UK Orofacial Pain Program One of the First in Nation to Receive Accreditation

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 15, 2011) − The Orofacial Pain Clinic at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry has become one of only two orofacial pain programs in the nation to become accredited.
 

"We are very pleased and proud of this accomplishment," said Dr. Jeffrey P. Okeson, professor and chair in the Department of Oral Health Science and director of the Orofacial Pain Program at the UK College of Dentistry. "We have been preparing for this opportunity for many years."
 

The Orofacial Pain Program at the UK College of Dentistry was founded in 1977 as one of the first programs in the United States dedicated to the teaching and management of chronic orofacial pain disorders. In recent years, the American Dental Association, through the Commission on Dental Accreditation, began to recognize the need for such programs. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
 

On March 9, 2011 the Commission conducted an extensive site visit of the UK program and during their annual meeting on Aug. 5, granted full accreditation status to UK making it one of only two programs in the United States to achieve this status during this first year of eligibility.
 

The Orofacial Pain Program offers one to three year graduate training programs for dentists and has graduated 47 residents from 21 different countries. The program has established national and international notoriety with individuals regularly visiting from around the world. The program serves patients with chronic orofacial pain from the Commonwealth of Kentucky as well as from many other states.
 

Additionally, UK's Orofacial Pain Program is the only orofacial pain clinic in our region that routinely uses an interdisciplinary approach for treating orofacial pain. Dentists, psychologists and physical therapists work together to help determine the cause of the pain and develop the best plan to managing the condition. In this sense, the total welfare of the patient is considered and included in the management.
 

"I am pleased to see Dr. Okeson’s many years of hard work and international reputation in this field culminate in this recognition," said Sharon Turner, dean of the UK College of Dentistry. "He is truly one of the fathers of this very specialized kind of clinic.”

For an appointment, call (859) 323-5500. The Orofacial Pain Clinic is located on the 5th floor of the UK College of Dentistry at 800 Rose St. in Lexington.

Media Contact: Ann Blackford at (859) 323-6442 or ann.blackford@uky.edu