OVERVIEW

37th Annual Orofacial Pain Symposium is organized by University of Kentucky (UK) College of Dentistry Continuing Education and will be held on Oct 02, 2026.

Description:
The University of Kentucky Orofacial Pain Clinic was established in 1977. Since that time evidence-based dentistry has revealed significant data that has required major shifts in the management concepts of orofacial pain. At the same time, significant interest has arisen in the area of TMD. Over the years, the University of Kentucky's orofacial pain faculty members have been able to shift management philosophies to best reflect the current evidence. In some areas, the faculty members have been able to make significant contributions to these management concepts. This program will discuss TMD for the General Practitioner.

Dental providers, on a daily basis, are very efficient and effective in diagnosing and treating pains of odontogenic origin. Customarily, these pains originate from two main sources: pulpal and periodontal tissues. However, there are other types of pain that affect the oral environment. One of these is broadly categorized or classified as neuropathic pain. Despite the best of intentions provided by the dental provider, neuropathic pains are often poorly recognized, misunderstood, misdiagnosed and improperly treated with invasive but ineffective dental interventions. Ultimately, this leads to confusion for the dentist and frustration for the patient. This presentation will review and discuss various neuropathic conditions in terms of diagnosis and management.