The upcoming bootcamp promises a comprehensive clinical experience for our students of the OFP certificate and the master’s degree in OFPOM.
The distance learning department is preparing an intensive orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) BootCamp 1B designed to transform theoretical knowledge into clinical excellence. Building on the tremendous success of BootCamp 1A, this upcoming program will provide our students with a comprehensive hands-on experience in specialized orofacial pain management.
What Participants Can Expect
Drawing from the proven success of BootCamp 1A, participants in the upcoming BootCamp 1B will experience an intensive week of clinical training that progresses from foundational learning to advanced hands-on skills. The program is carefully structured to provide comprehensive exposure to orofacial pain practice through multiple immersive components:
Day 1: Immersive Clinical Introduction The bootcamp will launch with an ambitious schedule featuring morning clinical shadowing at the Oral Care Precancer and Pain Clinic, followed by afternoon sessions at the Fresh Tissue Dissection Lab at Keck Medicine. This “jumping in feet first” approach will give participants immediate exposure to real patient care scenarios and anatomical understanding.
Progressive Skill Development Throughout the Week:Participants will engage in:
- Head and neck examination reviews
- Comprehensive radiology sessions with focused imaging analysis
- Serology reviews and polysomnography studies
- Mock case work and problem-based learning scenarios
- Clinical rounds presentations with in-depth case discussions
Comprehensive Assessment and Practical Skills Training
The program will culminate in comprehensive Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), where participants will demonstrate mastery in essential clinical skills including:
- Head and neck examinations
- Trigger point injections
- Joint injections
- Jaw muscle assessments
- Cervical muscle evaluations
- Clinical tool proficiency for orofacial pain and TMD patient assessment
Proven “Theory to Practice” Approach
A hallmark of the bootcamp will be its emphasis on translating theoretical knowledge into practical clinical skills. Participants will have opportunities for clinical shadowing, allowing them to observe experienced practitioners and understand the nuances of patient care in orofacial pain management.
The program’s structure reflects the school’s innovative approach to medical education, combining traditional didactic learning with immersive clinical experiences. Participants will gain hands-on experience with clinical tools specifically designed for orofacial pain and TMD patient assessment, preparing them for the realities of specialized practice.
Building on Proven Success
BootCamp 1A participants achieved remarkable results, successfully completing all required assessments and demonstrating significant clinical competency gains. The combination of clinical shadowing, laboratory work, case studies, and practical examinations provided a comprehensive foundation for practice in orofacial pain management.




