TODS FEATURED SPEAKER
DEMYSTIFYING TMJ: CAUSES, DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT STRATEGIES FOR TMJ DISORDERS
Dr. Chris Ward
Session Date: Friday October 24, 2025
Session Time: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Presenter Name: Dr. Chris Ward
Outline:
This lecture will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, a common source of facial pain and dysfunction.
Key Learning Objectives:
The Crucial Role of Diagnosis: Explore the importance of accurate TMD diagnosis, differentiating between various types and identifying potential mimics. Gain insights into the diagnostic process, including clinical examination and imaging techniques.
Understanding the Causes: Delve into the various factors that contribute to TMJ disorders, including:
- Muscular imbalances and dysfunction
- Joint derangements (disc displacement)
- Arthritis and other joint pathologies
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Stress and psychological factors
Non-Surgical Management Options: Discover a range of conservative treatment approaches for TMJ disorders, including:
- Self-care strategies
- Physical therapy modalities to address muscle imbalances
- Oral appliances (splints) for pain management and jaw stabilization
- Pharmacological options for pain relief and inflammation control
When to Seek Surgical Intervention: Learn to identify situations when surgical management may become necessary for TMJ disorders. We will discuss the criteria for referral to a specialist and explore the different surgical options available.
By the end of this lecture, you will have a strong foundation in TMJ disorders, from understanding their complexities to navigating diagnosis and treatment options.
About The Speaker
Dr. Christopher Ward is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who has completed a fellowship in comprehensive temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery at the University of Michigan. During his fellowship, he focused on learning total TMJ joint replacement surgery, TMJ arthroscopy, and other minimally-invasive procedures. Dr. Ward received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Victoria, and his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Manitoba College of Dentistry. He then completed an internship in oral and maxillofacial surgery and hospital dentistry at Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre. Dr. Ward went on to complete his Oral and Maxillofacial residency at the University of Toronto, where he focused on orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery, TMJ surgery, dental implants & bone grafting, as well as pathology & reconstruction.
Dr. Ward’s research interests are focused on biomaterials, stem cell therapies, and the combination of these two fields of study for tissue engineering and development of novel therapeutic modalities. He is particularly interested in the use of stem cells to treat TMJ disorders. In 2021, Dr. Ward’s research on the anti-inflammatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from the peri-umbilical region of human placentas on TMJ inflammation won the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons resident research of the year award. Dr. Ward is a member of the Canadian Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (CAOMS) and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS).
Co-Sponsor
The Pacific Dental Conference Is The Largest Dental Conference In Canada And Ranks Among The Top Five In North America
