OC Recognition Program · Program I of III
The OC Fellowship
Granted for what a clinician can demonstrate —
in writing, and in fully documented cases.
────── ◆ ──────
Recognition Program ◆ Fellowship ◆ Mastership ◆ Diplomate
What the Fellowship Is
OC Fellow is a distinction granted to qualified clinicians who have completed OC’s Level 1–4 advanced training in gneuromuscular science, diagnostics, and applications — and then proven it: a comprehensive written examination, and documented case studies displaying advanced understanding and clinical ability. It is a unique and prized Fellowship, earned among an elite group of peers.
Once Fellowship has been achieved, doctors are eligible to display the OC Fellow logo and the designation “OCF”.
────── ◆ ──────
FELLOWSHIP REQUIREMENTS · 1 — COMPETENCY VERIFICATION
The Written Examination — Sections I–IV
A comprehensive examination of the assimilated OC Level 1–4 curriculum, in four sections.
Advanced Principles of Physiologic Occlusion
Section I Examination
Validates comprehension of the foundational principles of physiology, musculoskeletal occlusal diagnosis, and the clinical application of neuromuscular and gneuromuscular Phase I stabilization protocols — including the ability to administer low-frequency J5 Dental TENS optimization protocols.
Advanced Diagnostic Principles
Section II Examination
Validates comprehension and understanding of diagnostic data gathering and interpretation protocols.
Advanced Treatment Planning
Section III Examination
Validates comprehension and understanding of the four major TMD categories of neuromuscular challenges, and foundational EMG diagnostic scan interpretation.
Micro Occlusion
Section IV Examination
Validates comprehension and understanding of occlusal anatomy, occlusal management, and the principles of carving an anatomical orthosis.
60–70 questions ◆ about 1–1.5 hours ◆ by special arrangement prior to the OC Summit
────── ◆ ──────
FELLOWSHIP REQUIREMENTS · 2 — CLINICAL PROFICIENCY VERIFICATION
Clinical Proficiency — Four Documented Cases
The examination proves what a dentist knows. The cases prove what a dentist can do. Candidates submit four fully documented Phase I cases, recent within a twenty-four month window around the written examination:
Case 1
A case involving cervical dysfunction
Case 2
A TMD primary case
Case 3
A Class II Division 2 case
Case 4
An anterior open bite tendency case
Cases may relate to restorative, implant, prosthetic, or natural dentition. Each documented case must display proficiency in diagnosis of the craniomandibular problem, an overall treatment plan, and validation of treatment effectiveness in the Phase I stabilization process — using written monitoring systems and photographic documentation to validate clinical effectiveness in the assessment of:
1
Masticatory muscle stability
2
Occlusal stability
3
TM joint stability
4
Central Nervous System (CNS) stability
5
Other orofacial areas of stability that support Phase I treatment effectiveness
Complete records — not summaries. Every case tells the whole story.
Case Documentation — What Each Case Includes
OC’s Regulatory Review Board has established the documentation protocol and created the OC Case Documentation Forms for the Fellowship Award. Per case, per the OC Case Documentation Format:
- ◆A completed OC Case Documentation Form (pages 4–8 of the Fellowship Application) for each submitted case
- ◆Each case study of an advanced nature, involving the Phase I orthotic stabilization process
- ◆Pre-operative and post-operative lateral cephalograms, plain-film tomography, or CBCT/iCAT joint imaging — in MIP and at maximum opening
- ◆Pre- and post-operative intra-oral and extra-oral photographs, and photographs of model casts before and after bite registration
- ◆Supporting photographs of the orthotic intra-orally — at initial delivery and after stabilization
- ◆Copies of evaluation and planning forms, lab work authorizations, treatment consents, the patient’s subjective summary log, and pre-existing musculoskeletal occlusal signs and symptoms
- ◆All records submitted digitally, in PowerPoint or equivalent format
Beyond the Exam and the Cases
01
Continuing Education
Documentation of at least sixty (60) continuing TMD education hours in the preceding five years.
02
A Letter of Recommendation
From a current OC Fellow, OC Master, OC Diplomate, or a member of OC’s Dental Credentials Committee.
03
Curriculum Vitae
A current CV, submitted with the application.
04
Written Application — First
All candidates submit a written application to document interest in the credentialing process before sitting the written examination. Applications and supporting documentation should arrive at least six to eight weeks before the examination date.
────── ◆ ──────
Conferred in Person, at the OC Summit
A Fellowship plaque and key are presented to each new Fellow at the OC Summit meeting, before their peers.
Fellowships are not conferred in absentia.
OC Recognition Awards
The Doctors Who Have Earned It
OC recognition is public and verifiable — the names, dates, and investiture photographs of every award recipient are on record.
Examination & Submission — The Logistics
The Examination
Written. Offered by special arrangement prior to the OC Summit meeting, or on a specially arranged OCF examination date — location at Occlusion Connections. Testing takes about 1–1.5 hours. Examination dates are arranged by contacting Jane.
Send Documentation To
OC Credentialing Review Board
Attention: Dr. Clayton A. Chan
4206 Bronze Ridge St, Las Vegas, NV 89135
Telephone: (702) 271-2950 · Email: jane@occlusionconnections.com
Timing
All applications and supporting documentation should arrive at least six to eight weeks prior to the OCF examination date, for review.
Delivery
Send your records digitally — on a digital disc or USB — via Fed-Ex, DHL, Express Mail, UPS, or a similar carrier, to expedite delivery and guarantee the safety of the records. The sender should retain the receipt.
Presentation
Your Fellowship credentials are presented to you at the OC Summit meeting.
Candidacy Begins with a Conversation
Maintaining the Fellowship: OC Fellows remain members in good standing and attend at least one OC Summit — or audit one of OC’s courses — every three years.
Continue the pathway ◆ OC Mastership →
Fellowship status: Ongoing Fellowship involves ongoing monitoring of the dentist’s proficiency by OC’s Credentialing Review Board, including current DEA/state licensing registration and credentials. Issues such as malpractice claims history, criminal convictions, misconduct allegations or investigations, and substance abuse are a basis to lose Fellowship status. The credentialing process is not a guarantee of any level of quality or service received from participating OC dentists, who are independent practitioners and neither agents nor employees of Occlusion Connections.
Occlusion Connections — The Center for Gneuromuscular Dentistry and Orthopedic Advancement
6170 W. Desert Inn Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89146