Functional Dentistry Education & Training

Functional dentistry sits at the intersection of occlusion, craniomandibular diagnosis, pain management, and interdisciplinary treatment planning. For clinicians who want to understand how jaw function, muscle activity, and TMJ health interact with broader restorative and rehabilitative goals, structured functional dentistry education provides both the conceptual framework and the diagnostic tools to work with confidence. This page is the central entry point for functional dentistry training on OHI-S — covering the full scope of clinical topics, diagnostic systems, and learning formats available within the category, so you can navigate toward the training that fits your current clinical direction.

• Broad topical coverage — occlusion, TMJ disorders, bruxism, orofacial pain, splint therapy, axiography, articulator work, VDO management, and interdisciplinary treatment planning
• Multiple learning formats — online courses with CE credits, live seminars and hands-on workshops, and free introductory content within one platform
• Expert-led education — faculty drawn from internationally recognized clinicians and researchers in gnatology, TMD, occlusion, and craniomandibular rehabilitation

Functional Dentistry Education for Modern Dental Practice

Functional dentistry is rarely a standalone specialty — it underpins restorative decisions, prosthetic planning, orthodontic sequencing, and the long-term stability of complex rehabilitations. Understanding occlusal principles, diagnosing craniomandibular disorders, and managing TMJ-related presentations are skills that shape outcomes across many areas of clinical practice.

At the same time, the field encompasses established clinical systems with distinct diagnostic philosophies: from Rudolf Slavicek's and John Kois's approaches to occlusal analysis through evidence-based gnatology, osteopathic perspectives, and digital vs. analog diagnostic workflows. OHI-S covers this breadth — giving clinicians access to multiple frameworks rather than a single school of thought.

Topics Covered in Functional Dentistry Training

Functional dentistry training on OHI-S spans four broad clinical areas. Diagnosis and analysis covers axiography, condylography, myography, instrumental analysis, cast model analysis, MRI interpretation, BruxChecker use, kinematic facebow, TENS application, and articulator-based workflows. Occlusion and rehabilitation addresses VDO management, rehabilitation of occlusion, OCTA concept, analog and digital approaches, and evidence-based gnatology. TMJ and craniomandibular disorders covers TMD diagnosis and treatment, cognitive therapy of TMD, TMJ arthritis and arthrosis, muscle disorders, orofacial pain, osteostructural balance, and postural and osteopathic treatment approaches. Bruxism and functional appliances addresses bruxism management, occlusal splints, mandibular repositioning, functional appliances, and managing residual growth.

Learning Paths: Online Courses, Seminars, and Free Resources

OHI-S provides functional dentistry training across multiple formats through a single platform used by dental professionals in 40+ countries.

Online functional dentistry courses let you study structured clinical content on demand, with CE credits indicated on eligible courses and lessons. OHI-S is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.
→ Explore Online Functional Dentistry Courses

Free functional dentistry learning includes clinical videos, introductory lectures, and webinars covering core topics in occlusion, TMJ, and craniomandibular function at no cost.
→ Explore Free Functional Dentistry Learning

In-person seminars, congresses, and hands-on workshops provide direct clinical access to leading functional dentistry faculty, covering diagnostic systems, practical articulator work, splint protocols, and interdisciplinary case management across multiple cities.
→ Explore Functional Dentistry Seminars and Events

Learn from Leading Functional Dentistry Educators

Jeffrey P. Okeson brings authoritative depth to TMD diagnosis, orofacial pain, and occlusal management. Gregor Slavicek presents evidence-based gnatology and the analytical frameworks developed within the Slavicek school. Jean-Daniel Orthlieb addresses occlusal concepts and functional rehabilitation from a clinical and research-grounded perspective. Ambra Michelotti contributes expertise in TMD and cognitive approaches to functional disorder management. Barry Glassman covers sleep-related bruxism and occlusal splint therapy. Martin Gross, Daniel Paesani, and Mariano Rocabado extend the curriculum into craniomandibular treatment, bruxism, and postural and osteopathic approaches to functional dentistry.