Dr. Okeson discusses the role of the Dentist in the diagnosis and treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders. Dr. Okeson is Professor, Chairman of the Department of Oral Health Science and Director of the College's Orofacial Pain Center, which he established in 1977. Dr. Okeson has more than 240 publications in the area of occlusion, TM disorders and orofacial pain in various national and international journals. He is past president of both the American Academy of Orofacial Pain and the American Board of Orofacial Pain. He has authored two textbooks on TM disorders and orofacial pain, which have been translated into eleven different languages. Dr. Okeson is a very sought after lecturer on the subject of TMD and orofacial pain and has presented more than 1100 invited lectures on the subject of TMD and orofacial pain in all 50 states and in 54 different countries. He has received the campus wide University of Kentucky “Great Teacher Award”, the Provost’s Distinguished Service Professorship, the University of Kentucky Hall of Distinguished Alumni Award, the American Academy of Orofacial Pain’s Service Award, and the first ever “Distinguished Alumni Award” from the College of Dentistry. Dr. Okeson has also received “The International Dentist of the Year Award” from the Academy of Dentistry International. This is the highest award recognized by this Academy and was given to him in recognition of his worldwide efforts in providing education in the area of temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the etiological factors of temporomandibular disorders

2. Summarize the management options for temporomandibular disorders

3. Discuss the role of dental occlusion in temporomandibular disorders