Reproducibility of a palpation test for the stomatognathic system

Disadvantages of Helkimo's Clinical Dysfunction Index have led to the introduction of a palpation test of 20 sites for grading the severity of dysfunction of the stomatognathic system. The reproducibility of this palpation test was studied using two experienced dentists and two first grade dental students to examine the subjects. Measurements of maximal mouth opening were carried out for comparison. The intra- and interexaminer reproducibility was found to be satisfactory for both the dentists and the students, showing that for this test good training is as important as clinical experience. The palpation test has the advantage that it is fast (60 s) and is an interval scale, which is especially important for epidemiologic and correlational studies.