Abstract
BackgroundGeneral dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to see patients with orofacial pain (OFP). OFP conditions associated with the temporomandibular joint are often confused with dentoalveolar disorders, which leads to mismanagement. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among newly graduated dentists compared to OFP specialists in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study utilizing an anonymous validated questionnaire assessing professional knowledge regarding TMDs in newly qualified dentists and OFP specialists. The questionnaire interrogated four domains including chronic pain/pain behavior, etiology, diagnosis/classification, and treatment/prognosis. OFP specialists were used as the reference group.ResultsA total of 393 dentists participated, a response rate of 67.6% in newly graduated dentists and 77.3% in OFP specialists. The degree of agreement between newly graduated general dentists and OFP specialists was highest for the “chronic pain and pain behavior” domain. The consensus among specialists was highest for the “treatment and prognosis” domain and the least for the “chronic pain and pain behavior” domain.ConclusionNewly graduated general dentists have limited knowledge of TMD in almost all domains compared to specialists. Given that a lack of knowledge of TMD can lead to clinical mismanagement, dental school curricula must address this important knowledge gap.
Highlights
General dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to see patients with orofacial pain (OFP)
General dentists might be unaware of the continuous update of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) taxonomies including the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) diagnostic system that was developed by the International Network for Orofacial Pain and Related Disorders Methodology (INfORM) [9]
Demographics and response rate A total of 393 dentists participated in this questionnaire, a response rate of 67.6% (376 participants) for newly graduated general dentists and 77.3% (17 participants) for OFP specialists (Fig. 1)
Summary
General dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to see patients with orofacial pain (OFP). Al-Huraishi et al BMC Oral Health (2020) 20:272 dentistry independently, including identifying and diagnosing patients suffering from OFP problems [6] In this regards, general dentists should be able to demonstrate professional responsibility along with interpersonal skills. General dentists might be unaware of the continuous update of TMD taxonomies including the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) diagnostic system that was developed by the International Network for Orofacial Pain and Related Disorders Methodology (INfORM) [9]. Another explanation could be that some dental schools provide minimal theory on OFP or TMD and/or little clinical experience to such patients [10]. There is little or no clinical practice on actual TMD patients [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
