Knowledge and Attitudes of Pediatric Dentists Regarding Temporomandibular Disorders

Introduction : Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions involving the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, and other related structures. There is a paucity of studies that have evaluated knowledge and attitudes of pediatric dentists regarding TMD. Objective : To evaluate knowledge and attitudes of pediatric dentists toward diagnosing and treating TMD in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods : Observational, analytical, cross-sectional study; 266 pediatric dentists responded to a 41-item questionnaire, of which 35 items related to knowledge (divided into four domains: Pathophysiological, Psychophysiological, Psychiatric Disorders, and Chronic Pain), and six items related to attitudes. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and a chi-square test was applied for comparisons; (p < 0.05). Results : The mean correct response rate across the four domains was 49.5%, with the pathophysiological domain exhibiting the lowest rate at 33%, the psychophysiological domain demonstrating a 50% response rate, the psychiatric disorders domain showing a 64.1% response rate, the chronic pain domain exhibiting a 50.4% response rate. The rate was 83.1%, while 16.87% of respondents indicated a preference for referring patients with TMD. Furthermore, 31.2% of respondents indicated that they did not consider it necessary to provide preventive education on TMD. Statistically significant differences were found in four out of 13 items in the Pathophysiological domain and in two out of nine items in the Psychophysiological domain. Conclusion : The pediatric dentists demonstrated limited knowledge of TMD, yet they expressed positive attitudes toward providing proper diagnosis and treatment. However, they did not recognize their role in preventive education on the subject.