Temporomandibular dysfunction and tinnitus the knowledge of the dental surgeon in primary health care.

Abstract

A longitudinal study of quantitative nature applied through a structured and self-administered questionnaire. The purpose of the questionnaire was to verify the knowledge of the Primary Health Care Dentist (PHC) on the interrelationship between temporomandibular dysfunction and tinnitus after continuing education. The collected data (n=37) indicated insufficient knowledge with no significant statistical difference in knowledge or professional conduct. It is important to emphasize the importance of instructing and strengthening the knowledge of the PHC professional on the interrelationship between temporomandibular dysfunction and tinnitus. This may help minimize problems such as the professionals' lack of attention in the routine of care in changes that affect the patients' quality of life. Moreover, there is a need to sensitize managers to institute tools that subsidize the professional in this care with resoluteness.