The center offers a unique TMD Seminar Series presented by Mark A. Piper, M.D., D.M.D.
Diagnostics and Basic Management
Level 1
This introductory level course will teach the key concepts necessary for the diagnosis and management of the majority of TMD patients. A logical approach to the work-up, diagnostic studies and treatment alternatives available for early TMJ and occlusal problems will be presented. The overall goal of this course is to give each student the basic diagnostic and treatment skills to confidently manage ninety percent (90%) of all TMD patients.
Learning objectives include:
- The necessary elements that must be included in the clinical examination of every TMJ patient. Details of the normal anatomy of every joint structure in order to form a basis for understanding how abnormalities develop.
- How to integrate the Piper and Dawson Classifications in order to formulate decisions for diagnosis and treatment planning for all TMD patients.
- How to interpret radiographs including panorex, transcranials and tomograms.
- How a Doppler works and how it can diagnose the vast majority of disc displacements.
- How to order and do basic interpretation of MRI studies.
Core Therapy for Intermediate to Advanced TMD
Level 2
This course will develop student's skills for treating the more advanced TMD and malocclusion patients. Special consideration will be given to the interaction with other specialists in radiology, psychology and pathology. Methods for determining appropriate imaging and laboratory studies will be covered.
Learning objectives include:
- Advanced concepts of TMJ pathological variations which can lead to chronic muscle pain. Avascular necrosis (AVN) and how it may develop in the mandibular condyle.
- How to determine Piper and Dawson stages which have higher risk for the development of occlusal instability.
- How to use MRI studies for advanced diagnostics.
- The use of pharmacologic agents for sleep disorders, unstable bone and chronic muscle pain. Nuances of splints and equilibration in active bone marrow disease.
- How to protect the TMJ which has been altered by trauma, surgery or condylar breakdown.
TMD Advanced Considerations
Level 3
This advanced level course will cover the complex TMD patient. Pathological variations in crippled temporomandibular joints will be the primary theme of this seminar. Upon completion of this Level, participants will have been exposed to virtually all varieties of TMD and should have the skills to diagnose, manage and know when to refer any TMD or facial pain patient in their practice. Clinical material for this Level will incorporate case studies of highly complex patients who have presented to the Center for Advanced Dental Study for treatment.
Learning objectives include:
- How to manage surgical patients with appliances and how to sequence their occlusal management.
- What Doppler sounds indicate in the surgical patient.
- How to diagnose other conditions that mimic TMD.
- How to evaluate patients with restricted jaw movement.
- How to sequence restorative, orthodontic or osteotomy surgery in the patient who has had TMJ surgery or who has unstable mandibular condyles.
- Advanced examination techniques for complex TMD patients.
- How to do diagnostic nerve blocks of the TMJ.
- Advanced MRI interpretation techniques.
Click here for our current course schedule.
About your instructor:
Mark A. Piper is regarded as one of the most experienced temporomandibular joint specialists in the world. Because of his vast exposure to patients who suffer occlusal and temporomandibular disease, he has accumulated a lifetime of knowledge in over a decade of clinical practice. He has been instrumental in formulating many of the current concepts of TMJ diagnosis and management.
Dr. Piper has been among the leaders in the field of understanding avascular necrosis of the mandibular condyle and the related alterations of the occlusion. He has formulated many new concepts in the management of the occlusion in TMJ disorder patients. His teaching has taken him all over the world for his presentations to over 600 dental and medical groups. Dr. Piper is one of the most sought-after lecturers in the field of TMJ clinical management.