The Orofacial Pain pathway is designed to advance the knowledge and diagnostic skills of health professionals who manage patients with orofacial pain condition. It will also be of interest to those working as educators and/or researchers in the field of orofacial pain.
Remarkably, chronic orofacial pain is only very superficially considered in undergraduate medical and dental programs throughout the world, and certainly not to a level that would allow the practitioner to manage the variety and complexity of the many chronic orofacial pain problems in the community. This pathway covers core concepts in the treatment and management of acute and chronic pain with a specific focus on orofacial pain conditions (Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Neuropathic Pain). It is the only study option devoted exclusively to orofacial pain offered by an Australian or New Zealand University.
(Note: Semester 1 entry only each year)
Who is this Pathway suitable for?
This pathway is suitable for dentists, physiotherapists, psychologists and other health practitioners interested in pursuing a career in orofacial pain, as well as clinicians already working in the field wishing to consolidate their understanding in this area.
Professional accreditation
The content and structure of the Master of Medicine/Science in Medicine (Pain Management) program is significantly influenced by the curriculum framework identified by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). Further, the structure and content of the pathway in orofacial pain is influenced by guidelines from:
What Will I Study?
The study pattern for the orofacial pathway (Masters level only) is specified in the following table. Note: Semester 1 enrolment only
Orofacial Pain Pathway: Units of study |
||
Semester 1, Year 1 |
Introduction to Pain Management Pain Mechanisms and Contributors |
6 |
Semester 2, Year 1 |
Pain Treatment and Management principles Orofacial Pain |
6 |
Semester 1, Year 2 |
Advanced Studies in Orofacial Pain Introduction to Sleep Medicine |
6 |
Semester 2, Year 2 |
Headache Orofacial Pain in Practice |
6 |
Pathway Outcomes
Graduates will have opportunities to:
Admission requirement
The Master of Medicine requires a medical degree.
The Master of Science in Medicine requires a recognised bachelor’s degree in a health or science-related discipline with either the equivalent of first or second-class honours and/or equivalent work experience.
Graduates will have opportunities to:
Develop high levels of knowledge and appropriate skills in dealing with orofacial pain conditions.
Learn to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams on the practical challenges faced by professionals working in these areas;
Acquire skills recognised as essential components of the professional training in orofacial pain; and
Learn to critically evaluate relevant research and contribute to the growing body of evidence-based, effective interventions.
Graduates will have opportunities to:
Develop high levels of knowledge and appropriate skills in dealing with orofacial pain conditions.
Learn to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams on the practical challenges faced by professionals working in these areas;
Acquire skills recognised as essential components of the professional training in orofacial pain; and
Learn to critically evaluate relevant research and contribute to the growing body of evidence-based, effective interventions.
To commence study in the year
To commence study in the year
The course information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.
To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.