What do the letters “DMD” mean?

DMD stands for Doctor of Medical Dentistry. The DMD degree and DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) are equivalent degrees; the degree is determined by which school the dentist attended. 

What do the letters “MS” stand for?

MS stands for Masters of Science. This is similar to someone getting a “masters degree” in any science subject. However, in Dr. Spencer’s case, the MS is for a Masters of Science degree in craniofacial pain through Tufts University in Boston. In order to be part of this program you have to be a dentist—so this is a “post-doctoral” program. Dr. Spencer was one of the first 7 dentists selected from around the world to take part in this program. The program required three years and hundreds of hours of course work in TMJ disorders and craniofacial pain, as well as statistics, epidemiology, and other related courses. A requirement of the MS degree included performance of a large research project, or thesis. Dr. Spencer’s thesis research was an anatomical study of nerve densities in men and women. These credentials are held by only a few dentists in the world.

What is a Diplomate?

Dr. Spencer is a diplomate of both the American Board of Craniofacial Pain and the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. A diplomate is typically the highest position one can obtain in a scientific academy or society. The designation of diplomate is often given by a “board”. The diplomate status is achieved through hundreds of hours of (post dental school) continuing education and years of experience in the fields of craniofacial pain and dental sleep medicine. Multiple criteria must be met and the title is awarded following written and oral examinations. Dr. Spencer is the only dentist in the state of Idaho to have these credentials. Dr. Spencer currently serves as an examiner for the American Board of Craniofacial Pain.

Dr. Spencer is President-Elect of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. What does that mean?

Dr. Spencer has been chosen by his professional peers in the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, the largest TMJ disorder related professional academy in the world, to be their next President. He has served on the board of directors for several years. Dr. Spencer is honored to serve in this position. As an officer in the AACP, Dr. Spencer has an affiliation with dentists, nationally and internationally, who are familiar with the treatment of craniofacial pain disorders. If you need a referral to a dentist in another state, just ask.

Dr. Spencer is adjunct faculty at Boise State and an instructor for the AACP Institute. Does he teach other courses?

Dr. Spencer has taught at Boise State in the biology department for 8 years. He teaches “Head and Neck Anatomy,” using cadavers in the anatomy lab and class instruction. He really enjoys teaching the pre-medical and pre-dental students at Boise State. Dr. Spencer is also an instructor for the AACP Institute. The AACP Institute provides comprehensive craniofacial pain education to dentists from around the world.   Dr. Spencer has been on the faculty of the AACP institute since its founding. Dr. Spencer is also an invited speaker at dental conferences around the country and around the world. He has personally taught more than 1000 dentists about craniofacial pain and dental sleep medicine and continues to receive regular invitations to speak both locally, nationally and internationally.