Executive summary of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders for clinical and research applications

Eric Schiffman, Richard Ohrbach

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

144 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background In this executive summary, the authors describe a protocol for assessing patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). It is based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) for clinical and research applications. Methods The DC/TMD was developed using published Axis I physical diagnoses for the most common TMDs. Axis I diagnostic criteria were derived from pertinent clinical TMD signs and symptoms. Axis II consists of psychosocial and behavioral questionnaires already in the public domain. A panel of experts vetted and modified the Axis I and Axis II diagnostic protocols. Recommended changes were assessed for diagnostic accuracy by using the Validation Project's data set, which formed the basis for the development of the DC/TMD. Results Axis I diagnostic criteria for TMD pain-related disorders have acceptable validity and provide definitive diagnoses for pain involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscles. Axis I diagnostic criteria for the most common TMJ intra-articular disorders are appropriate for screening purposes only. A definitive diagnosis for TMJ intra-articular disorders requires computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Axis II questionnaires provide valid assessment of psychosocial and behavioral factors that can affect management of TMD. Conclusions The DC/TMD provides a questionnaire for the pain history in conjunction with validated clinical examination criteria for diagnosing the most common TMDs. In addition, it provides Axis II questionnaires for assessing psychosocial and behavioral factors that may contribute to the onset and perpetuation of the patient's TMD. Practical Implications The DC/TMD is appropriate for use in clinical and research settings to allow for a comprehensive assessment of patients with TMD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)438-445
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of the American Dental Association
Volume147
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2016

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 American Dental Association.

Keywords

  • National Institutes of Health
  • Temporomandibular joint disorders
  • clinical protocols
  • diagnostic challenge
  • facial pain
  • masticatory muscles
  • myofascial pain
  • orofacial pain
  • research
  • temporomandibular dysfunction

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