Dr. Barry M. Mark is a native of Schenectady, New York and graduated cum laude from Sienna College, Loudonville, New York, with a bachelors degree in biology in 1970. He earned his doctorate degree in dentistry from the University of Maryland in 1974. After graduation from dental school, Dr. Mark enlisted in the Army and served in the Dental Corps at Fort Hood, Texas. Dr Mark has been in private practice since returning home in 1976.

In the late 1980s, Dr. Mark completed two- year long courses of study in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ-TMD disorders and facial pain at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), Newark, N.J. He was previously affiliated with the Rockland Center for TMJ Disorders and Facial Pain where he treated thousands of patients.

In 1993 Dr. Mark started his Acupuncture training by completing a 300 hour Doctors program. He then decided to enhance his training and proceeded to complete a three year Masters program at the Tri State Institute of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture which entitled him to take the national board sponsored by the NCCAOM which lead to licensure in New York State.

After completing the Acupuncture Masters Program, he completed a three year program in Classical Homeopathy. Dr. Mark incorporates homeopathy and complex homeopathy in his practice. He is also certified in using plant based enzymes to help with some of the deficiencies people experience with their digestion, which can be an underlying cause of many painful syndromes.

Dr. Mark has also had extensive training in electro-dermal screening or Electro- Acupuncture by Voll (EAVtesting). According to Dr. Voll, who was both a MD and DDS, each tooth relates to an organ and to an acupuncture meridian. Therefore, if there is dental involvement within the mouth there may be an effect on a corresponding organ. Even in allopathic medicine, when there is a periodontal problem, there may be implications of cardio-vascular involvement. This is a very profound concept which demonstrates that dental treatment impacts overall general health and should be viewed in this manner. Dr. Mark has completed the 2010 curriculum at the Energetix International College of Bio-Energetic Medicine. Dr. Mark presently utilizes the ASYRA, a computer assisted bioenergetic modality which is an evolution of EAV testing.

Dr. Mark is also certified in NET (Neuro Emotional Technique). This technique helps release neuropeptides, which are known to carry emotions throughout the body and thus influencing physiologic function. NET deals with emotional reality and is not a talk therapy, nor is it a substitute for psychological therapy.

Since 1994, Dr. Mark has been practicing in Kingston, New York, with his wife, Dr. Carol S. Kessler, PhD (OM), LAc, MS, LMT, and Clinic Director of the Irlen Clinic of Kingston, NY, Certified Irlen Screener and Diagnostician.

Dr. Marks practice has an emphasis on the evaluation and treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders and Facial Pain. Dr. Mark is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), and was a clinical assistant in the Aesthetic Dental Program at NYU School of Dentistry.

There are numerous styles and approaches to acupuncture. Acupuncture is a very important component in the management of orofacial pain. Acupuncture treatment may entail the use of Koryo Hand Acupuncture, Laser Acupuncture, body acupuncture, Auricular Therapy (ear acupuncture) or scalp acupuncture. In a course of treatment with a patient, it is not uncommon to utilize more than one style of treatment.

We have known Dr. Carol Kessler for over 50 years and Dr. Barry Mark for over 20 years. They genuinely exhibit concern for their patients, family and friends. Over the years Dr. Mark has proven to be one of the most knowledgeable people in the treatment and study of headaches, TMJ disorders and facial pain. This book is a compilation of their years of study and treatment. Anyone who reads this will come away with a better understanding of this often misunderstood problem.

There are many different types of intraoral appliances, also know as splints or intraoral orthotics that provide a conservative, non-invasive approach to the management of temoromandibular disorders. Appliances are also effective in addressing the muscular component that is usually present in the majority of cases. These devices are removable and are fabricated of hard, clear dental acrylic.