BIOGRAPHY

Dr. DiFabio’s academic journey reflects his commitment to education and research. He attended Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., before earning his undergraduate degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was introduced to medical research. He then pursued his dental education at the University of Maryland (UMD) School of Dentistry, the first dental school in the world, where he developed an early interest in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS). His postgraduate training took him to the prestigious University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry/Eastman Oral Health Institute, where he completed: [A] General Practice Residency, [An] Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) Residency, and [A] Master of Science (MS) in Pathology and Dental Research.

Dr. DiFabio is a Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon (ABOMS), a Fellow of the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), and a Fellow of the American Society of TMJ Surgeons (ASTMJS). He is also an Associate Clinical Professor of OMS at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and the University of Maryland Medical Center. He continues to practice part-time while shaping the next generation of oral surgeons.

Dr. DiFabio served as a U.S. Army Reserve Officer while completing his residency, contributing his expertise at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. His commitment to public service led him to establish a free migrant dental clinic while serving as a triage officer with the 617th Evacuation Hospital Unit. A strong advocate for accessible dental care, he collaborated with the University of Maryland and Frederick Medical Center (FMC) to establish a standalone dental clinic in 2017-present.

Dr. DiFabio’s passion for TMJ disorder treatment sparked in the 1990s when he witnessed complications from Vitek Teflon Proplast implants, an FDA-approved but problematic joint replacement material. As TMJ arthroscopic surgery emerged in the U.S., he immersed himself in advanced surgical training and pioneered the TMJ Mini-Residency Surgery Program in 2014, which continues to train oral surgeons worldwide.

In 2024, he contributed to two landmark publications: TMJ Guidelines & White Paper – Developing national standards for TMJ treatment and HMBG1 Nuclear Protein and TMJ Synovitis.

His leadership extends to national advocacy, serving on the FDA’s TMJ Registry & Patient Advocacy Committee, the TMJ Association Round Table Committee, and the National Academies (NAMSE) TMJ Forum. These efforts continue to shape future policy recommendations, with a National TMJ White Paper and Treatment Algorithm set for release in 2025.

A passionate educator, Dr. DiFabio has spent decades teaching at UMD’s School of Dentistry and UMMC, mentoring both dental students and OMS residents in oral surgery, anesthesia, implant placement, and TMJ procedures. He remains a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences. Beyond his clinical and academic contributions, he has served in numerous leadership roles, including President, Maryland Society of OMS, President, Middle Atlantic Society of OMS, AAOMS Board Member, AAOMS Delegate & AAOMS OMSPAC Committee Chair, President of ASTMJS and Reviewer, Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. DiFabio enjoys gardening, landscaping, and community service. A former President of the Frederick Men’s Garden Club, he also serves on the Board of The Ranch, a rehabilitation facility for individuals overcoming addiction. He has been a Rotary member for over 30 years. His greatest joy is spending time with his wife, three children, two grandchildren, and two grand dogs.

Whether mentoring the next generation of oral surgeons or advocating for patient-centered TMJ care, Dr. Vincent E. DiFabio remains a driving force in the field of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.