Temporomandibular disorders: knowledge, attitude and practice among dentists in Tehran, Iran

Background and aims. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) account for the most common orofacial pains rising from musculoskeletal origin. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of knowledge, attitudes and practice of dental practitioners regarding TMD in Tehran, Iran.Materials and methods. A questionnaire, containing 29 questions on etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of TMD, was given to 200 randomly selected general dental practitioners and specialists as well as 11 TMD experts.Results. An overall response rate of 97% was achieved among participants (mean age: 39 ± 8.2 years old; mean years in practice: 11.5 ± 7.4). The mean score of knowledge of TMD was found to be 10.85± 2.54 (of a total of 23). TMD specialists were significantly more knowledgeable than general dental practitioners.