Dec 27, 2024  
USC Catalogue 2024-2025 
    
USC Catalogue 2024-2025

Orofacial Pain Certificate


The Certificate in Orofacial Pain is a hybrid program (face-to-face and online classes) with a total of nine courses (12.5 academic units), specifically designed for the practicing dentist who wants to improve skills and gain expertise to deliver the best care for patients with complex conditions. The certificate curriculum is designed with a series of didactic courses in which students will gain knowledge about the diagnosis, pathobiology and treatment of different oral diseases in the field of orofacial pain, including masticatory musculoskeletal pain, neurogenic orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders, headaches, orofacial motor disorders including orofacial dystonias and bruxism, intraoral, intracranial, extracranial and systemic disorders that cause orofacial pain.

Students will participate in weekly live webinar sessions with the faculty and other residents, ensuring a collaborative and social learning experience. There are two-three courses per trimester, with two-four streaming video lectures for viewing each week. After each video lecture students complete an associated online quiz (comprising multiple choice, short answer or fill-in questions). The program is primarily online but also includes a 10-day practical training program conducted at the USC campus, with skills development and competence evaluation. At the end of the program, the students present and defend a case portfolio.

This program is consistent with the global vision of the University of Southern California, and looks for a worldwide presence. All students will need English language proficiency, but we will provide support for our Spanish speaking students. This is achieved by providing lectures with the option of closed captioning in Spanish and live-webinars both in English and Spanish.