National Commission Recognizes the American Board of Orofacial Pain as the National Certifying Board for Orofacial Pain

On March 28, 2022, the American Board of Orofacial Pain (ABOP) received recognition from the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards (NCRDSCB) as the national certifying board for the specialty of orofacial pain.   Orofacial Pain is the specialty of dentistry that encompasses the diagnosis, management, and treatment of pain disorders of the jaw, mouth, face, head, and neck.

Founded in 1994, ABOP, along with the American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP), which was recognized by the NCRDSCB in 2020,  strive to promote evidenced-based understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, etiology, prevention, and treatment of these disorders and improving access to interdisciplinary patient care.

NCRDSCB recognition is the standard for excellence and professionalism in dental specialties and dental specialty certifying boards and helps the public ascertain the importance of educationally qualified and board-certified dental specialists. Recognition is also a fundamental step in ensuring universities open new programs of study, as well as an opportunity to continue dialogue with and insurance companies about specialty care and the individuals certified to provide quality, appropriate treatment.

AAE looks forward to working with both AAOP and ABOP to highlight how endodontic research can contribute to and validate the diagnosis and treatment of orofacial pain.