As a healthcare professional you certainly realize that 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 all of our patients enjoy their favorite foods.
If, however, someone comes to your office suffering from an orofacial pain or a temporomandibular problem (TMD) it is likely that his or her whole world has changed. These conditions can disrupt nearly every aspect of a person’s daily life.
In addition to causing physical discomfort, orofacial pain and TMD can significantly alter dietary choices, lead to medication overuse, limit intimacy and ultimately be responsible for emotional distress and frustration.
Knowing where to send these patients for personal and responsible care is something you need to know. As a result of my advanced training, over 35 years of experience, and commitment to teaching dental students, residents, and peers, my practice is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat patients who present with orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders, tension headaches, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnea.
I will treat your patients with the compassion, understanding and personal attention that you want and that they deserve. Though these are difficult problems, I embrace these patients, validate their symptoms, and assure them that their symptoms are real and not “in their head”.
This philosophy has helped me improve the quality of life for thousands of patients who have suffered from painful orofacial conditions. My practice can make a difference for those suffering needlessly and you can be assured that I will make every effort to help your patients on the road to recovery.
Donald
Contact the office: 212-265-0110 (Manhattan) or 631-265-3136 (Nassau and Suffolk)
I am available for speaking engagements and lectures around the country. Feel free to contact me if your study group, practice, or class would benefit from a presentation about TMD, facial pain, dental sleep problems, or the pros and cons of treating jaw problems with Botox®.
I am also available to the media as an expert on the above topics. Here is a recent segment about Botox® for teeth grinding on Good Morning America – (click on the image):
More about Dr. Tanenbaum
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.
