Advanced Training Program in Orofacial Pain Management

Our Advanced Training Program in Orofacial Pain Management is a one-year training program designed for internationally-licensed dentists who wish to enhance their education in the field of Orofacial Pain Management. This program provides participants with extensive knowledge in the diagnosis and management of orofacial pain for patients with complex dental and medical conditions. Through this multidisciplinary program, participants will be trained in applying the principles of evidence-based learning and patient-centered care to their dental practice as related to the field of orofacial pain.

This program is offered at two levels of participation: full clinical participation and observation only. Participants who wish to join at the level of full clinical participation must obtain an Education License/Certificate from the RCDSO and will be given the opportunity to treat patients. Meanwhile, participants who join for observation only will not be permitted to treat patients.

Successful completion of this program will result in the participant receiving a Certificate of Completion of the Advanced Training Program in Orofacial Pain Management from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry. This certificate does not confer specialty or advanced degree status.
 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Learning Modules

Module 1 - Foundational Knowledge and Non-Surgical Management of Orofacial Pain

This module focuses on teaching and applying the basic knowledge required for proper understanding and management of orofacial pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. It includes didactive courses and clinical rotations. 

Module 2 - Research, Critical Appraisal, and Knowledge Management & Synthesis

This module focuses on training participants to understand and critically appraise dental literature. It provides an overview of evidence-based dentistry and guidelines that participants can use to guide their clinical practice and inform their clinical decisions. It consists of several didactic sessions, workshops, seminars, individual interactions with the mentors, and self-directed learning.

Evaluation

To determine whether the trainees are meeting the standard of competence and performance specified in various stages of curriculum a systematic assessment intended to be used. This assessment includes a variety of multiple techniques from certificate of successful attendance to course test completion and work-place assessments. The portfolio will be reviewed with the Program Director during the Program Director meeting that occurs once a month. As a part of trainees’ evaluation for Advanced Training Program in Orofacial Pain Management, a clinical performance examination (CPE) is being developed. The exam uses an Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) stations and constitutes the final examination as well. The rating form will be developed to assess the degree to which the trainee has achieved the objectives of the Advanced Training Program in Orofacial Pain Management program. The trainees are also expected to keep a written log (paper or electronic) of their clinical activities and encounters. For the self-directed learning activities, the trainees must prepare and present a written summary of main learning points.

Location

The educational platform of the program will be based at The Mount Sinai Hospital Department of Dentistry, Trillium Health System; and The Sunnybrook TMJ clinic. The Department of Dentistry runs four main clinics on the 4th floor of the hospital, as well as programs that are integrated both within its clinics and across other clinical areas such as our Emergency Department. Notably, the Temporomandibular Disorder - Facial Pain Clinic is the designated regional treatment centre for reconstructive surgery of the temporomandibular joint by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. There are various educational programs including the rounds for the University of Toronto, Centre for Study of Pain (UTCSP), educational rounds in Mount Sinai Hospital and the Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Rounds in Toronto Western Hospital.

Duration

The duration of this program is 12 months. The next start date is June 2024 (to be confirmed).

Teaching Faculty

All faculty members directly involved in the program are from the Department of Dentistry, Sinai Health System and the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry. In addition, various health care specialists outside the Department of Dentistry also contribute to the program. Professors from the Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry, as well as Anesthesiologists, Neurologists, Dentists, General Physicians, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, specialists in Addiction Medicine and Chemical Dependency, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Music Therapists and Nurses from the Wasser Pain Management Centre, Trillium Health System and Sunnybrook hospital are involved in the program multidisciplinary team.  

For a list of all faculty members directly involved in the program please contact the Continuing Dental Education Office. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

In order to be considered for this program, applicants must submit a completed Application Form and supporting documentation to CDE via email by the application deadline date. All documents (except photo) must be submitted as PDF files.

Application Form

Review and verification of documentation may take 3-5 business days upon receipt. Once completed, an email will be sent to notify applicants if their application is complete, or if anything is still pending.

Application Fee

Total application fee: $0

Dental Degree/Diploma & Transcripts

A copy of your degree/diploma and your official transcripts from a minimum four-year university dental program. Degrees/diplomas and transcripts that are not in English must be submitted with a certified translation.

English Proficiency

If your dental school instruction was not in English, you must provide documentation of English language proficiency by completing an English proficiency test.

Test results are valid for 2 years from the date of the exam.

1. TOEFL iBT (includes iBT Home Edition): A minimum total score of 100 is required with a minimum of 27 in Writing, 23 in Speaking, 24 in Listening, and 24 in Reading.
2. IELTS (Academic): A minimum Overall Band Score of 7.5 is required with no band lower than 7.0 in each of the four sections.
3. CELPIP: A minimum overall score of 8.0 is required with no component score lower than 8.0 in each of the four sections.

Resume / CV

A resume/CV summarizing your Dental Education, your Professional Dental Experience, any Continuing Dental Education courses, and other Additional Information, such as awards, publications, affiliations, etc. 

Letter of Intent / Statement of Interest

A letter of intent, describing your reason for participating in this program, and how it relates to your academic background, career goals, and qualifications.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters should consist of: 

• One letter by a recognized dental faculty member or a specialist in the field.
• One letter of choice. This additional letter should be from an instructor or similar individual who is able to evaluate the applicant’s knowledge, skill, character, and potential for success in the program.

Letters should include an assessment of the applicant’s dental background, knowledge, skill, character, and potential for success in the program. Letters must be signed and on official letterhead. Only letters written in English will be accepted.

Photo

A recent passport-size colour photo with a white background. Submit a high-quality version of the photo. (Accepted file formats: JPG, JPEG, PNG.)

FEES & DEADLINES

All fees must be made in Canadian Dollars (CAD).

Application Fee

Total application fee: $0

Tuition Fee

Total tuition fee for full clinical participation: $60,000 (unconfirmed)

Total tuition fee for observation only: $50,000 (unconfirmed)

Payment Schedule

Tuition fee can be paid in three separate installments:

Refunds

Application fee is non-refundable.

Tuition fee refunds may be provided in the case where reasonable attempts to obtain visa and/or Educational License have been made and were unsuccessful. Proof of such attempts must be provided to our department in order for a refund to be considered.

Failure to meet the tuition fee deadlines will result in the cancellation of your position in the program. No refunds will be issued in this case.

Additionally, regardless of reason, no refunds will be issued after the start date of the program.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

1.  Application

In order to be considered for the program, applicants must:

• Meet all program Application Requirements
• Submit completed Application Form and all supporting documents for review to: continuinged@dentistry.utoronto.ca

2.  Interview

Applicants are invited to interview by personal invitation only and will be notified via email if they are selected. The email invitation will include scheduling instructions and further details. Interviews will be in-person if possible, or online via Zoom.

Please note: Candidates are required to interview for further admission consideration.

3.  Decision Process

Applicants will be assessed based on the following criteria: 

• academic achievements, 
• English language proficiency, 
• content of letters of recommendation, 
• strong work ethic, and 
• outstanding interpersonal strengths.

3.  Acceptance

Applicants who meet the standards for acceptance into the program will be provided a letter of acceptance via email. 

A position in the program will only be secured when applicant has paid the deposit fee.

Acceptance will be on a rolling basis until the program is full.

POST ADMISSION

Participants of this program are responsible for securing their own Canadian study permit and/or temporary dental license (if applicable). Participants are also responsible for meeting hospital requirements.

Study Permit

Participants of this program must have the proper documentation allowing them to enter into Canada and study here. This usually involves obtaining a study permit. Further information on this topic can be found on the Government of Canada website (Study in Canada as an international student).

The University of Toronto is considered a designated learning institution (DLI) by the Government of Canada. The DLI number for the University of Toronto is O19332746152. For more information, please see the Government of Canada's list of DLIs.

You may also check the current estimated processing times of immigration applications.

Temporary Dental License

Participants who wish to join at the level of full clinical participation must obtain an Education License/Certificate from the RCDSO for the duration of the program (see RCDSO website for further information).

Participants should apply for their temporary licenses as soon as they are accepted into the program as the committee reviewing the applications meets on an infrequent basis and it may take several months for a decision to be reached by the committee. Upon acceptance into the program participants will be provided with license application information. Until a temporary license is obtained participation in the clinical aspect of the course will be limited to observer status. The University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry, does not guarantee that participants will receive a temporary license and failure to receive this license is not justification for a tuition refund or reduction.

Hospital Requirements

Participants must submit Health and Immunization Forms per Mount Sinai Hospital Immunization & Surveillance Policy prior to beginning the program. This information can be found by contacting us or Mount Sinai Hospital.

Before beginning the program, you are required to obtain your Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification that will be valid for duration of program.

CONTACT US

This program is organized by Continuing Dental Education at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto.

For inquiries, please contact us:

Phone: +1 416-864-8100
continuinged@dentistry.utoronto.ca