for graduate study. These include letters of recommendation; a minimum undergraduate GPA; and demonstration of English Language proficiency for international applicants. Please refer to the General Admissions Requirements page for full details.
Program-specific requirements are described on this page.
About the Program
This program leads to a certificate in Temporomandibular Disorders & Orofacial Pain.
The opportunity exists for dual-enrollment in the Oral Sciences, MS program. Candidates must make a separate application to the master's program.
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 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.
Program Goals
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.
This is a 24-month program.
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.
The Advanced Education overview page provides information about the Cost of Attendance.
The TMD & Orofacial Pain program does not offer a stipend or tuition waiver. The University's Office of Financial Aid can provide information regarding types of available aid including loans.
The curriculum combines didactic and clinical components.
First Year: Fall | Didactic Curriculum
OS 512: Research Design in the Oral Sciences, 2.0 credits
ORB 522: Scientific Writing, 1.0 credit
ORB 545: Dynamics of Bone, 2.0 credits
ODS 513: Bioelectrical Measurements, 3.0 credits
ODS 560: Research Seminar in Pain, 1.0 credit
ODS 671: Independent Study, 1.0 credit
ODS 972: Oral Medicine, 1.0 credit
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
First Year: Spring | Didactic Curriculum
OS 502: Oral Sciences | Physiology of Pain, 2.0 credits
OS 518: Statistical Methods in the Oral Sciences, 4.0 credits
ODS 560: Research Seminar in Pain, 1.0 credit
ODS 651: Research, 1.0 credit
ODS 671: Independent Study | Sleep Medicine, 1.0 credit
OS 502: Oral Sciences: Physiology of Pain, 2.0 credits
PER 978: Dental Pharmacology, 0.5 credit
CLD 555: Head and Neck Anatomy, 1.0 credit *
*offered every other year, may be taken second year spring semester
Second Year: Fall | Didactic Curriculum
ODS 560: Research Seminar in Pain, 1.0 credit
OS 506: Biomaterials, 1 credit
ODS 515: Bioelectrical Measurements II, 2 credits
ODS 651: Research, credits vary
ODS 653: Thesis Guidance, 1.0 credit (MS students only))
Second Year: Spring | Didactic Curriculum
ODS 560: Research Seminar in Pain, 1.0 credit
ODS 520: Advanced Statistics, 1 credit
ODS 651: Research, credits vary
ODS 671: Independent Study | Practice Management, 1 credit
ODS 653: Thesis Guidance, 1.0 credit (MS students only))
First and Second Year: Fall & Spring | Clinical Curriculum
ODS 940: TMD | Clinical Pain Seminar (Case Conference), 1.0 credit
ODS 942: TMD | Orofacial Pain Clinic, 4.0 credits
ODS 952: TMD/OFP | Literature Review, 1.0 credit
ODS 955: Teaching TMD and Orofacial Pain, 1.0 credit (Year 2 only)
Clinical Rotations
- Headache
- Imaging
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
Fall 2024 Applicants | Important Dates
| Step | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Applications Accepted | July 1 - December 1, 2023 |
| Interviews | January - March |
| Acceptance Notices Sent | March - April |
Applicants must have a DDS, DMD or equivalent.
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 2024) 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
- 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 to application)
4. Personal Statement (upload to 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
- Transcript copies are accepted at the time of application and should be uploaded via the secure applicant portal. Do not mail original documents to us at the time of application unless specifically requested. If you are accepted into the program you will be asked to submit original transcripts with proper signatures, seals or stamps.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Academic documents from international institutions must be accompanied an ECE or WES document. Transcripts in a language other than English, require an exact, certified translation; an ECE course-by-course report is preferred. International applicants please include copy of certificate/diploma with proof of degree.
7. Unofficial NBDE Scores (optional)
- Unofficial scores from the National Board of Dental Examination Part I and/or Part II; required for all programs using the PASS application. Note: PASS candidates who take the iNBDE during their final year of dental training need to provide evidence of a passing score prior to matriculation.
- The NBDE is optional for all non-PASS programs.
- 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 provide the following information on the ADEA PASS Application:
English Language Proficiency | ADEA PASS Application
International applicants must report a TOEFL score (79+) obtained within eighteen months of the application deadline; unoffocial score reports are sufficient.
NOTE: An official score report is not required; please do not send directly to the school.
Upon acceptance into the program, you will be asked to submit a copy of your passport along with financial documents. F1 and I-20 documents will also be requested, as applicable.
* All documents become property of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and are not returnable to the applicant.
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Get information about immigration deadlines, visas requirements and other important details from UB’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services.