Few parts of your body play as many roles in everyday life as your mouth, teeth, jaws, facial muscles, and other related structures. Daily acts of self-expression, such as talking, laughing or smiling, use these structures to shape the sounds we make and help mold our appearance. They also work together to help you enjoy your favorite foods. As you can see, your face and jaw play a vital role in some of the most important aspects of your life.
If, however, you suffer from facial pain or problems with your temporomandibular joints (TMJ‘s) your whole world can change. These painful conditions can disrupt nearly every aspect of your daily life. In addition to causing you physical discomfort, facial pain, and TMD can significantly alter your diet, lead to medication overuse, limit intimacy and ultimately be responsible for emotional suffering and frustration. That’s where Dr. Donald R. Tanenbaum can help.
Dr. Tanenbaum is a Board-Certified Specialist in Orofacial Pain. His extensive training and over three decades of experience make him uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat facial pain, TMD, muscle pain disorders, nerve pain disorders, tension headaches, snoring, and sleep apnea. Equally important, he treats his patients with the compassion, understanding and personal attention they want and deserve.
Dr. Tanenbaum has helped improve the quality of life of thousands of patients who’ve suffered from painful facial conditions, and he can do the same for you.
Credentials That Inspire Trust
While attending Columbia College of Dental Medicine in New York City, Dr. Tanenbaum envisioned having a practice that focused on facial pain, TMD and sleep-related breathing disorders. Since opening his doors over 35 years ago, he has achieved that goal. Throughout the years, Dr. Tanenbaum has watched this highly unique area of dentistry evolve and mature. His continual training and ongoing education have enhanced his knowledge and helped him stay on top of the latest diagnostic and treatment methods.
Dr. Tanenbaum currently holds several prominent positions, including:
- Clinical Assistant Professor at the School of Dental Medicine at the State University of New York in Stony Brook
- Section Head of the Division of Orofacial Pain/TMD/Dental Sleep Medicine in the Department of Dental Medicine at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center.
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Hofstra North Shore, LIJ School of Medicine
He has also authored scientific articles and given lectures at medical grand rounds and to numerous dental societies and study clubs.
Dr. Tanenbaum is a past president of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain and an active member of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, the American Board of Orofacial Pain, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the New York Academy of Dentistry, and the American Dental Association.
Working Closely with Referring Physicians
Treating facial pain, TMD, and sleep disorders effectively means taking into account all the aspects of your health. That’s why Dr. Tanenbaum takes a multidisciplinary approach to your care. He will work closely with other doctors and health care professionals through consultations and continual updates about your treatment and your progress. This collaboration is essential in providing you with excellent, efficient care that meets your unique needs. Dr. Tanenbaum is trusted by medical and dental specialists in nearly every discipline to care for their patients with orofacial pain, TMD and sleep disorders. These include general dentists, orthodontists, endodontists, periodontists, oral surgeons, internists, neurologists, pediatricians, sleep therapists, and ENT specialists.
It Starts with a Comprehensive Exam
Your care with Dr. Tanenbaum starts with an in-depth health history and discussion of your condition. He will then perform a comprehensive examination and obtain images to help identify the source of your pain or dysfunction. Dr. Tanenbaum offers a variety of hands-on testing methods and will utilize only those that are appropriate to your unique condition.
Once your exam is completed, you and the doctor will discuss the findings and he will recommend a treatment plan designed for effective and long-lasting relief.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Tanenbaum, call 212-265-0110 (Manhattan)
or 631-265-3136 (Long Island).
Credentials That Inspire Trust
Dr. Tanenbaum currently holds several prominent positions, including:
- Clinical Assistant Professor at the School of Dental Medicine at the
State University of New York in Stony Brook - Section Head of the Division of Orofacial Pain/TMD/Dental Sleep Medicine in the Department of Dental Medicine at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Hofstra North Shore, LIJ School of Medicine
Dr. Tanenbaum has authored numerous scientific articles and co-authored a groundbreaking book, Doctor, Why Does My Face Still Ache? He lectures at national Orofacial Pain conferences, medical grand rounds, dental societies, and study clubs.
He is past president of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain and a member of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, the American Board of Orofacial Pain, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the New York Academy of Dentistry, and the American Dental Association.
Dr. Donald Tanenbaum, DDS MPH
- ADA Board-Certified Specialist in Orofacial Pain
- Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain
- Fellow, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Hofstra North Shore – LIJ School of Medicine
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Dept. of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery,
School of Dental Medicine at Stony Brook University - Section Head, Facial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine Dept. of Dental Medicine,
Long Island Jewish Medical Center
Education
- B.A., Biology, 1978, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- D.D.S., Doctor of Dental Surgery, 1982, Columbia University, NY, NY
- M.P.H., Masters of Public Health, 1982, Columbia University, NY, NY
Honors
- Past Council Chair, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
- Past President, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
- Past Program Chairman, AAOP Scientific Meeting, Philadelphia, PA
- Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain
- Fellow, American Academy of Orofacial Pain
- Dunning Memorial Scholar, Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery
- B.A., Cum Laude, University of Pennsylvania
Teaching Responsibilities
2018 to Present: Course Director, TMD and Orofacial Pain, SUNY Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine – Third-year students, 14 hours of orofacial pain/sleep education from January through March.
2013 to 2020: Host of Orofacial Pain/Sleep clinical rotations for residents of the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, Dental Anesthesia Residency Program.
1994 – 2017: Course Director – TMD and Orofacial Pain – SUNY Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine – Fourth-year students, 14 hours of orofacial pain/sleep education from January through March.
Director of annual Facial Pain/TMD/Sleep lectures for General Practice Dental and Pediatric Dental Residents within the Department of Dental Medicine, Northwell Health System at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY.
Yearly Orofacial Pain lectures for the New York County Dental Society’s online continuing education program.