Metadata
Title
Master of Science Programin Occlusion and Orofacial Pain
Category
courses
UUID
9c95a3907c904c2a93633c88cf756e8d
Source URL
https://www.dent.chula.ac.th/en/programs/47815/
Parent URL
https://www.chula.ac.th/en/academics/admissions/graduate-admission/
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2026-03-23T23:02:17+00:00
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Master of Science Programin Occlusion and Orofacial Pain

Source: https://www.dent.chula.ac.th/en/programs/47815/ Parent: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/academics/admissions/graduate-admission/

Master of Science Program in Occlusion and Orofacial Pain

Admission Details

Study duration:

2

Years

Full-time

Degree:

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Language of instruction:

Thai / English

Total credits:

53 credits

Highlights:

Program overview

The Master of Science in Occlusion and Orofacial Pain Program and the Higher Graduate Diploma in Clinical Sciences (Occlusion and Orofacial Pain) at the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University are designed to deliver knowledge and practice clinical expertise to manage patients with complex masticatory dysfunction and/or orofacial pain. Our programs recognize the core concept of orofacial pain management as a whole-person biopsychosocial aspect. Thus, students will gain knowledge on basic masticatory science, functional occlusion concepts, neurophysiology, pain biology, sleep dentistry, advanced orofacial pain diagnosis and multidisciplinary pain management through lecture, specialized clinical practice and visiting pain clinic. The students can practice their communication and critical thinking skills in research projects, seminars, monthly case conferences, and interdisciplinary treatment planning. Overall, the students are ensured to achieve a high competency standard in occlusion and orofacial pain specialty at the end of our programs.

Why this program at Chula?

1

Located at a national reference center for TMD pain management in Central Thailand

Chulalongkorn University held the first establishment of occlusion and orofacial pain program in Thailand, since 2002. We are recognized as a tertiary referral center for orofacial pain patient, especially TMD and masticatory dysfunction, from greater Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. This offers students the full experience of clinical evaluation and management of complex orofacial pain conditions and many interesting cases.

2

*Experience in a multidisciplinary orofacial pain care*

The program provides in-depth knowledge of core treatment strategies for management of ‘pain’ and ‘masticatory dysfunction’. We designed the courses with a collaboration with other dental specialties, psychiatrist, neurologist, physiotherapist, pharmacists, acupuncturist, sleep specialist and more, to assure that students receive the all-round view of pain management network.

3

*Offer a wide array of research models*

The occlusion and orofacial pain specialty involves several clinical problems such as masticatory function, pain pathophysiology, and clinical outcomes of pain treatment. Our staffs are experienced in diverse research fields with wide research connections. We offer the research topics in masticatory function, sleep dentistry, neuroscience, cell biology, orofacial pain management, pain epidemiology, and more. The program also builds a strong research background for those who want to pursue for a higher degree.

*Partnership*

Message from the director

Chronic pain has become the global healthcare and economic burden, and orofacial pain is well recognized as one of the common causes of chronic pain. At present, the Department of Occlusion, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University offers two graduate programs that aim to produce leaders in occlusion and orofacial pain management.

We prepare dentist in the management of complex orofacial pain patient through a multidisciplinary approach. The 2-year program in Master of Sciences in Occlusion and Orofacial Pain provide clinical practice, communication skill, and opportunity for students to conduct research in basic, behavioral, and clinical research related to this field. Another program is the 3-year international training program, which is designed to train a dentist to become a specialist in occlusion and orofacial pain management. We also offer elective research course, so the students with research experience are then eligible for the Thai Board of Occlusion and Orofacial Pain application.

In our specialized clinic environment, students will have an extensive exposure to patients with various occlusal-related problems, as well as TMD and orofacial pain patients. Students will be competent to perform patient evaluation and establish a comprehensive management with other dental specialties, pain specialists, and sleep specialists. Students will become familiar with our facilities and treatment modalities, including computerized occlusal analysis, various intraoral appliances, physical therapy, pharmacotherapy, and laser therapy. Additionally, we also provide mandibular advancement device for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. We hope students will enjoy life and be confident with their profession after completing our programs.

Career possibilities

Course details

Course structure
Program Code: 2971
Program Plan: A2 (Coursework and Thesis)
Total Required Credits: 53 Credits
Core Courses 26 Credits
Elective Courses 3 Credits
Clinical Courses 12 Credits
Thesis 12 Credits

Academic calendar

First Academic Year

Second Academic Year

Admission

Qualification

  1. Hold a D.D.S or B.D.S or D.M.D. degree from Chulalongkorn University or the University accredited by the Ministry of Education, have dental license from the Thai Dental Council, and have GPAX not less than 2.5
  2. Have CU-TEP score of at least 45 or TOEFL score of at least 450 or IELTS score of at least 4.0 taken within 2 years
  3. The Program Administrative Committee reserves the rights to consider other qualifications that deem appropriate to be eligible for application.

Expected enrollment number

2-3 persons

How to apply

1st Semester Academic year 2026 \ (Period of Admission: 2 February – 10 May 2026)

Master of Science Program in Occlusion and Orofacial Pain

Procedure of admission

  1. Please read and following procedure of admission \ Thai version: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10PSNl0Ftga97hR7OkZ4Tvon1DRV4A5DF/view?usp=sharing\ English version: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g1XIHiQa5lVh4c6nWIirqucZBCYefVV1/view?usp=sharing
  2. Application documents must copy to pdf files or image files \ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zmhK9aCtnoH2CCevyANvj8iqLf00Jn8G/view?usp=sharing
  3. Fill Application Form and Upload Application documents \ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdvI4kKFqTjuiisY0XL9nN3fWOFnRlpb2RduqPUlh0NqByJ6A/viewform?usp=preview
  4. Pay the application fee and upload pay-in slip
  5. Staff sent confirmation email of application within 5 workdays

For further information pertaining to applicant’s qualifications, please contact

Assist. Prof. Prangtip Potewiratnanond, D.D.S., M.Sc., Ph.D.\ Department of Occlusion, \ 17th Floor, Borommanard Srinakarin Building

Expected enrollment number

2-3 persons

Fees

Tuition fees
Thai Student: 48,000 THB / Semester
International Student: 133,900 THB / Semester

*Other costs*

**Alumni****

1) Fasai Pukiat, D.D.S. M.Sc., FRCDS\ Graduation: 2004\ Thesis: Knowledges and opinions of dental patients to bruxism

2) Assist. Prof. Jittima Pumklin, D.D.S., M.Sc., Ph.D., FRCDS\ Graduation: 2007\ Thesis: Development of chewing ability questionnaire for Thai temporomandibular disorder patients

3) Assist. Prof. Pattriyaporn Boonyawong, D.D.S., M.Sc., FRCDS\ Graduation: 2010\ Thesis: Effectiveness of a health education via personal information compared with multimedia health information on adherence to hot moist application in masticatory muscle pain patients

4) Prangtip Potewiratnanond, D.D.S., M.Sc., Ph.D.\ Graduation: 2010\ Thesis: Impact on oral health related quality of life in orofacial pain patients at Chulalongkorn University Dental School

5) Jitawadee Boontham, D.D.S., M.Sc.\ Graduation: 2010\ Thesis: Management of masticatory system dysfunction patients by public dentists in North-Eastern Thailand

6) Sudathip Ruaydee, D.D.S., M.Sc., FRCDS\ Graduation: 2011\ Thesis: The prevalence and biopsychosocial factors associated with temporal, jaw, neck pain in computer users in Chulalongkorn University

7) Amornrat Lohakanmacheep, D.D.S., M.Sc.\ Graduation: 2012\ Thesis: Effect of stabilization splint on disclusion time in patients with masticatory muscle pain

8) Supang Chanton, D.D.S., M.Sc., FRCDS\ Graduation: 2014\ Thesis: Management of temporomandibular disorder patients by ministry of public health dentists in the central provinces of Thailand

9) Siriya Pakanimit, D.D.S., M.Sc.\ Graduation: 2016\ Thesis: Short-term compliance and related factors of stabilization splint in temporomandibular disorders patients at the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University

10) Thanaporn Sowithayasakul, D.D.S., M.Sc.\ Graduation: 2017\ Thesis: The relationship between the level of sensory hardness and toughness evaluation and electromyography parameters of some Thai foods

11) Uthai Uma, D.D.S., M.Sc., FRCDS\ Graduation: 2017\ Thesis: Effect of expansion screw adjustment in the locking part of a novel adjustable mandibular advancement device: simulated tensile tests

12) Tanatorn Pintusophon, D.D.S., M.Sc.\ Graduation: 2017\ Immediate effect of combination wavelength 808 and 905 nanometer laser therapy in women with acute masticatory myalgia: a randomized controlled clinical study

13) Tra Thu Nguyen, D.D.S., M.Sc.\ Graduation: 2017\ Thesis: Prevalence of chronic temporomandibular disorder pain and comorbidities in a group of Thai patients: a cross sectional study

*Testimonial*

Supang Chanton

Academic Year 2014\ Specialized Dentist, Bangplama Hospital, Suphanburi, Thailand - > “If you want to improve and prepare yourselves in clinical skills for a real working with patients, you should come here to build up various skills for your success in the future. I am appreciated all valuable supports from the staff and team. I’m loving it.”

Siriya Pakanimit

Academic Year 2016\ Specialized Dentist, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Bangna Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand - > “In this curriculum, I have improved my knowledge and clinical skills for treating orofacial pain patients, especially TMDs, so much. This program also made me more confident in diagnosing and providing the proper treatment for the patients as well. The curriculum staff was very kind, and I felt very happy during that study period.”

Thanaporn Sowithayasakul

Academic Year 2017\ Lecturer, Department of Occlusion, Faculty of Dentistry, Naresuan University, Thailand - > “Treating TMD patients can be challenging for many dentists, and so it was for me before I joined the program. During these wonderful 3 years, I got to learn from many experienced faculties. They guided and supported me throughout the journey. Not only I got to treat TMD patients, but I also got to do research of my own interest. It was such an honor to be a part of this program.”

Tanatorn Pintusophon

Academic Year 2017\ Associate Manager and Clinical Support, Align Technology Thailand - > “Learning at the Master of Science in Occlusion and Orofacial Pain has been a very valuable experience in my career. Orofacial pain is very different compared to other specialties in dentistry. It is a combination of neurology, sleep health control, postural control, psychological and behavioral education, physical therapy, surgery, occlusion, etc. The knowledge that I have learned and the patients whom I have treated have taught me that pain patients need a holistic and multidisciplinary approach based on evidence-based medicine. I am very grateful to my teachers, seniors, classmates, and especially my patients for teaching me, a foreign doctor, valuable knowledge and experiences. Studying at Chulalongkorn University was an important turning point in my life that I never regret choosing.”

Tra Thu Nguyen

Academic Year 2017\ Officer, International Affair Division and Human Resource Division\ Lecturer, Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam

*Publications*

*FAQ*

How often do I practice clinical skills in a master’s degree program?

You will be assigned for clinical skill development by observing and practicing all types of simple and complicated pain patients.

*Depends on your thesis; 4 periods for non-clinical research, 6 periods for clinical research

How long should I study for a master’s degree program?

You should study under the regulations of educational periods. The maximum study period for students in a master’s degree program is 4 academic years. It can be said that you have to pass the examinations of thesis proposal within 2 academic years as well as thesis defense within 4 academic years.

What are the graduation requirements for a master’s degree?

Students in a master’s degree program should be eligible to graduate when:

Contact

Graduate Studies Office

Faculty of Dentistry

Chulalongkorn University

10th floor, 80 Years Chalerm Navamaraj Building\ 34 Henri Dunant Road, Pathumwan,\ Bangkok 10330,\ Thailand