Dr. Richard Ohrbach PHD, DDS

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Get to know Dentist Dr. Richard Ohrbach, who serves patients in Buffalo, New York.

Dr. Ohrbach is an exceptional dentist whose research focus is on clinical psychology and temporomandibular disorders. He serves as an Associate Professor with Tenure within the Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in New York. 

The mission of the Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences is to teach, conduct research, and provide service in the differential diagnosis and treatment of orofacial diseases and disorders. This implies that emphasis will be given to the use and integration of those biological, behavioral, and clinical sciences that are relevant to the differential diagnosis of pathological conditions in the orofacial region — and to the utilization of critical thinking skills in that process.

As Director of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine’s Center for Orofacial Pain Research, Dr. Ohrbach also works with colleagues from around the world through the International RDC/TMD Consortium. It is a network within the International Association for Dental Research to advance the scientific knowledge of TMD and related pain conditions by developing authenticated tools for international use and multi-site and cross-cultural research studies based on standardized assessment.

Having published over 120 works, Dr. Ohrbach is an Ad Hoc Reviewer for the International Journal of Psychophysiology, the European Journal of Oral Sciences, the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine, Community Dentistry & Oral Epidemiology, the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, the Clinical Journal of Pain, Pain, the Journal of the American Dental Association, the Journal of Dental Research, the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, and the Journal of Orofacial Pain.

Moreover, he is Chair of the Student Research and Honors Committee at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine; Journal Editor of the Yearbook in Dentistry, Section on TMD; Chair of the Translations and Protocols, International RDC/TMD Consortium; and Statistical Consultant for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.

A 1974 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Ohrbach went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Dental School in 1977. He completed his fellowship training within the Department of Anesthesiology & the Division of Gnathology and Occlusion at the University of California, Los Angeles in 1986. 

Three years later, in 1989, he obtained his Master of Science degree in Oral Sciences at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, and completed a fellowship at Meikai University. He also completed a fellowship at the University of Buffalo in 1994, and obtained his Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology at the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1996. 

Wanting to further his education, Dr. Ohrbach performed his internship in clinical psychology within the  Department Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 1996. A year later, in 1997, he completed his postdoctoral fellowship in behavioral epidemiology within the Department of Dental Public Health Sciences at the same educational venue. 

Professionally, Dr. Ohrbach has served as: an Assistant Professor of Oral Diagnostic Sciences at the State University of New York at Buffalo (1997–2000); a Research Associate Professor of Oral Diagnostic Sciences at the State University of New York at Buffalo (1995–1997); a Research Assistant Professor of Behavioral Sciences at the State University of New York at Buffalo (1989–1995); a Clinical Instructor within the Department of Oral Medicine at the State University of New York at Buffalo (1988–1989); a Major of the USAF Dental Corps at Wilford Hall Medical Center (1982–1985); and Captain of the USAF Dental Corps at Yokota AB, Japan (1977–1982). 

Attributing his success to having excellent colleagues in research, he is an active member of a number of professional organizations. These include: the International Association for Dental Research, the American Academy of Pain Management, the American Pain Society, the International Association for the Study of Pain, the New York Academy of Sciences, the Association of University Teachers of Orofacial Pain Programs, the Neuroscience Group, and the American Association for Dental Research.

Dentistry, also known as Dental and Oral Medicine, is a branch of medicine that consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity. Dentists diagnose and treat dental issues and help patients develop better oral hygiene regimens. They clean teeth, correct bite issues, perform surgeries and extractions, and perform other duties to ensure that the teeth and mouth are healthy. 

Throughout his illustrious 30+ year career, Dr. Ohrbach has been the recipient of various awards and honors. These include: Visiting Scientist Programme at Malmo University (2011, 2010, 2009, 2007); Omicron Kappa upsilon (OKU) National Dental Honor Society (2011); Achievement Award for Scholars, Inventors, and Entrepreneurs (2004); Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, 6th Edition (2003); Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, 5th Edition (2001); National Research Service Award, NIDR, NIH (1996, 1994, 1986); International Who’s Who in Medicine, 2nd Edition (1995); Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, 1992 & 1993 (1992); Physician Scientist Award, National Institutes of Dental Research, NIH (1989); American Association for Dental Research Bloc Travel Grant, Dublin, Ireland (1989); Young Investigator Travel Award, American Pain Society (1988); and USAF Commendation Medal (1985)

On a more personal note, his hobbies include biking and skiing.

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