Chronic Pain Institute

Researchers Background

(click picture to enlarge)

Peter F. Chase, DDS, MA

University of the Pacific, Clinical Faculty

Vice President and Director -CrainoFacial Pain Research

Received his doctorate degree from Creighton University and his Masters Degree in Education and Psychology from the University of the Pacific. In his capacity as Director of the Oro-Facial Pain Center at the UOP School of Dentistry he manages many chronic pain patients daily, particularly dealing with TMJ and other Musculoskeletal problems.

Dr. Chase has focused on the profession of Dentistry since he began high school. He began his university education at the Davis campus of the University of California. While taking the pre-dental basic science curriculum he recognized the close association between psychological and physical aspects of health, with a minor in Psychology. After receiving his undergraduate degree in 1967, he matriculated to Creighton University. During his four years of formal dental education, he had the opportunity to work with Dr. Ted Urban in his research on the embryology of the jaws and dentition. The close association between the middle ear and the mandibular condyle was an aspect of the research and continues to be an area of interest. Following his earning a D.D.S. degree from Creighton Dental University, he entered a general practice residency at David Grant Hospital, Travis Air Force Base. During his residency, he had the opportunity to study with Dr. Steve Senia, a leading endodontic innovator. After earning his promotion to Captain, he was appointed Assistant Base Dental Surgeon (USAF Europe). Leaving the Air force in 1975, he established a private dental practice in California. Frustrated by his inability to carry out research, he affiliated as an Assistant Professor with the University of the Pacific Dental School in San Francisco. Subsequently, was awarded the Pacific Dental Research Foundation Grant Award in 1989. In 1992, Dr. Chase was promoted to Director of the Pacific Orofacial Pain Center.

His special interest is in musculoskeletal disorders and pain involving the head, neck jaw and face. In his capacity as director of the pain center, he treats many chronic pain patients, dealing primarily with jaw related musculoskeletal (temporomandibular) and atypical pain problems. In addition, he is a consultant to the California Dental Association (CDA). He is also considered an expert on medical/legal issues involving the teeth, jaws and related structures and has functioned as a private Dental Consultant to legal entities, insurance companies and state licensing agencies. In 1999 Dr. Chase was promoted to an Associate Professor with the Department of Pathology and Medicine.

As Vice President and Director of Craniofacial Research for the Chronic Pain Institute, Dr. Chase brings a diverse clinical background and an enthusiasm for research. He is currently involved in both prospective and retrospective research projects. He has a rather broad area of interest, recognizing the importance of the mouth, jaws, teeth and related structures as they sub serve the functions of nutrition (mastication, deglutition and initial absorption), verbal and non-verbal communication, respiration, sexual activity and upper quadrant posture.

He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, California Dental Society, the American Academy of Pain Management, American Pain Society and the Institute of Health and Healing (California Pacific Medical Center). He is also on the active staff of the California Pacific Medical Center and the Sleep Disorder Dental Society. All make up a partial list for his many publications.

*Do you know someone with chronic pain or interested in the subject, but who may not be 'on line' yet? Why not print and send them a copy of this page?

Telephone USA: 001 415) 897-9659
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San Francisco, CA 94115

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