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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Screening for temporomandibular disorders: history and clinical examination. American Dental Association
1Howard University, College of Dentistry, Washington, DC.
Abstract:
A temporomandibular disorder (TMD) conference was convened in 1982 by the president of the American Dental Association. One of the objectives was to develop guidelines for a brief screening history and examination relative to TMD in order to determine whether there is a need for a more comprehensive evaluation. Based on these guidelines and under the auspices of the American College of Prosthodontists, this article discusses a simplified TMD screening and examination form that requires minimum time for both the patient (history) and health care provider (examination) to complete. Succinct recommendations are also presented to enable the health care provider to quickly determine if a more detailed TMD history and examination are warranted.
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