The Global Challenge of Orofacial Pain

SIG Name: Orofacial and Head Pain

Description of Symposium: Orofacial pain (OFP) is a prevalent and disabling condition worldwide, yet it remains insufficiently recognized within public health and pain medicine agendas. This symposium will explore the global burden of OFP, with a particular focus on how social, cultural, and healthcare system factors affect access to care, diagnostic accuracy, and treatment options. Presenters will share recent epidemiological data, novel scientific advances, and innovative models of interprofessional education frameworks designed to bridge current gaps in OFP care and education.

A central theme will be the urgent need for interdisciplinary education, integrated care pathways, and international collaboration to address diagnostic uncertainty, fragmented management, and the persistent stigma surrounding OFP. The symposium will also examine strategies to prevent the transition from acute to chronic pain, which is often overlooked in current care models.

To promote a comprehensive and inclusive discussion, the session will feature a diverse panel of speakers, including individuals with lived experience, clinician-scientists, educators, and epidemiologists. Ultimately, this symposium aims to catalyze a coordinated global response to OFP, foster cross-disciplinary research and policy initiatives, and contribute to the International Association for the Study of Pain’s mission to advance pain education, research, and patient-centered care.

Intended Audience: Clinical Practice, Cross-disciplinary, Clinical Research, Education

Educational Objectives:

• Upon completion of this symposium, attendees will be able to interpret global epidemiological data on orofacial pain, including prevalence trends, population-level burden, and surveillance gaps
• Upon completion of this symposium, attendees will be able to analyze how psychosocial, cultural, and structural determinants contribute to the transition from acute to chronic orofacial pain, and understand their implications for early identification, intervention, and equitable care
• Upon completion of this symposium, attendees will be able to identify and explore strategies to better integrate orofacial pain care and education within broader health systems

Speakers