AIMS The biological basis for painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD) remains unclear. An emerging literature implicates circulating inflammatory cytokines in the development of pain sensitivity and painful TMD. One newly discovered anti-inflammatory adipokine, omentin-1, has decreased expression in several inflammatory conditions including osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between omentin-1 levels and painful TMD. METHODS Using a case-control design, chronic painful TMD cases (n=90) and TMD-free controls (n=54) were selected participants in the multisite OPPERA study (Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment). Painful TMD case status was determined by examiner using established Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD. Levels of omentin-1 were measured in stored blood plasma samples using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Binary logistic regression calculated the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence limits (CLs) for the association between omentin-1 and painful TMD. Models adjusted for study site, age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS The unadjusted association between omentin-1 and chronic painful TMD was statistically non-significant (P=.072) Following adjustment of the negative confounding bias of covariates, odds of painful decreased 36% per standard deviation increase in circulating omentin-1 (adjusted OR=0.64, 95% CL: 0.43, 0.96. P=.031). CONCLUSION Circulating levels of omentin-1 were significantly lower in painful TMD cases than controls, suggesting that painful TMD pain is mediated by inflammatory pathways.

ObjectivesDental hygiene students adapt to new environments while learning technical skills and providing clinical care during their education. Understanding how stress affects students in their professional healthcare program warrants exploration. This study assessed stress among dental hygiene students in two educational settings in the Southeastern United States.MethodsFirst and second‐year dental hygiene students (N = 136) from a community college setting (n = 67) and a university setting (n = 69) were invited to complete an anonymous online survey on mental health in fall 2019. Validated surveys on depression, anxiety, social support, and burnout were included. Data analysis included chi‐squared and Mantel–Haenszel statistics, depending on the scale of measurement, with the level of significance set at 0.05 for all analyses.ResultsParticipants included 54 dental hygiene students from a community college (Response rate = 80.6%) and 69 dental hygiene students from a university (RR = 100%). There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of students reporting moderately severe or severe anxiety (p = 0.007), with 56% (n = 30) of the community college respondents and 36% (n = 24) of the university reporting these anxiety levels. Students attending a community college were also more likely to express feelings of worry (n = 34) compared to students in a university setting (p = 0.005). There was no statistically significant difference in depression (p = 0.07) or suicidal thoughts (p = 0.41).ConclusionDental hygiene students enrolled in these two programs reported high levels of self‐reported stress, mental and emotional concerns that may increase suicidal tendencies.