Patient Experiences With Temporomandibular Disorders: A Survey on the Pathways in Diagnosis and Treatment

Despite the availability of evidence-based guidelines on temporomandibular disorders (TMD), some past theories of TMD aetiology, diagnosis and treatment are still diffused among clinical practitioners.

The study aims to gather and analyse patient experiences and outcomes related to their seeking care for TMD symptoms.

In November 2023, a survey to collect comprehensive data on patients' diagnostic journeys, treatment experiences, and outcomes was distributed through online platforms and TMD patient support groups in a variety of countries. Correlation between different variables was assessed and comparisons were made between patients with a different history of treatment-seeking experiences.

A total of 153 participants filled out the survey. Of them, 31.4% (N = 48) needed to consult two or three professionals, while some of them saw up to four or five (N = 27, 17.6%). Moreover, patients experienced a wide range of pain duration time before receiving a diagnosis. Almost one-third of patients were in pain for more than one year (N = 43, 28.1%), and a remarkable number never received appropriate care (N = 30, 19.6%). Additionally, those patients who saw one or more dentists who emphasised abnormalities of dental occlusion or jaw position ended up consulting significantly more health providers before receiving a diagnosis than those who did not have that experience (p = 0.0062).

There is a need to better implement knowledge about TMDs among health-care providers, starting from improving the quality of education at the university course level and continuing into various post-graduate educational offerings.