Dr. Ruchika
Sood, Orofacial Pain and TMJ Consultant, Neocare Orofacial Pain Relief Centre
Could you introduce yourself to the audience?
Could you introduce yourself to the audience?
Hi, I’m Dr. Ruchika Sood and I am an orofacial pain and TMJ consultant specialising in temporomandibular joint disorders. I have a passionate commitment to helping patients recover from chronic pain disorders through non-surgical treatments.
Could you share more about your venture, Neocare, and the services or treatments it offers? Also, what is the main mission and vision behind NeoCare?
Neocare was born after seeing the gap in the market for dedicated and personalised orofacial pain care in my country. We are the first exclusive centre in India. We at Neocare specialise in non-surgical treatments for facial pain, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), headaches, and other orofacial pain conditions. The main vision and mission of Neocare are to provide compassionate, patient-centric care to all those who are suffering with jaw, face, neck, and head pain and to bring awareness to patients about these conditions.
Could you walk us through your professional journey and highlight your key areas of expertise, including what drew you to specialise in orofacial pain?
I have always had an interest in all things related to neurology, so once I became a dentist and saw how many patients suffer from chronic pain above the shoulders without any clear answers, I became interested in this unique field combining dentistry, neurology, psychology, and physiology called orofacial pain, which gave answers to patients who often don’t get a clear diagnosis. This motivated me to pursue this field and pursue further training by doing a master's in orofacial pain from Rutgers University along with a fellowship in the same subjects. I am a diplomat of the American Board of Orofacial Pain.
Could you tell us more about your current professional role and the key responsibilities that come with it?
As the founder and leader of Neocare Orofacial Pain Relief Centre, my primary responsibility is to provide personalised and effective treatment options to my patients with orofacial pain and TMD conditions along with dental sleep medicine. Pain and sleep disorders go hand in hand so I have also taken up the responsibility to educate my patients with regard to their conditions and to create awareness about orofacial pain, along with training my fellow healthcare colleagues in identifying these conditions.
What key skills do you believe are essential for a dentist and how have you developed these skills throughout your career?
While technical skills are undoubtedly important, I believe listening, empathy, and patience are just as essential—especially when working with chronic pain patients. Over the years, I've learnt that understanding what a patient is going through emotionally is just as important as treating their physical symptoms. Continuous learning and staying updated with advancements in pain science have helped me integrate these softer skills with clinical expertise.
At Neocare, we believe in looking beyond symptoms to address the root cause, combining science with empathy to empower patients in their healing journey.
Could you highlight any key publications you’ve been involved in that have significantly impacted the field of dental care or orofacial pain management?
Throughout my 25-year career as a dentist and 12-year career as an Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Specialist, I have contributed to many publications that have aided in the shaping of the field today. One of my key works highlights the interrelationship between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and temporomandibular disorders (TMD)—an area where two often-misunderstood conditions intersect. Another paper, ‘Is it Burning in the Mouth or is it Burning Mouth Syndrome?’ sheds light on the complexity of neuropathic pain in dental care. I’ve also explored the role of music therapy as a supporting approach to pain management, reflecting my interest in unconventional non-surgical treatment options to help patients find pain relief.
What advice would you give to aspiring dentists or healthcare professionals looking to specialise in orofacial pain or pursue a career in dental entrepreneurship?
Follow your curiosity and passion; don't be afraid to step outside the conventional boundaries of dentistry. Orofacial pain is a challenging field and one that requires dedication, determination, and the combination of both scientific knowledge and compassion towards patients as individuals. Most importantly, always remember that the best care comes not just from treating the condition but also from understanding the patient and their history on an individual level.
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