Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 22, 2026
07:32
Author Spotlight: 3D Movement Assessment of Maxillary Posterior Teeth in Clear Aligner Treatment
Published on: February 23, 2024
2.0K
Evaluating a Predoctoral Dental Educational Intervention for Temporomandibular Disorders: A Prospective Pre-Post
L Sangalli1, E Manning1, P Brzozowski-Sawicki1
1College of Dental Medicine-Illinois, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois, USA.
Summary
A new educational activity significantly boosted dental students' confidence in screening for and managing Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and performing trigger point injections (TPIs). This training is crucial for improving clinical readiness in dental education.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
- Pain Management
Background:
- Predoctoral dental students often lack clinical readiness for screening and managing Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD).
- Existing dental curricula may not adequately prepare students in TMD assessment and treatment modalities like trigger point injections (TPIs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a novel educational activity on dental students' confidence and intention to use TMD screening and TPI skills.
- To assess the effectiveness of hands-on training in improving clinical preparedness for TMD management.
Main Methods:
- A hands-on educational activity involving peer-based TMD screening, palpatory examination, and manikin-based TPIs was implemented.
- Pre- and post-intervention surveys measured changes in student confidence and intended clinical behaviors using numerical rating scales and statistical tests.
Main Results:
- Confidence significantly increased across all TMD-related domains (p < 0.001) after the intervention.
- The proportion of students intending to screen all patients for TMD increased from 78.9% to 82.7% (p = 0.040).
- Intentions to incorporate TPIs into practice rose significantly from 42.2% to 69.4% (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Hands-on training significantly enhances dental students' confidence and intent to integrate TMD screening and TPIs into clinical practice.
- This educational approach is particularly beneficial for students with limited prior exposure to TMD patients.
- Integrating structured, simulated training is recommended for dental schools to address educational gaps in TMD management.
