Focused dry needling education for craniofacial pain and temporomandibular presentations.

Designed for clinicians with a special interest in temporomandular joint dysfunction (TMJD).

This course offers an in-depth exploration of musculoskeletal anatomy, the pathophysiology of myofascial pain, and the mechanisms behind dry needling in the craniofacial region.

Build the anatomical knowledge, practical skills and clinical reasoning to assess and treat craniofacial pain presentations, including temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This one-day region-specific course combines online pre-course learning materials with seven hours of in-personal practical education. It explores the relevant anatomy, myofascial pain mechanisms and dry needling applications for the craniofacial region, while also considering neural and non-muscular contributors to pain.

The craniofacial dry needling course is open to dental professionals including Dentists or Dental Hygienists, medical professionals and manual therapists such as Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Myotherapists and Remedial Therapists.

Participants will be able to use dry needling to treat myofascial pain presentations utilising solid filament (dry) needles applied to myofascial trigger points in the orofacial region. The practical workshop is delivered over one day (7 hours) and will develop the skills and knowledge to safely and effectively treat myofascial trigger points and other neuro-musculoskeletal causes of pain in the jaw, face and neck.

The structures needled in this course include the masseter, temporalis, lateral and medial pterygoid, digastric and sternocleidomastoid muscles. This course will also cover applications for neural and other non-muscular based sources of pain in the craniofacial region.

ACE has incorporated a thorough, evidence-based approach in developing and teaching this course, utilising current pain science principles and research supported indications for dry needling treatment.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for suitably qualified allied health and manual therapy professionals, with an interest in craniofacial and temporomandibular presentations including:

Dentists
Dental hygienists
Medical professionals
Physiotherapists
Osteopaths
Chiropractors
Myotherapists
Remedial massage therapists

Course and insurance requirements can vary between professions and countries. Please confirm that your qualification, professional association and insurer allow you to undertake and practice dry needling before registering.

All ACE courses include a certificate upon completion that can be used to claim professional development points with your professional association.

Important note

This course teaches region-specific craniofacial dry needling. It will not equip you with the skills and knowledge to safely needle structures and muscles that are not covered in this course. This course is not a substitute for comprehensive foundational training. If you want to use dry needling across the whole body, the ACE 3-Day Dry Needling Course is the recommended starting point.

How the course works:

Pre-course online learning
The course includes easy to follow, pre-course learning materials delivered online via training videos with a series of multiple-choice quizzes.
The pre-course learning modules ensure all participants have a thorough understanding of the musculoskeletal and neurovascular anatomy, mechanisms of dry needling, safety and application of dry needling, including the key scientific evidence that underpins this modality. The online pre-course program must be completed prior to attending the practical workshop and ensures you can get the most out of the practical workshop.
One day in-person practical training
Develop your palpation, needling technique, safety and clinical reasoning across this one-day workshop. We will cover demonstrations, supervised practice and case discussion across seven practical hours.

Learning Outcomes

Craniofacial anatomy. Review clinically relevant musculoskeletal and neurovascular anatomy for safe assessment and treatment.	Myofascial pain and dry needling mechanisms. Explore contemporary explanations for myofascial pain and the proposed mechanisms of dry needling.
Temporomandibular presentations. Develop a clinically reasoned approach to common temporomandibular pain and movement presentations.	Region-specific practical skills. Apply dry needling techniques to structures including the masseter, temporalis, lateral and medial pterygoids, digastric and sternocleidomastoid.
Neural and non-muscular contributors. Consider potential neural and non-muscular sources of craniofacial pain within assessment and treatment planning.	Safety and risk management. Identify relevant cautions, contraindications, anatomical risks and hygiene requirements.
Clinical integration. Use assessment findings, patient goals and case discussion to decide when dry needling may form part of a broader care plan.

What is included?

Pre-course online learning
Seven hours of in-person practical training
Course notes and certificate upon successful completion
Ongoings support from ACE

Course Pre-requisites

The course includes easy to follow, pre-course learning materials delivered online via training videos with a series of multiple-choice quizzes.
The pre-course learning modules ensure all participants have a thorough understanding of the musculoskeletal and neurovascular anatomy, mechanisms of dry needling, safety and application of dry needling, including the key scientific evidence that underpins this modality. The online pre-course program must be completed prior to attending the practical workshop.

Still have questions?

Email our team at admin@advancedclinicaled.com before registering. We are happy to help you determine whether the course is right for you.

Ready to register?

Register early to access the best available ticket price and secure your place.

Payment Plans

Payment Plans are available for ACE courses so you can spread the cost of your ticket over time. Select 'Pay over time' at checkout. A 30% upfront payment is required, followed by weekly instalments, with the final payment scheduled 3 weeks before the course date. Humanitix charges a $12 payment plan fee.

See our Payment Plan Policy HERE.

Cancellations, transfers and credits

We know plans can change. Before booking, please read the ACE Cancellation, Transfer and Refund Policy. If you need to change your registration, please contact ACE as soon as possible at admin@advancedclinicaled.com

See our Cancellation, Transfer and Refund Policy HERE.

Bring a friend and save

Want to bring a friend? Check out our Bring a Friend Policy for discounts when booking a course with a friend or colleague. Groups of two or more receive 10% off each. Please email us at admin@advancedclinicaled.com when booking to confirm eligibility and receive the next steps. See our Bring a Friend Policy HERE.

Repeat a course at a reduced price

At ACE, we provide you with the ability to repeat our courses at a heavily discounted rate (conditions apply). Please see our Course Repeat Policy HERE.

Booking travel

If you need to travel to attend this course, please check with ACE prior to booking flights etc to confirm that the course will proceed. It is rare that courses need to be cancelled or postponed, but we want to avoid any unnecessary disruption to your plans.

English Language: Please note that proficiency in written and verbal communication in English is essential for participation in ACE courses. Being able to understand and communicate clearly in English is a requirement for safety purposes, and to ensure that you and your fellow students get the most out of your learning experience. If it is deemed that your English proficiency is not suitable for safe participation in the course, this may result in your registration being cancelled and you may not be eligible for a refund.

Contact the host of Craniofacial Dry Needling Course MELBOURNE VIC (26 JUNE 2027)