Biography
A Leader in TMD, Craniofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine
TMD and Dental Sleep Medicine Clinician · Diplomate, American Board of Craniofacial Pain · Diplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine · Former President, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain · Co-Founder, Ben-Pat Institute
Dr. Terry R. Bennett, DMD, DABCP, DABDSM is a clinician, educator, and lecturer with more than four decades of experience in dentistry and over three decades focused on the conservative treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), craniofacial pain, and sleep apnea. After earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 1977, Dr. Bennett developed a particular interest in patients experiencing chronic head, neck, and facial pain. His career has since become dedicated to improving the diagnosis and management of TMD, orofacial pain, and sleep-related breathing disorders.
Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice focuses on temporomandibular disorders, craniofacial and orofacial pain, sleep apnea, snoring, and bruxism. Through the Tulsa Orofacial Pain & Sleep Disorders Clinic, he provides comprehensive assessment and conservative, non-surgical management tailored to the individual needs of each patient. His clinical approach places strong emphasis on accurate diagnosis, careful patient screening, understanding the relationship between pain and function, and identifying the role that sleep-disordered breathing may play in a patient’s overall health and quality of life.
Throughout his career, Dr. Bennett has pursued extensive advanced education in TMD, obstructive sleep apnea, orthodontics, orthopedics, and craniofacial orthopedics. He holds Diplomate credentials with the American Board of Craniofacial Pain, American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, and American Academy of Pain Management. He has also earned Fellowship status with the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain and International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics, reflecting his longstanding commitment to advanced education in the diagnosis and treatment of complex craniofacial and sleep-related conditions.
Education and professional leadership have played a major role in Dr. Bennett’s career. He has been extensively involved with the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain (AACP), serving on its Board of Directors for more than a decade, as Program Chair for four years, and as President for two years. He also served as the AACP Institute Director of Education, where he helped organize and deliver professional education focused on TMD and dental sleep medicine. His experience has allowed him to contribute not only as a clinician but also as a mentor to dentists seeking to integrate these disciplines into everyday practice.
Dr. Bennett is also a co-founder of the Ben-Pat Institute, an educational organization established with Dr. Mayoor Patel to provide advanced, case-based education in orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders, and dental sleep medicine. Through the Institute and other educational programs, he lectures to dental professionals on clinical examination, diagnosis, treatment planning, patient screening, and the relationship between TMD, pain, airway health, and sleep-disordered breathing. He has also been involved in helping develop advanced dental sleep education, including work associated with the University of North Carolina Dental School’s Dental Sleep Mini Residency for dentists.
A significant focus of Dr. Bennett’s teaching is helping clinicians recognize conditions that may otherwise go undetected during routine dental examinations. His approach to TMD and sleep apnea screening includes understanding the questions clinicians should ask, interpreting patient responses, evaluating extraoral structures through palpation, distinguishing possible intracapsular TMD problems, and identifying relevant findings within the oral cavity. This practical, examination-driven approach allows dental professionals to become more confident in identifying patients who may require further assessment or treatment. Pasted text
Dr. Bennett continues to divide his professional time between clinical practice and education, lecturing for dental schools and professional organizations in the United States and internationally. Through his work as a clinician, educator, lecturer, and professional leader, Dr. Terry R. Bennett continues to advance the understanding of TMD, craniofacial pain, orofacial pain, and dental sleep medicine, while helping clinicians develop practical skills for recognizing, evaluating, and managing these complex conditions.
