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Elevating Patient Care: The Impact of Understanding Orofacial Pain
The SSG-funded 1-day workshop on "Understanding Orofacial Pain”, which was organised by the Centre for Advanced Dental Education (CADE), took place on 28 October 2023. This workshop improved participants' comprehension of how to manage patients' concerns for orofacial pain, thereby raising the standard of care that is available to the population.
Dr Tan Hee Hon, workshop trainer for “Understanding Orofacial Pain”.
The workshop began with an opening lecture from Professor Chris Peck, Dean of the NUS Faculty of Dentistry. Prof Peck, a clinical pain researcher, presented the learning outcomes and introduced the International Classification of Orofacial Pain (ICOP).
Opening lecture by Professor Chris Peck, Dean of the NUS Faculty of Dentistry.
Dr Tan Hee Hon, the workshop trainer and Clinic Coordinator for Orofacial Pain Clinic, National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore (NUCOHS), who teaches Prosthodontics and Orofacial Pain at NUS Dentistry, then shared the models, concepts, and mechanisms of chronic pain. Participants were given an in-depth analysis of the basic and clinical science of orofacial pain.
The participants were divided into four groups to discuss four chronic orofacial pain conditions: Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), Trigeminal Neuralgia, Burning Mouth, and Persistent Toothache. The comprehensive discussion findings, which were presented later by the groups, enhanced their understanding of managing these conditions. Additionally, these discussions empowered the participants in Patient Education for Chronic Orofacial Pain, allowing them to better manage patients with similar conditions.
Participants at the “Understanding Orofacial Pain” workshop.
One of the participants, Dr Annaajihah Binte Muhamad shared, “The course helped to widen my knowledge in learning about chronic pain and orofacial pain patients. I’ve learned to understand and consequently approach such issues using the biopsychosocial model in mind to better grasp the sources of pain for my patients. I would recommend this course to those keen on learning more regarding this topic.”
This workshop and the sequel “Management of Temporomandibular Disorders” workshop will be conducted in 2024. Please look out for the announcements on our website and social media.