I have been
practicing in the area of TMJ/TMD
and head/neck pain for almost 25 years. Even before graduating
from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry
in 1968 I began my search for answers for my own headache pain
so I might help myself and others like me. In 1978 after ten
years as a practicing professional, I attended a dental education
course in regards to balancing the bite.
The course,
on evening and balancing the meshing of our teeth, launched
me into a new direction in my practice of dentistry (see
Dr. Keropian’s Pain Story). I put my focus on head and
neck pain.
Since
1978 I have taken thousands of hours of education in the area
of TMJ/TMD and head and
neck pain. I have been fortunate to have taken courses from
some of the most innovative clinical practitioners in America.
These include M.D.’s, osteopaths, dentists, physical therapists,
chiropractors, psychologists, accupuncturists and accupressurists,
nutritionists, and alternative health practitioners.
With the
continued evolution of treatment for TMJ,
I believe that we will have even greater success with shorter
term treatment in the future. We have come a long way, but
we still have a bit further to go in this field. However,
with the various techniques and protocols I use today, a positive
difference is being made in reducing the trauma and pain of
TMJ.
Clinical
Instructor
- University
of Southern California School of Dentistry
1970-71 Department of Oral Diagnosis
1985 TMJ/Oro-facial Pain Clinic
1996-99 Department of Occlusion |
Co-Director
-Headache
Pain Treatment Center - Valley Hospital Medical Center
1985-86 with Sion Nobel, M.D. |
| Board
of Directors
- American
Academy of CranioFacial Pain (a national group of dental
and medical practitioners treating TMJ)
1989-Present |
| Chairman
- American
Academy of CranioFacial Pain- Injury Committee (Deals
with TMJ injuries and
insurance. Mostly auto accident injuries and legal issues.)
|
| Board
of Directors - TMJ
Society of California (The largest non-medical/dental
patient advocacy group in State fighting for better insurance
benefits from fee for service insurance plans and HMO’s)
|
|
Treasurer
- American
Academy of CranioFacial Pain,
Treasure American Alliance of TMD
Practitioners (Represents 10,000 Dentists)
|
| Diplomat
- American
Academy of Pain Management |
| Former
Chairman
- San Fernando Valley Dental Society Peer Review Commitee
(local component group of the American Dental Association)
|
| Declared
Expert - California
and Colorado courts, Testified as TMJ
and head and neck pain expert in over 300 legal cases |
| Lecturer
- Numerous
Groups including: San Fernando Valley Dental Society (Affiliate
American Dental Assoc.), Southern California Hospitals
- Medical staffs and nursing staffs, Southern California
Legal firms, 20th Century Insurance Company - 1989-91
TMJ training film for
Adjusters |
| Citation
- Los
Angeles City Council, Received for assisting LAPD in uncovering
dental insurance fraud |
I
am also proud to be involved in my community by volunteering
with the following groups:
Coach
- AYSO
(youth soccer) 1978 - Present
Varsity
Soccer Coach -
Crespi Carmelite High School 1981-89
Coach
- YMCA
(youth basketball) 1997-99
Coach
- L.A.
Parks & Recreation (youth basketball) 1988- 99
|
