North Side Branch | Orofacial Pain

Join the North Side Branch on March 9, 2027 for the lecture “Orofacial Pain: Looking Beyond the Teeth & Gums” presented by Joan C. Wang, DDS, MS.

Course Description: This course provides a practical framework for recognizing, diagnosing, and managing orofacial pain conditions that extend beyond conventional dental disease. Participants will learn how to distinguish odontogenic from non-odontogenic pain, understand the role of the Orofacial Pain specialist, identify appropriate treatment pathways, and recognize when referral is indicated.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Wang is a board-certified Orofacial Pain specialist with a unique background that blends dentistry, technology, and integrative medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Michigan, completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at the University of Minnesota, received a Master of Science in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine from the University of Southern California. In October 2026, she completed a Fellowship in Integrative Medicine through the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.

After more than 20 years in general dentistry, Dr. Wang transitioned her practice to focus on the diagnosis and management of orofacial pain disorders. She currently sees patients in her private practice in Chicago and remains actively involved with the University of Southern California through teaching, research, and publications.

Dr. Wang is passionate about advancing awareness of this emerging dental specialty and looks forward to sharing how orofacial pain care can enhance your patient outcomes and support interdisciplinary treatment approaches.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:
1. Define the dental specialty of Orofacial Pain and its role in patient care.
2. Describe the diagnostic process used to evaluate patients with orofacial pain disorders and the importance of an accurate diagnosis before initiating treatment.
3. Differentiate odontogenic from non-odontogenic sources of orofacial pain.
4. Describe the clinical features of common orofacial pain disorders and appropriate management strategies.

CE Hours: 1