Outreach, Training, and Education Core (OTEC)

The Outreach, Training, and Education Core aims to advance awareness, knowledge, and skills in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) through comprehensive, stakeholder-driven programs that promote interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based education, and community engagement. By partnering with organizations like the United States Association for the Study of Pain, the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, and the Orthopaedic Research Society, the Core will integrate dental, medical, and orthopedic perspectives into TMD research and education, while leveraging networks such as the NIH PURPOSE initiative and the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network to identify and address knowledge gaps. These efforts will be further supported by collaboration with patient advocacy groups, including the TMJ Association, to ensure that People with Lived Experience (PWLE) contribute meaningfully to the research process, from proposal review to clinical practice implementation. Biannual open forums will foster interdisciplinary dialogue, enhance stakeholder input, and facilitate dissemination of findings. The Core will also develop innovative training programs, including TMD-focused modules integrated into existing NIH-funded pathways like T32 and T90/R90, to strengthen the pipeline of skilled clinicians and researchers. Unified, standardized curricula for medical, dental, and allied health professions will incorporate interprofessional training sessions, fostering collaboration and equipping the next generation to address the complexities of TMD care. By uniting diverse stakeholders and addressing critical gaps in education and outreach, this initiative will enhance practitioner knowledge, empower patients, and drive advancements in TMD care, ultimately improving outcomes through a multidisciplinary and evidence-based approach.