Why choose us?

Orofacial Pain Specialty

Orofacial pain is a complex specialty. Often doctors will call themselves “a TMJ specialist” but you should ask them the following questions to ensure they meet your needs.

• Are you a member of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain?

The AAOP is the only body recognized by educational institutions (dental schools) as the official specialty organization for facial pain and TMJ disorders.

•   Are you board certified by the American Board of Orofacial Pain?

The ABOP is the only accrediting organization for facial pain/TMJ disorders recognized by higher educational institutions. This is because the ABOP ensures its board certified dentists understand that if the problem is the muscle you treat the muscle. If the problem is the nerve you treat the nerve.  But a neuromuscular dentist believes if the problem is the muscle or the nerve you treat the teeth, which makes no sense to the ABOP.

• Where did you pursue your training in orofacial pain?

Ask which dental school program did they receive their advanced orofacial pain education. Dental school programs are regulated by the state and the American Dental Education Association. They must meet the highest legal and credentialing requirements.