Board Qualified Orofacial Pain Specialist
Dr. Sang H. Chung, DMD
SoCal TMJ and Headache is a specialist practice in Los Angeles dedicated to the diagnosis of complex orofacial pain conditions. Dr. Chung completed advanced training in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine at the University of Southern California and holds Board Qualified status with the American Board of Orofacial Pain.
The practice is structured around a single principle: the diagnosis must come before the treatment. Every patient receives a comprehensive diagnostic workup using internationally validated classification systems before any treatment plan is written.
Training & Education
Specialized Training in a Narrow Field.
Dr. Chung holds a DMD degree and completed an advanced fellowship in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine at the University of Southern California. The USC Orofacial Pain program is one of a limited number of accredited training sites in the United States for this subspecialty, and it provides in-depth exposure to the full spectrum of conditions that involve the oral and maxillofacial region.
This training encompasses temporomandibular disorders (TMD), neuropathic facial pain, neurovascular headache with orofacial involvement, Burning Mouth Syndrome, and the full range of oral medicine conditions. The curriculum is built on the same classification systems used in published clinical research: DC/TMD, ICOP, and ICHD-3.
The scope of this training is fundamentally different from general dental education or continuing education courses. It is a dedicated, multi-year program focused exclusively on the assessment, classification, and management of orofacial pain — the kind of conditions that often involve more than one anatomical system and fall between the boundaries of traditional specialties.
Diagnostic Approach
Classification Before Treatment.
The Diagnostic Workup
- Comprehensive history and review of all prior imaging, treatment records, and specialist notes.
- Physical examination of the temporomandibular joints, masticatory muscles, cervical spine, and cranial nerves.
- Classification using DC/TMD, ICOP, and ICHD-3 criteria — the same standards used in peer-reviewed research.
- Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) when neuropathic pain is suspected, to characterize the pain mechanism.
- A single, specific diagnosis mapped to a targeted treatment pathway — not a generic protocol.
Why Classification Systems Matter
- DC/TMD — Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (Schiffman et al., 2014). The gold standard for TMD classification used in clinical research worldwide.
- ICOP — International Classification of Orofacial Pain, 2nd Edition. Covers the full range of orofacial pain conditions beyond TMD.
- ICHD-3 — International Classification of Headache Disorders. Essential when headache and orofacial pain coexist, which is common in this patient population.
- These systems are not clinical guidelines — they are diagnostic taxonomies that ensure every patient receives a specific, reproducible diagnosis.
Clinical Scope
Conditions Within This Practice.
The following conditions are within the diagnostic and management scope of this practice. Each requires a specific classification before any treatment is initiated.
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
Disc displacement, arthralgia, degenerative joint disease, and masticatory muscle disorders classified under DC/TMD.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Classical and secondary trigeminal neuralgia, including differential diagnosis from other neuropathic facial pain conditions.
Myofascial Pain
Regional myofascial pain of the masticatory and cervical musculature, including referred pain patterns.
Neurovascular Headache
Migraine with orofacial involvement, tension-type headache, and headache-TMD overlap using ICHD-3 criteria.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Primary burning mouth syndrome and differential diagnosis from secondary oral mucosal conditions.
Oral Medicine
Oral mucosal lesions, candidiasis, and other oral medicine conditions that fall outside routine dental practice.
Credentials
Board Qualification & Professional Affiliations.
Board Qualification & Training
- Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine Certification, University of Southern California
- Board Qualified Orofacial Pain Specialist
Professional Affiliations
American Academy of Orofacial Pain
American Board of Orofacial Pain
American Dental Association
California Dental Association
Areas of Expertise
Your Visit
What to Expect at This Practice.
- 01
Records Review
Prior to your appointment, all available imaging, treatment records, and specialist notes are reviewed and integrated into the diagnostic workup. Bring everything you have.
- 02
Comprehensive Examination
A thorough physical examination of the TMJ, masticatory muscles, cervical spine, and cranial nerves. The goal is to identify the anatomical source of your pain.
- 03
Classification & Diagnosis
Your findings are mapped against DC/TMD, ICOP, and ICHD-3 criteria. You receive a specific diagnosis — not a general description of symptoms.
- 04
Targeted Treatment Plan
If your condition is within scope, a treatment pathway is designed around your specific diagnosis. If it falls outside this practice's scope, you are referred directly to the appropriate specialist.
Ready for a Specific Diagnosis?
If you have been through multiple providers without receiving a clear diagnosis, this practice is designed for that situation.