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

Background: 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.

Objective(s): The study aims to gather and analyse patient experiences and outcomes related to their seeking care for TMD symptoms.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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).

Conclusion: 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.