Orofacial pain-it’s all in the diagnosis
the classification of Orofacial pain has evolved to incorporate biological, psychological and social factors. In particular, this has improved the management of the most common non-odontogenic orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders.  Recently an international consortium developed the Classification of Orofacial Pain to provide a framework for better diagnosis and management. The hierarchical design of this pain classification system allows the user to establish diagnoses with varying detail; general practitioners usually would assign a broader, higher-level diagnosis (e.g., temporomandibular joint pain), whereas specialists typically would use the classification to make a more detailed diagnosis (temporomandibular joint pain attributed to systemic arthritis).  The merits of such a system that standardizes diagnoses are that it provides a common language that is understood and used by all health professionals;  it focusses research to validate the classification system, describe the impact of the various disorders on the individual and society, and improve patient management for the different diagnostic categories; and importantly it validates a patient’s complaint. Such diagnostic systems provide a framework for interdisciplinary, person-centred management opportunities in which the dental practitioner can assume a key role.

 Learning Objectives
• Discuss the importance of valid and reliable diagnostic criteria and a hierarchical classification model for orofacial pain.
• Discuss the importance of the multiple dimensions of pain and their use to optimise person-centred care. 
• Apply an orofacial pain classification system in clinical practice, research and/or education areas