The Asian Academy of Craniomandibular Disorders (AACMD) was founded in 1988 by dentists from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore who specialized in temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain. Hong Kong was the fifth member, joining the AACMD at its inception.

The first scientific meeting was held in Japan in 1989. Scientific meetings were organized annually from 1989 to 1993, and subsequently held every other year between 1995 and 2015. During this period, the sister academies from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan took turns hosting the biennial meetings, fostering academic exchange and collaboration among researchers and clinicians across Asia. A significant expansion of the academy began in 2015, when sister academies from Indonesia and the Philippines joined the organization. With the growing participation of member societies, the scientific meetings resumed an annual format. In 2018, Thailand joined the academy, further strengthening the regional network and collaborative spirit of the organization.

At the 18th Scientific Meeting held in Taipei, the academy officially changed its name from the Asian Academy of Craniomandibular Disorders (AACMD) to the Asian Academy of Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders (AAOT). This change reflected the evolving scope of the field and the academy’s broader commitment to advancing research, education, and clinical practice related to orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders.

Today, AAOT serves as one of the leading academic platforms in Asia for clinicians and researchers dedicated to the study of orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders. The academy aims to promote collaborative research that connects countries, disciplines, and ideas across the region. In particular, AAOT actively supports the development of young clinicians and scientists who will shape the future of this field.

Through continuous academic exchange and cooperation among its member societies, and through collaboration with academic organizations around the world, AAOT strives to advance scientific knowledge and ensure that these collective academic efforts translate into meaningful improvements in patient care and quality of life across Asia and beyond.