Orofacial Pain——A Priority at LSUSD

In collaboration with other faculty members, Dean Henry Gremillion, DDS, MAGD, is in the process of developing resources for orofacial pain treatment and education at LSUSD. Dr. Gremillion came to LSUSD in 2008 with a vision to create a clinic where patients suffering from chronic facial and neck pain could receive quality care at an affordable price.

LSUSD will provide education in the treatment of orofacial pain for students and residents as well as practicing dentists worldwide. The educational component will include classroom instruction and clinical experience. Plans are underway to establish a masters program and a one-year fellowship for dentists interested in specializing in the field.

Another focus will be the fostering of collaboration between basic scientists and clinicians to research new and improved clinical treatments for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and orofacial pain. Pain in the oral and craniofacial system has a fairly high prevalence and often, a devastating impact on the quality of life. According to some surveys, an estimated 22% of Americans older than 18 years of age commonly report pain in the orofacial region. The underlying causes of orofacial pain continue to evolve due to new research discoveries.

Graduates of the 2nd Orofacial Pain Continuum: Back: Joseph Franco, Jr., Dale Ehrlich, Edward Hobbs, Alfred Tennant, Melvin Benson, Jr., Gary Klasser. Front: Andrew Cobb, Timothy Walker, Joyce Hottenstein, Stephen Krist, Henry Gremillion. Not pictured: Randy Buntyn

Prior to joining LSUSD as dean, Dr. Gremillion was the Parker E. Mahan Endowed Professor of Orofacial Pain in the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He also served for 17 years as the director of the UFCD Parker E. Mahan Facial Pain Center and its fellowship program in craniomandibular dysfunction.

Dr. Gremillion has recruited to LSUSD a core group of fellow specialists: Dale Ehrlich, DDS, MS; Gary Klasser, DMD; and Christopher Spencer, DDS. Dr. Ehrlich serves as chair of the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry and Biomaterials. Drs. Klasser and Spencer are associate professors in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences. All three have extensive education and experience in the treatment of orofacial pain.

A current focus is the Orofacial Pain Continuum, taught by Drs. Gremillion, Ehrlich, Klasser, and Spencer, and offered through LSU Health Continuing Dental Education. Each year-long course, which contains five interactive sessions, is designed for dentists and other healthcare professionals who want to improve their ability to evaluate, diagnose, manage, and refer patients with TMD, sleep disorders and other types of orofacial pain. Registration is now open for the fourth continuum, June 2, 2017 through May 12, 2018. For more information or to register for the continuum, go to www.LSUOrofacialPainCE.org/.

Dr. Gremillion Receives Pankey Award

On September 10, Dean Henry Gremillion was presented with the Dental Hero Award by the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. Drs. John (Jay) Anderson, Jr., and Sandy Parrott nominated him for his commitment to excellence in dentistry. Dr. Anderson stated that Dr. Gremillion “epitomizes Dr. Pankey’s definition of a professional man. He truly cares for the interests of others above his own personal regard and interests.” Dr. Parrott wrote, “There is no better example of Quid Pro Quo, living and breathing the philosophy of Dr. Pankey, than Dr. Gremillion.”

“Quid Pro Quo,” or giving back, is the backbone of the Pankey Philosophy. The Institute provides dental education that addresses the technical, philosophical, behavioral, and financial habits necessary to build a successful practice and achieve a work-life balance. Congratulations to Dr. Gremillion on receiving this deserving recognition.

Dr. Gremillion with Dr. Jay Anderson at Pankey Heroes Award Ceremony