Sociodemographic trends in a UK temporomandibular joint disorder clinic

Introduction Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a common source of facial pain, resulting from an interaction of biopsychosocial factors. However, social risk factors related to TMD have been researched very little, particularly in patients attending a tertiary care service.Aims To review sociodemographic trends among patients referred to a UK tertiary TMD clinic for specialist management. To provide an insight into the sociodemographic risk factors associated with TMD in patients referred for specialist input and to discuss the surrounding literature.Methods Retrospective review of notes of patients referred to a UK tertiary TMD clinic. Trends in areas of deprivation from which patients came from were quantified into deciles using the English Multiple Indices of Deprivation.Results The mean age of patients was 41.1 years, with women being overrepresented compared to men. Most patients were referred by their general dental practitioner, although a variety of secondary care specialties also referred to this service. A disproportionate number of patients came from the highest decile of deprivation, a trend seen throughout the entire sample and in patients seen by dental professionals specifically. There was no apparent association between this and longer symptom duration.Conclusion Women and those from areas with the highest levels of deprivation were overrepresented in this tertiary clinic setting. Dentists should maintain an awareness of the risk factors for TMD development as well as those which may complicate its management in cases requiring specialist input.