Orofacial Pain Residency

RESIDENCY IN OROFACIAL PAIN

Program Director: Dr. John F. Johnson

Orofacial pain is the discipline that involves the differential diagnosis and management of pain and dysfunction of the trigeminal nerve system. More specifically, orofacial pain practitioners evaluate and treat pain and dysfunction involving the masticatory system and associated structures throughout the face, head, neck and shoulders that transmit sensory information into the brain via the trigeminal nuclei.

The orofacial pain residency is a three year program that covers an extensive body of basic medical sciences as related to the study of pain. Because of the inherent diversity of orofacial pain conditions, the residency incorporates clinically relevant information from a wide array of other dental and medical disciplines. The residency curriculum also includes courses that enhance a dental officer's abilities regarding contingency roles, military leadership and personnel management. Successful completion of the program qualifies the resident to challenge the certification examination by the American Board of Orofacial Pain.

FIRST-YEAR PROGRAM

The goal of the first-year program is to provide residents with the foundational knowledge and skills that will enable them to participate in a multi-disciplinary pain practice. The first year program places a concentrated emphasis on acquiring the basic medical science information necessary to develop the theoretical constructs required for clinical practice. All residents are required to participate in NPDS research activities.

First-Year Curriculum

SECOND-YEAR PROGRAM

The goal of the second-year program is to continue development of the resident's multi-disciplinary diagnostic and pain management skills. Pertinent neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology and psychology topics are reinforced via seminars and grand rounds. Approximately 55 percent of the second year will be devoted to clinical activities in the Orofacial Pain Center and specialty rotations.

Second-Year Curriculum

THIRD-YEAR PROGRAM

The goal of the third-year program is to refine the competency of the resident's multi-disciplinary diagnostic and pain management skills and to introduce proficiency in clinical practice. The resident will assume increased responsibilities in seminar preparation and teaching. Residents will rotate through designated medical and surgical services at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda or adjacent medical facilities. Each resident will be required to present a research project and submit a thesis manuscript prior to graduation. Approximately 65 percent of the third year will be devoted to clinical activities in the Orofacial Pain Center and specialty rotations.

Third-Year Curriculum