West Side Branch | Understanding TMD through the cervical spine

Join the West Side Branch at The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association in Oak Park on March 9, 2027 for the lecture “Understanding temporomandibular disorders through the cervical spine, pain science, and physical therapy.” presented by Morgan Katie Sayre, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT and Jay Ruban PT, DPT, FAAOMPT.

Course Description: Physical therapists Jay Ruban and Morgan Sayre will share strategies for collaborating with PTs to manage TMJ pain and disorders. They will also update us on the scope of PT practice and the array of therapeutic modalities available to patients beyond home exercises.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Morgan Katie Sayre possesses advanced, expertise hands-on techniques, including joint manipulations, tissue and nerve mobilization, myofascial release, and is dry needling certified. She is also highly skilled in diagnosing and retraining body mechanics, assisting individuals in developing new habits, and targeting specific muscles to strengthen or release for lasting health. Morgan began her journey as an athletic trainer, working with football, gymnastics, and cheer teams at the University of Missouri. She went on to earn a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Eager to expand her knowledge, she spent the following 3 years in a specialized fellowship with The Manual Therapy Institute, which enhanced her ability to treat complex cases through differential diagnosis and a combination of exercises and manual techniques. This in-depth understanding of the interplay between the nervous and musculoskeletal systems has significantly enhanced success in treating patients with chronic pain.

Jay Ruban graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, MA with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2022. At Northeastern, Jay was part of their Sport Concentration working closely with the University’s Sports Residency Program which allowed him to gain hands on experience with high-level D1 athletes. Jay recently completed his Fellowship in Orthopedic Manual Therapy through the Manual Therapy Institute in 2025. This level of education and training has strengthened his understanding of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, improved his manual therapy skills, and sharpened his clinical reasoning, all to better support human movement and performance with a strong focus on patient education.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand when and how to refer patients to physical therapists for TMJ and musculoskeletal issues.
2. Learn about the various treatment modalities available to manage musculoskeletal issues, and their indications, risks, and benefits.
3. Gain tips and best practices for managing your own musculoskeletal system as a dentist.

CE Hours: 1.5