2015-2016 Orofacial Pain Continuum

This comprehensive program focuses on the structural/functional aspect of TMD and Orofacial Pain but also addresses the neurological, psychological, and general health of the patient. Continuum directors and guest lecturers will discuss therapies and devices used to treat TMD and Orofacial Pain, emerging technologies, and share “tried and true” methodologies. Because many physicians and other health care professionals treat orofacial pain patients, they are encouraged and welcome to attend this continuum. 

Specialty Designation / Certification
In May of 2020, the American Dental Association recognized Orofacial Pain as a
new specialty. In order to be certified as a specialist in Orofacial Pain, a dentist
must pass both the written and oral exams of the American Board of Orofacial
Pain. If you are interested becoming certified, our continuum can help you prepare
​for you future success.

Focus on Functional / Structural Anatomy 
LSU School of Dentistry’s Orofacial Pain Continuum is the only one of its kind
in the U.S. which combines a comprehensive focus on TMD and Orofacial Pain
with renowned guest lecturers that are top in their fields (dentistry, sleep
medicine/therapy, physical therapy, etc.), AND dedicates an entire session to
anatomy with dissection. 

​The clinical application of head, neck, and airway anatomy with dissection session (session 5) places specific emphasis on TMJ anatomy, airway and sinus, and trigger point and diagnostic nerve block anatomy. This in-depth, two-day session lead by Dr. Ronald Auvenshine and Dr. Franklin Dolwick will change the way you look at TMD and Orofacial Pain. 


Dr. Auvenshine has a PhD in Anatomy with a specialty in Neuroanatomy and has been a major contributor to the Orofacial Pain Continuum since its inception. He studied under Dr. Parker Mahan, who was one of the most influential clinicians in the field of facial pain. Dr. Dolwick is a world-renowned Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon specializing in the surgical treatment of temporomandibular disorders. He was a pioneer in the development of TMJ arthrography and surgical procedures for the treatment of TMJ internal derangement.

Continuum Overview 

2017-2018 Orofacial Pain Continuum

2019-2020 Orofacial Pain Continuum

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2016-2017 Orofacial Pain Continuum

LSU Orofacial Pain Continuum™ in New Orleans

2018-2019 Orofacial Pain Continuum

The 2021-2022 LSU Orofacial Pain Continuum™

2014-2015 Orofacial Pain Continuum

Unique aspects of the continuum:

  • Anatomy & Dissection - Each participant performs in-depth dissection of the head, neck and airway
  • Interprofessional Faculty - Including oral & maxillofacial surgery, clinical and health psychology, physical therapy, 
    sleep medicine, dental sleep practice, neurology, risk management and reimbursement practices, and practice management.

  • Convenient location in New Orleans - One of America's oldest and most interesting cities.
  • Hands-on Exercises - Designed to reinforce topics covered

Continuum Directors: A. Dale Ehrlich, MS, DDS, MAGD; Gary D. Klasser, DMD; Christopher J. Spencer, DDS and Ronald C. Auvenshine, DDS, PhD 

Session Dates for The 2021-2022 Continuum:

  • Session 1: July 23-25, 2021 | Friday, Saturday, and half-day on Sunday (via Live-Stream Video Conference)
    Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD): An Evidence-Based Approach to ​Diagnosis and Management 
  • Session 2: October 1-2, 2021 | Friday-Saturday (via Live-Stream Video Conference)
    Dentistry's Role in the Diagnosis & Management of Sleep Disorders 
  • Session 3: December 3-4, 2021 | Friday-Saturday (via Live-Stream Video Conference)
    The Many Faces of Orofacial Pain: Beyond TMD
  • Session 4: January 21-22, 2022 | Friday-Saturday (In Person @ LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans)
    Patient Case Presentations & Review: An Interactive & Participatory Session
  • Session 5: ​June 10-11, 2022 | Friday-Saturday (In Person @ LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans)
    Clinical Application of Head, Neck, and Airway Anatomy with Dissection