2023 Participation Series

Pediatric Bruxism & TMD
AGD 200 Orofacial Pain
CE Credit: 8 or 16 Lecture/Participation
with Cristina Perez, DDS MS Diplomate ABOP, ABPD
Saturday, April 15, 2023
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Lunch is provided
Maritime Conference Center
692 Maritime Blvd | Linthicum Heights
Building 2 | Deck A
Course Description:
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD’s) are conditions that affect the muscles of mastication, temporomandibular joints and associated structures. Historically these conditions have been deemed as related only to adults, nevertheless there is a growing concern due to increased signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in children and adolescents. TMD’s in this young population can cause pain in the masticatory muscles and the temporomandibular joints, restricted or asymmetrical opening of the mouth, jaw joint noises, and headaches affecting the everyday functioning of these young patients and influencing their quality of life.
This course is directed at understanding the etiological factors that cause temporomandibular disorders in children and adolescents. Learning how to effectively use diagnostic tools in adolescents including taking a complete history and a thorough examination including imaging to make an assertive diagnosis. Finally this course aims to provide information on the array of options when It comes to the management of these conditions including self-management instructions, behavior modification directed at parafunctional activities, physical therapy, pharmacologic management, and orthopedic occlusal appliances while keeping in mind that reversible options should prevail.
Course Objectives:
Participants in this course will gain knowledge in the following areas:
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Understand the etiological factor that can cause temporomandibular disorders in children and adolescent.
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Learn how to effectively use diagnostic tools in adolescents
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Evaluate the different imaging options to help in the diagnosis of Temporomandibular Disorders.
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Assess the different treatment options for TMD’S in this young population .
About the Speaker:
Dr. Cristina Perez is Associate Professor of Pediatric Dentistry and Director of the Pediatric Dental Residency Program at the University of Kentucky. She was born in Concepcion, Chile and later moved to Columbus, Ohio, while parents studied at The Ohio State University. She received her dental degree (DDS) from the University of Concepcion, Chile. She completed a residency program in Pediatric Dentistry then a certificate program in Pathophysiology of Temporomandibular Disorders in children before moving to Kentucky where she completed a residency program in Orofacial Pain and from which she obtained a Master’s degree.
Dr. Perez has obtained board certification in both Pediatric Dentistry and Orofacial Pain making her one of the few dually trained and dually board certified. In 2011, Dr. Perez joined the University of Kentucky, in the division of Pediatric Dentistry. She works with predoctoral students as well as Orofacial Pain and Pediatric dental residents in training. She has numerous publications and provides lectures in her areas of research interest which include sleep disorders in children, TMD in adolescents, and pain management in children.
