The Certificate in Orofacial Pain is a hybrid online/on-campus program with a total of 9 courses (12 1/2 academic units), specifically designed for the practicing dentist who wants to improve skills and gain expertise.
Curriculum
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.
Earn your Certificate in Orofacial Pain online. Learn more today.
Career Options
Graduates can find careers in the below fields:
Academic
Faculty positions in public and community health academic programs
Advocacy
Specialized knowledge to provide the depth needed to promote and address the oral health crises and health care challenges
Clinics/Practices
Positions available in schools and universities, private practice, non-profit organizations, medical centers, community health centers as well as local and state departments
Research
Research being conducted related to community and oral health at health institutes, local and national public health departments and private companies
Administration
Workplace advancement opportunities in federal, state, local, private, non-profit and non-governmental organizations
Clinical Practice
Clinician to address the needs of vulnerable populations in hospitals, universities, governmental agencies and private businesses
Industry
Private companies and governmental organizations seek those with knowledge on emerging importance for oral health in all communities
Experiential Learning Component
(90%) online learning and (10%) educational activities. There is a week long on-site bootcamp in the summer at the end of the program.
