Non-dental sources of orofacial pain are common in the general population. Since the orofacial structures have close associations with the functions of eating, communication, sight and hearing and form the basis for appearance, self-esteem and personal expression, pain in this region can have a profound effect on an individual's life. Chronic orofacial pain can lead to addiction and disability. Misdiagnosis of these conditions can result in unnecessary root canals, extractions, opioid use and restorative dentistry.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are the most common musculoskeletal orofacial pain problems and have a significant impact on a person’s life. Acute TMD and Jaw Muscle and Joint Strain Sprain (JAMSS) are often the result of dental care, such as opening a patient’s mouth too wide for too long. For these reasons, dental faculty, pre- and postdoctoral students and practicing dentists require significantly more education and clinical training in order to understand common orofacial pain disorders such as TMD.

This webinar will introduce participants to orofacial pain and the prevention and self-care of temporomandibular disorders.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the current classification of orofacial pain and basic pain concepts.
• Identify the prevalence and impact of TMD and orofacial pain conditions.
• Discover how to prevent TMD, orofacial pain and substance misuse using a SAFE protocol for all dental patients.
• Explain how to provide initial self-care for acute TMD using the HEALS Protocol. Differentiate when to refer complex TMD patients to Orofacial Pain Specialists for interdisciplinary pain management program.

Original Release Date: June 17, 2025

Expiration Date: June 17, 2028

Teaching Methods: Self-instruction

Questions? Contact learn@adea.org

Disclaimer 

The purpose of this program is to educate and inform. This is not a substitute for professional care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests at this presentation express their own experience, opinions and conclusions. Guest statements do not express the viewpoint of ADEA. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity or therapy should not be construed as an ADEA endorsement.  

CE Information

The American Dental Education Association is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. 

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at CCEPR.ada.org. 

The American Dental Education Association designates this activity for 1.0 continuing education credit.

Continuing education (CE) credit is awarded for overall participation in the ADEA eLearn webinar, "Introduction to Orofacial Pain and the Prevention and Initial Care of Temporomandibular Disorders in Routine Dental Practice."

All speakers agree that neither they nor members of their immediate family have any financial relationships with commercial entities that may be relevant to their presentation. 

Technological Assistance 

For technological assistance, please reach out to the ADEA eLearn team at learn@adea.org.  

Content Questions  

For questions related to the content or educational materials, please reach out to the ADEA eLearn team at learn@adea.org.  

Membership Assistance 

For membership related questions (e.g. login issues, password reset, etc.), please reach out to the ADEA membership team at membership@adea.org.