Medical Psychology
Orofacial Pain Clinic
The Orofacial Pain Clinic provides specialist assessment and treatment for facial pain that may relate to stress or more complex medical, emotional and/or dental problems. The Clinical Psychologist is part of a multidisciplinary team that includes physiotherapy support, Prosthodontists and Registrars in prosthodontics. In addition to patient management and clinic consultation, the psychologist is involved in training post-graduate dentistry students and students enrolled in the Bachelor of Dentistry (BDent) programme at the University of Sydney.
Topics for seminars and problem based learning workshops include:
- Patient Management / Interviewing skills
- Communication / Listening skills
- Health Behaviour change
- Anxiety management
- Placebo Effects and responses in therapy
- Psychological significance and evaluation in orofacial pain
What does the Clinical Psychology service offer?
- Pain management
- Discussion of healthy ways to cope with stress and life pressures
- Strategies for changing old habits that make pain worse
- Help to learn ways to manage difficult emotions
- Treatment for overcoming associated depression and frustration
- Some self-help materials (e.g. how to improve sleep; anxiety management )
- Help to find other services that support quality of life
What does treatment cost?
Costs for dental work will be discussed at the initial consultation in
the Orofacial Pain Clinic. As an integral part of the Clinic, psychology
services are free to eligible patients. As part of treatment some materials
(books or relaxation tapes) may be purchased as part of a pain management
programme.
Where is the Orofacial Pain Clinic?
Oral Restorative Sciences, Level 3, Westmead Dental School, Westmead Hospital
Referrals:
- External referrals from community
- Internal referrals from Westmead Hospital / Cumberland
GP’s and Dentists complete Westmead Centre for Oral Health referral form and mark "Attention Orofacial Pain Clinic":
- Fax to Westmead Centre for Oral Health (FAX: 9893.8671 PH: 9845.7178)
- Or Post to PO Box 533, Wentworthville, 2145
- Important: Include relevant patient information, with up to date contact details
Complete "Medical & General Consultation Sheet" and mark "Attention Orofacial Pain Clinic"
Fax to Westmead Centre for Oral Health (FAX: 9893.8671; PH: 9845.7178)
- Or Post to PO Box 533, Wentworthville, 2145
- Important: Include relevant patient information, with up to date contact details
General inquires: 9845.7835
Coordinator of Orofacial Pain Clinic/ Head of Department: Dr Christine Wallace, Maxillofacial Prosthodontist
Clinical Psychologist: Janet Benson
E-mail: janet_benson@wsahs.nsw.gov.au
