Have you ever considered that the pain your patient feels in the jaw isn’t actually coming from the jaw?
What if the headache, facial pain, or symptoms that look like TMD are actually being driven by a problem in the cervical region? And what if, despite treating the physical source of pain, recovery remains difficult because we have not considered the patient’s psychological and social environment?
These are some of the questions we will explore at the OPAP Annual Conference this October 18.
Successfully managing orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is incredibly rewarding, especially when we see our patients regain comfort and improve their quality of life. Yet, pain is rarely simple. It can be complex, interconnected, and influenced by factors that may not always be obvious at first glance.
Our first focus will be on orofacial pain that mimics TMD but originates from the cervical region. We will discuss how to recognize these cases early, understand the connection between the cervical and orofacial regions, and determine when interdisciplinary care is necessary. Because sometimes, the appropriate management of orofacial pain goes beyond the dental chair.
We will also explore another often-overlooked dimension of pain: psychosocial factors.
For both dentists and patients, persistent pain can be frustrating. A patient's thoughts, emotions, behaviors, stress, and social interactions can significantly influence their experience of pain and their journey toward recovery. By understanding these factors, we can move beyond simply treating symptoms and develop a more complete approach to patient care.
Join us this October 18 as we look beyond the obvious and explore the many dimensions of orofacial pain.
Let us learn together, challenge our clinical assumptions, and discover how a broader perspective can lead us to better diagnosis, better management, and ultimately, better outcomes for our patients.
We look forward to seeing you at the OPAP Annual Conference.
Dental Conference & Continuing Education
OPAP 15th Annual Conference: Breaking the Bite — A Decade of Integrating Perspectives in TMD and Orofacial Pain
Published on October 2026 | Quezon City, Philippines
QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES — The Orofacial Pain Association of the Philippines (OPAP) will hold its 15th Annual Conference on October 18, 2026, at Monet 1, Novotel Cubao, Quezon City.
Carrying the theme "Breaking the Bite: A Decade of Integrating Perspectives in Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain," this milestone event runs from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and features leading international and local experts discussing key clinical approaches to pain management.
Event Overview
- Date & Time: October 18, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Venue: Monet 1, Novotel Cubao, Quezon City
- Inclusions: Afternoon snack and dinner
Featured Speakers & Topics
The conference highlights multidisciplinary perspectives from distinguished resource speakers:
- Dr. Samuel Grozman: "Taking a Bite Out of Neck Pain" — Cervical Spine Disorders That Mimic TMD Pain
- Dr. Shawn Lee Ji Kwan: Pain Relief Through Psychological Intervention: Simple Psychological Techniques for Non-Psychologists in Pain Management
- Dr. Axl Cabauatan: Breaking the Pain Cycle: A Multidisciplinary Approach to TMD and Orofacial Pain
- Dr. Deborah Bernardo: Primary Headaches: Tools That Make the Right Diagnosis
Registration Rates
| Category | Early Bird (Until Aug. 31, 2026) | Regular Rate |
|---|---|---|
| OPAP Member | PHP 4,800 | PHP 5,500 |
| TOPP Alumni | PHP 5,200 | PHP 5,700 |
| Non-Member | PHP 5,500 | PHP 6,000 |
Discount Opportunity: Register together with an active OPAP member to avail of the Member Rate!
Payment & Registration Process
Please deposit payments to Metrobank:
- Bank Name: Metrobank
- Account Name: Orofacial Pain Association Inc.
- Account Number: 614-7-61403622-9
Send your proof of payment via Viber to Dr. Gen (+63 920 909 8152) or Dr. Mia (+63 917 520 5683) along with:
- Full Name
- Contact Number
- PRC Number
- Registration Category
