5 things to know about American Academy of Orofacial Pain

Newest recognized dental specialty

Editor’s note: This is the second installment in a 13-part ADA News series profiling the National Commission and each of the 12 recognized specialty sponsoring organizations. Here are five facts you may not know about the American Academy of Orofacial Pain from its president, Mariona Mulet, D.D.S.

1. Orofacial pain is the specialty of dentistry that encompasses the diagnosis, management and treatment of pain disorders of the jaw, mouth, face, head and neck. The specialty is dedicated to the evidence-based understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, etiology, prevention and treatment of these disorders and improving access to interdisciplinary patient care.
2. Orofacial pain is the newest dental specialty recognized by the ADA. In 2020, orofacial pain was recognized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards. The AAOP was founded in 1975 as a professional member organization.
3. The AAOP is a scientifi c community of about 500 professionals with an interest in orofacial pain.
4. The AAOP promotes an interdisciplinary approach to orofacial pain management. It encourages collaboration among dental professionals, medical doctors, physical therapists and mental health specialists to provide comprehensive, holistic care for patients.
5. The AAOP advocates for the fi eld by participating in the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine forum on temporomandibular disorders to address educational, research and policy solutions; collaborating with patient organizations like the TMJ Association and Facial Pain Association; partnering with the American Headache Society on educational goals; and working with the Commission on Dental Accreditation to set educational standards for orofacial pain training.