Vestibular Basics in Orofacial Pain

Course Director: Susan Whitney

Learning Objectives:

•  The learner will be able to ask 5 questions that can assist with identifying BPPV in their clinic.
•  The learner will be able to recognize nystagmus seen in BPPV when the person is reclined in the dental chair.
•  The learner will learn how to optimally position a person with active BPPV during a dental procedure.

Course Description:

This session will focus on learning the signs and symptoms of persons presenting with vestibular disorders, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV can present as a challenge to oral hygiene and can be seen when reclining a dental chair backwards. Strategies to recognize BPPV plus how to manage a person with active BPPV who comes to the clinic will be described. Methods to minimize symptom provocation during dental procedures will be emphasized. BPPV may also be caused by invasive dental procedures that vibrate the skull. Prevention of falls will be discussed plus how to manage persons with additional vestibular dysfunction will be discussed. Lecture, demonstration, and videos will be utilized to illustrate important clinical scenarios.

The American Academy of Orofacial Pain is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

AAOP designates this course for 3.5 continuing education hours.

Faculty Bio:

Susan L. Whitney, DPT, PhD, MCS, ATC, FAPTA

Dr. Whitney received her PhD in motor development/motor learning from the University of Pittsburgh and her professional physical therapy education from Temple University. She is a professor in the Departments of Physical Therapy and Otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Whitney is supported by the Department of Defense to develop technology for persons with vestibular disorders and mild brain injury. She has authored or coauthored 310 articles on Medline, received the APTA John Maley Award, and was awarded the Hallpike-Nylen award, which recognizes outstanding clinical research achievement in vestibular medicine by the Barany Society.