Dentists’ Awareness of the Role of Physiotherapists in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: T he temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most frequently utilized and highly mobile joints in the human body, playing a crucial role in functions, such as mastication, swallowing, and speech.[1] Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) refer to a group of conditions that affect the structure and function of the TMJ and its associated components.[2] The common clinical manifestations of TMDs include TMJ pain, restricted mandibular movement, joint sounds during function, widespread myofascial pain in the surrounding muscles and jaw fascia, and headaches.[3] TMDs are relatively common, with a prevalence ranging from 5% to 12% across different populations.The condition is more frequently observed in women than in men and typically affects individuals between the ages of 20 and 50.[4] Objectives: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are frequently encountered conditions with complex, multifactorial causes that often necessitate a multidisciplinary and collaborative treatment approach.Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed TMDs management practices among Turkish dentists through a 22-item online questionnaire.The tool, based on standardized TMDs criteria, included an educational infographic.Data were collected from dentists through social media/email, focusing on referral patterns, interdisciplinary awareness, and treatment preferences.The data are presented as the total number of participants and frequency percentages.Results: The questionnaire was completed by 106 dentists.The participating dentists had a mean age of 32 ± 9.58 years.The majority were general dental practitioners with bachelor's degrees and 0-5 years of clinical experience.It was observed that 26.4% of dentists refer TMDs patients to physiotherapist (PT).Most of the dentists prefer occlusal splints, occlusal adjustments, and pharmacotherapy in the TMDs treatment.TMDs patients were predominantly referred to PT for neck pain and postural problems.Before participating in this survey, the majority of dentists were unaware that PT could play a role in the treatment of TMDs patients.After the questionnaire, 67% of dentists indicated an increased likelihood of referring TMDs patients to a PT when deemed necessary.87.7% of participants expressed an interest in gaining further knowledge about the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration with PT in the management of TMDs.Conclusion: This study showed that dentists had limited awareness of the role of PTs in the treatment of TMDs.The results highlight significant gaps in both knowledge and awareness about the TMDs treatment.
Source: BAU Health and Innovation
Author: Beyza Nur Yumak
Institution: Atlas Üniversitesi
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and Manual Therapy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413220500