Fellowship in TMJ Dysfunction
The Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJD) Program offers a one- to three-year certificate.
This program is registered with the State of New York. There is no formal program or specialty recognized by the American Dental Association. The guidelines of the Academy of Orofacial Pain have been followed for the establishment of the didactic and clinical program.
A major thrust of the academic Orofacial Pain program, under the direction of Drs. Ross H. Tallents, Donald J. Macher and the faculty, is to develop alumni with exceptional clinical expertise in the diagnosis and management of patients with facial pain. Emphasis is placed on the development of strong diagnostic skills needed in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with facial pain. The focus of the program is not predominately geared to producing teachers, researchers, or private practitioners, all of which are important. The goal is to cultivate a clinically-oriented individual with the necessary background to think critically and function accordingly. Extensive exposure to a diverse faculty, fellow residents, and clinical research gives the student the opportunity to choose any one or all three of these roles for the future.
Didactic Courses and Lectures
The Orofacial Pain curriculum is a tight, structured program that imparts a good deal of information. Fundamental concepts in growth and development, neuroanatomy, diagnostic imaging, joint physiology, and associated disorders associated with Orofacial Pains. A multidisciplinary approach lays a foundation for evidence-based analysis and treatment planning. Residents are taught to understand, aid, and communicate with other professional disciplines involved in this area.
Course Listing
Clinical Activities
Faculty members conduct special seminars with the residents. In addition to their clinical supervision, faculty facilitates the correlation between the didactic and clinical aspects of Orofacial Pain. The underlying theme of faculty endeavors is to associate the biological aspects of the patient with emphases on differential diagnosis. The faculty makes a concerted effort to guide residents toward an understanding of differential diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcomes assessment.
Research
An important objective for all in the program, and essential to all health professionals who wish to provide quality care, is to encourage additional interest and investigation. Residents are required to complete a clinical or basic science research project of publishable quality in an area of their interest. Although they work under the guidance of a faculty member, originality and independent study is expected. Our present basic science research centers around the induction of osteoarthritis in the TMJ and knee in somatic mosaic transgenic mice. We propose the development of novel pain therapies to treat this genetically induced osteoarthritis.
Graduate Degree Programs
Programs leading to the master of science degree or doctor of philosophy degree can be integrated with the clinical training program through the University of Rochester or pursued independently for residents enrolling in the three year program.
Objectives of The Program
- Develop an understanding of the principal epidemiologic characteristics of TMJD and orofacial pain.
- Develop an understanding of the basic mechanisms of normal and pathologic processes involving pain and dysfunction in the craniofacial area.
- Develop an understanding of how the field of TMJD and orofacial pain relates to the various dental health sciences.
- Develop an understanding of the social, physical, psychological, physiological, and biological contributing factors associated with TMJD and/or orofacial pain.
- Demonstrate competency in diagnosis and management of TMJD and orofacial pain and be able to function as an authoritative resource within academic and government institutions and clinical practice.
- Provide evaluation of patients presenting with craniofacial pain that is adequate to establish a diagnosis(es) and contributing factors.
- Provide and/or coordinate management of a patient with a temporomandibular disorder or other orofacial pain disorders as a single clinician or as a member of a management team.
- Demonstrate above-average knowledge of the basic mechanisms of normal and pathologic processes involving pain and dysfunction in the craniofacial areas in order to serve as an expert witness, a consultant, or investigator in research projects.
- Evaluate treatment and management outcomes in the care of patients suffering from TMJD and orofacial pain.
- Demonstrate an empathetic understanding of the problems and special needs of patients suffering from TMJD and/or orofacial pain.
For more information contact Marilyn Foy at Marilyn_Foy@URMC.Rochester.edu
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