Dentistry & Physical Therapy: Craniofacial Pain Relief

This course provides an overview of Physical Therapy and explains how a relationship with a PT can benefit dental practices. You will learn the history of PT, review what to expect from a PT, and discover how PT can help patients with head, neck, jaw, and temporomandibular pain.

This electronically delivered self‑instructional program is designated for 1.25 hours of ADA CERP and AGD PACE CE credit by Farran Media. AGD Code: 750. The fee to view this course is $36, which includes the exam and CE credit claim.

Dentistry and Physical Therapy make a good team for patients with head, neck, or jaw pain. In this course, you will learn the history of the PT profession, examine the components of a PT exam, and review common PT treatments. We will then apply these concepts to dental patients with neck pain, headaches, temporomandibular disorders, or vestibular issues.

• Describe how Physical Therapy can help a patient with head, neck, and jaw pain
• Screen patients to determine if they would benefit from a PT referral
• Recognize the foundational components of a Physical Therapy examination
• Understand the basic options for treatment a Physical Therapist may use
• Refer to Physical Therapy and receive referrals from Physical Therapy
• Identify a local Physical Therapist to collaborate with and be able to discuss expectations of care

Leslie Hovda is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with over 10 years of experience treating craniofacial pain. She is board certified in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy and is a Certified Cervical and Temporomandibular Therapist. She currently works with an interdisciplinary practice in Minnesota that includes MDs, DDSs, psychologists, and PTs.

In the past 12 months, the lecturer/author declares that neither he/she nor any member of his/her family have a financial interest or affiliation with any commercial entities, and has not been paid by dentists or other health professionals within the field of dentistry or health care.

Farran Media is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider and a nationally approved PACE Program Provider by the Academy of General Dentistry. The current term of approval extends from 1/1/2023 to 12/31/2026. Provider # 304396. For any questions, contact Nareg Apelian, DMD, Director of Continuing Education at

The CE provider (Farran Media) uses reasonable care in selecting and providing content that is accurate. The CE provider does not independently verify the content or materials. Any opinions expressed in the materials are those of the author and not the CE provider. Completing one or more continuing education courses does not qualify the participant as an expert in the field related to the course topic or any specific technique.