Over 30 years ago, I became the first chiropractor to introduce separate Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) assessments for patients suffering from grade 3 whiplash–associated disorders following motor vehicle accidents. At that time, I charged $700 for the service—while previously TMJ evaluations were simply included within general cervical assessments without any separate billing.
Today, TMJ care remains an essential part of our training at the National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA) and the National University of Medical Sciences (Spain, USA, Panama). Many of our alumni run highly successful clinics specializing exclusively in TMJ care. Some of our graduates, even those with physical limitations that prevent them from performing full manual osteopathic treatments, have built thriving practices focused entirely on TMJ conditions—work that can even be done while seated.
TMJ care is also one of the four core services that will be offered at our OSTEO-MASSAGE Health Centers of America in the years ahead. One key reason for its profitability is the strong referral potential from dentists. While most practitioners concentrate on cultivating referrals from medical doctors, dentists are often overlooked, despite being excellent sources of patient referrals.
I am blessed to count some wonderful dentists among my friends—including Dr. Houman Dehdashti from Georgia and his accomplished girlfriend, also a dentist originally from Kansas (both living in Naples now). We recently enjoyed a long lunch together at The Slice Shop, a chic new pizzeria that offers over 20 creative, delicious slices (about US$9 each). It has quickly become one of my favorite pizza spots in Naples—though my number one still remains Nolita at the Ritz Carlton!
We spent nearly three hours in conversation, and I was once again reminded of one of Naples’ greatest qualities: nearly everyone you meet here is successful, health-conscious, family-oriented, and God-fearing. It is truly a special town.
Tomorrow, I head out on a five-hour drive to Jacksonville for meetings over the next few days—but I already find myself missing Naples.
Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Better than McGill University!
I sincerely appreciate all your advice and your work to give us the best means to improve our odds to succeed in this new path. Your speech at graduation ceremony was very inspiring. As you said, you will always be part of the change in our lives, an important part, let me complete, and I will always be grateful to you for all the knowledge that you have transferred to us but most of all, for your devotion as a teacher and your engagement to your students to make successful people of us. Words are not enough. Thank you. .
Irmina Toledo Gehrmann, DO (Spain)
Hi Dr Pourgol, Just wanted to let you know I am enjoying your online classes, I like the fact that you use the skeleton and then the actual human patient, it really drives the point home, I especially like the Ethics and Clinical Management lectures, I thought they would be boring, but your personal experiences make it very inspiring. Thanks.
Dr Randy Nagir, ND (San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago), 3rd semester National University of Medical Sciences (Spain) student – Doctor of Osteopathy program
Dr Randy Nagir, ND