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.
Fall 2023 Enrollment
The application cycle is now closed.
Interviews for fall admission will take place January - March.
Admissions decisions will be released March - April.
On this page:
English Language Proficiency Requirement
International candidates must demonstrate English language proficiency. Acceptable documentation includes the TOEFL (score 79+) or IELTS (overall 6.5+) and scores must be less than two years old at the time of admission.
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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 2023 Applicants | Important Dates
| Step | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Applications Accepted | July 1 - December 1, 2022 |
| 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 2023) 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
- 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 GRE Score (if applicable)
- The GRE is required for application to the MS program in Orthodontics.
8. 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 should provide the intended test date; scores must be submitted before a formal offer of admission is granted.
- 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 submit the following:
English Language Proficiency Requirement
International applicants must demonstrate English Language proficiency with an appropriate exam score less than two years old at the time of admission; copies of score reports are acceptable via upload on the admissions portal.
TOEFL (79+) | IELTS (6.5 overall) not accepted on PASS application
Additional information is available on UB's admissions page.
Upon acceptance, official scores must be sent to UB using Institution Code: 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: Bank Statements are not required for application but they are required after acceptance for visa issuance; an I-20 cannot be issued without sufficient bank statements/financial documentation.
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.
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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.