Global perspectives on orofacial pain specialization and training

Orofacial pain (OFP) diagnosis and management are often delayed, reducing the quality of life for patients. The aims of this narrative review were to examine international OFP specialization programs, professional societies, and educational frameworks to identify gaps and opportunities for collaboration. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to March 2025, as well as organizational websites. English language sources were included that addressed OFP definition, classification, epidemiology, specialty recognition, training, or professional organizations. Fifty-two peer-reviewed articles and 10 organizational sources (62 sources in total) from 1979 to 2025 met the eligibility criteria. OFP training program definitions and implementations vary considerably worldwide, where many programs lack consistency in terms of the curriculum content, duration, and interdisciplinary integration. Thus, a globally standardized OFP curriculum is needed as well as expanded training opportunities, interdisciplinary education, and international partnerships to advance professional competency and optimize patient care.