Diagnosis and Management of Temporomandibular Disorders

Painful TMD affect the muscles of mastication and/or the temporomandibular joints and are characterized primarily by spontaneous pain, or pain associated with jaw function, and TMJ sounds. Although TMD can cause considerable personal suffering, there is still misconception about TMD which leads to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments. This intensive course aims to provide general practitioners and dental specialists with the most updated evidence-based information about diagnosis and management of TMD.

Upon completion of the course, participants will:
– Understand the pathophysiology of TMD;
– Understand the role of psychosocial factors in TMD;
– Understand the relationship between dental occlusion, bruxism, and temporomandibular disorders;
– Learn how to use a variety of instruments to collect clinically relevant information for proper screening and management of patients with TMD;
– Learn how to perform a full TMD clinical exam and how to use evidence-based diagnostic criteria to make a successful clinical diagnosis;
– Implement conservative management strategies for TMD;
– Understand the role of pharmacology in managing TMD;
– Appreciate the value of an interprofessional approach to manage patients with chronic pain.