Knowledge and management of temporomandibular joint disorders by general dentists in Spain

Abstract

BackgroundGiven the importance of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), we tried to assess general dentists’ knowledge regarding etiology, diagnosis, and treatment in order to understand their attitude.Material and MethodsA sample of 130 general dentists answered a 16-item questionnaire on three areas – etiology, diagnosis, and management of common temporomandibular disorders – as well as a question on the need for continuous education regarding TMD management in common clinical practice in Spain. Given that the descriptive statistics achieved reflect significantly different values among means in each area, a variance analysis for repeated measurements was applied in order to contrast differences among etiology, diagnosis, and management knowledge levels.ResultsThe contrast test was based on Wilks’ Lambda, which assumed a value of 0.120 (F = 467.28; p<.001), demonstrating statistically significant differences among knowledge levels in the three dimensions. The effect size for these differences, measured by partial eta squared, was very high (η2p = 0.88). Such parameters were also analyzed to search for potential differences according to professional experience, with differences being exposed as non-significant at the 0.05 level: etiology (T = 1.60; p = 0.113), diagnosis (T = - 0.17; p = 0.868), and treatment (T = 1.10; p = 0.273).ConclusionsOur study found that, even though clinicians are generally skilled regarding the knowledge of the etiologic that explain the diagnosis of TMD, they have room for improvement in terms of TMD management compared to the other two areas studied. General dentists could benefit from specific educational programs enhancing TMD management skills. Key words:Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), knowledge and management. Clinical competence, postgraduate, continuing professional development. Surveys, education,orofacial pain.

Self-Perceived Dentists’ Knowledge of Temporomandibular Disorders in Krakow: A Pilot Study

“…On the other hand, a similar number of the Polish dentists disagree with the idea, claiming that missing teeth and malocclusion are to be blamed. e results of this study are similar to those of Lopez-Frias et al's study carried out among the Spanish dentists, where 98.5% of respondents believed that occlusal alterations are accountable for TMD [26]. In 1934, the dental profession was drawn into the area of TMD because of the article written by James Costen, an otolaryngologist [27].…”

Pain Assessment during Gnathological Treatment of Temporomandibular Myofascial Pain through Mandibular Repositioning Splints Designed after a Posture-Stabilometric Evaluation

“…Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal functional disorders of the masticatory system which include the masticatory musculature, the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and the associated structures [1]. TMDs are highly prevalent, and they represent the second most common cause of orofacial pain [2], although surveys assessed a lack of knowledge among dentists on their symptoms and treatments [3,4]. One of the most common TMDs' clinical manifestations is temporomandibular myofascial pain (TMP) [5], which causes pain in orofacial region, and consequently disability and deterioration of quality of life.…”

Knowledge about temporomandibular joint disorders among dental students in Saudi Arabia

“…NSAIDs are contraindicated in patients with gastrointestinal di sorders or NSAID-sensitive asthma. (5) Most of the studies conducted to assess prevalence of TMDs concluded common observation that females and younger age groups are the most affected categories by these disorders (6)(7)(8)(9) Also several studies founded a higher TMDs prevalence among university students, especially medical and dental undergraduates. (10 -13) Several studies investigated the incidence of TMDs and its related factors among kids, teenagers, adults and the elderly, but there is little knowledge available regarding colleges' dental students who are subject to a high psychosocial and physical manifestations of tension and anxiety.…”