About the Program
The CODA-accredited Orofacial Pain Program at Eastman Institute for Oral Health provides advanced, comprehensive training in the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of complex orofacial pain conditions. Over a rigorous two-year curriculum, residents develop expertise in patient assessment, evidence-based treatment planning, and multidisciplinary pain management, incorporating pharmacologic, behavioral, physical, and appliance-based therapies. The program emphasizes applied basic and behavioral sciences, clinical competence, and scholarly inquiry, preparing graduates to deliver exceptional patient care, engage in research, and function effectively within interdisciplinary healthcare teams. Optional pathways allow residents to pursue a Master’s degree or participate in advanced research projects, fostering leadership and innovation in the field of orofacial pain.
Core Objectives & Competencies
- Conduct comprehensive orofacial pain histories and clinical examinations.
- Analyze medical, dental, behavioral, and psychosocial data to establish differential diagnoses.
- Integrate interdisciplinary assessments and collaborate on complex cases.
- Develop individualized, evidence-based treatment plans.
- Apply multidisciplinary approaches, including behavioral interventions, pharmacotherapy, physical modalities, and oral appliances.
- Provide management for acute, chronic, musculoskeletal, neuropathic, and neurovascular pain.
- Obtain informed consent and guide patient-centered care.
- Understand neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and mechanisms of pain.
- Recognize psychosocial, cognitive, and behavioral contributors to pain.
- Apply pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic principles in pain management.
- Deliver supervised patient care with progressive responsibility.
- Manage patients with special needs and complex pain conditions.
- Document clinical experiences and demonstrate continuous competency.
- Engage in research or scholarly projects aligned with orofacial pain.
- Critically evaluate scientific literature and integrate evidence-based practice.
- Develop skills in clinical investigation and outcomes assessment.
- Function effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Uphold ethical, legal, and professional standards in clinical practice.
- Communicate complex findings clearly to patients and colleagues.
Program Duration
2 years (postgraduate certification) with optional Master’s degree or research track.
Didactic and Clinical Requirements
All residents complete the comprehensive core curriculum mandated by the university and the program, establishing a strong foundation in both clinical and theoretical aspects of orofacial pain. This training is augmented by biweekly journal clubs, in which residents critically appraise the literature and present case reports, emphasizing evidence-based clinical application. Each year, a distinguished cohort of residents is selected to present at national grand rounds in collaboration with peer institutions, while participation in the annual Eastman Grand Rounds further cultivates scholarly engagement and professional growth. The program emphasizes immersive clinical training, with residents dedicating most of their time to patient care, integrating didactic knowledge and seminar-based learning into the practical, multidisciplinary management of complex orofacial pain cases.