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About Us

How it all started

ICCMO: Leading the Way in Neuromuscular Dentistry

For over 35 years, the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics (ICCMO) has been the definitive global authority in the scientific advancement and education of occlusion, neuromuscular dentistry, and TMJ/TMD diagnosis and treatment.

Our Mission and Approach

Founded as a non-profit organization, ICCMO provides an unbiased and dynamic forum for the free exchange of ideas, practices, and cutting-edge research in neuromuscular dentistry. We foster an atmosphere of camaraderie and professionalism among healthcare professionals united by a common interest in dental occlusion, jaw function, and orthopedic dysfunction (TMJ/TMD) affecting the head and neck.

ICCMO is dedicated to empowering dentists to effectively treat occlusion and TMJ/TMD pain patients using science-based technology and state-of-the-art biomedical instrumentation.

Our Core Commitments

ICCMO members embody integrity, compassion, and objectivity in patient care. We are committed to:

Alleviating Patient Suffering: Encouraging our members to help those afflicted with temporomandibular disorders (TMJ/TMD), a debilitating form of head and neck pain and dysfunction.
Advancing Scientific Understanding: Promoting the in-depth study of the anatomy, physiology, biophysics, and pathology of the human neuromuscular system.
Driving Research and Education: Developing robust research and educational programs that define the principles of neuromuscular dentistry. This includes initiatives with universities, dental organizations, and scientific publications in peer-reviewed medical and dental journals. Our members have even authored definitive TMD textbooks published across the globe, including here in Italy.
Empowering Professionals: Teaching dentists and allied professionals how neuromuscular dentistry principles apply to treating malocclusion, dental restoration, and pathological conditions like headache, sleep apnea, temporomandibular dysfunction, and head and neck postural dysfunction.
Championing "Freedom of Practice": Actively working to ensure our members can practice in accordance with their professional expertise, license, and each patient's unique needs. ICCMO members have successfully presented and validated neuromuscular dental principles before key bodies like the ADA, USFDA, and NIDCR (NIH) in North America, with similar efforts in Europe, Japan, and South America.

Our Legacy: Innovation and Influence

ICCMO was established in 1979 by Dr. Bernard Jankelson, widely recognized as the Father of the Neuromuscular Dental Occlusion Concept, alongside a visionary international group of clinicians and dental educators. Dr. Jankelson's enduring motto, "If you can measure it, it is a fact. If you cannot measure it, it is an opinion," continues to inspire our commitment to evidence-based practice.

ICCMO continues to grow and thrive with active Sections in the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, Italy, France, Russia, South America, and India, holding biennial Congresses in each region. We've been instrumental in gaining widespread recognition and acceptance of neuromuscular dentistry (NMD) and the vital role of computerized measurement devices in clinical practice. ICCMO has published eleven volumes of the Anthology of Craniomandibular Orthopedics—a rich resource of member works—providing clinicians with scientific answers in occlusion and TMJ/TMD. Furthermore, ICCMO is a proud founding member of the Alliance of TMD Organizations.