[Treatment protocol for craniomandibular disorder 1. Diagnosis]

In two essays the treatment strategy of the department of Oral Function of the Academic Center of Dentistry Amsterdam for treating craniomandibular disorder (CMD) patients will be presented. This first essay starts with a short description of the symptomatology, classification and etiology of CMD. Then it is described how to diagnose a CMD with the use of a standardized diagnostic protocol. Some important aspects of the differential diagnosis of CMD are discussed. Furthermore it is discussed when a CMD-patient can be treated by the dentist or when referral to a CMD specialist or oral surgeon is necessary.