Treating many types of orofacial pain is within the physical therapist’s scope of practice. Lipton et al. reported that over a 6-month period 22% of the population reports at least one type of orofacial pain. However, many physical therapists are not comfortable treating orofacial pain or are not effective at doing so. Further, they often do not understand what other healthcare professionals, particularly dentists, can do for orofacial pain. This course will enable clinicians to not only be proficient in treatment but will also give clinicians the ability to know when patients need to be referred to other providers, often dentists, and also educate referral sources.

Course Objectives

• Identify and differentiate the 12 most common TMD diagnoses.  
• Identify common ICD-10 codes used.   
• Explain normal progression of disc displacement and degeneration.  
• Describe key elements of jaw opening.  
• Explain the physical impact of Axis I diagnoses on symptoms.  
• Differentiate between indications and non-indications for imaging of the TMJ.  
• Outline current evidence-based interventions for TMD   
• Describe dental interventions  
• Identify the types of oral appliances available for treatment of TMD  
• Explain indications for using TMD oral appliances when treating TMD.  
• Recognize tools available for Axis II evaluation.  
• Determine when to use which tools for Axis II evaluation.  
• Discuss how Axis II evaluation findings affect physical therapist interventions.  

Evidence In Motion is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity approval ID# 10464. This Live activity is offered at 15 Contact Hours/1.5 CEUs Introductory, OT Service Delivery, Foundational Knowledge. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.