Knowledge and competence in temporomandibular disorders among Swedish general dental practitioners and dental hygienists

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge and competence in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among dentists and dental hygienists working in the public dental service (PDS) in Sweden.

Materials and methods: The study population comprised all general dentists (n = 110) and dental hygienists (n = 80) working in the PDS in two Swedish counties: Kronoberg (K) and Blekinge (B). The participants filled out a questionnaire comprised of 15 questions.

Results: The results of these questions are presented. The overall response rate for the general dentists was 87%, while the rate for the dental hygienists was 71%. Statistically significant differences between the general dentists in the two counties were found regarding the following: education in the field of TMD over the last 5 years (K: 37%, B: 73%), evaluation of occlusion when examining patients with suspected TMD (‘always’: K: 61%, B: 82%), and a desire for consultation of the OFP (orofacial pain)/TMD specialist by telephone (K: 71%, B: 44%). Regarding the dental hygienists, there was a statistically significant difference concerning the use of the treatment modality ‘reassurance’ (K: 41%, B: 7%).

Conclusions: The majority of the dental care providers in both counties – irrespective of professional category – had a positive attitude towards patients with TMD. Knowledge and competence in the field are sparse and require postgraduate education. There is a great need of an OFP/TMD specialist for more complicated patients and a need to implement updated knowledge and competence in the PDS in these two counties.

Keywords:

• Orofacial pain
• temporomandibular joint disorder
• specialist
• competencies
• knowledge

Acknowledgements

The authors extend their thanks to all the dentists and dental hygienists who, without any economic or other benefits, participated in this study, and to Annika Kahlmeter, Head/Director of the Public Dental Service Kronoberg, for supporting this study. Furthermore, thanks go to Helene Ekström, formerly employed at the Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, for help regarding the development of the questionnaire and Per-Erik Isberg, Department of Statistics, Malmö University, for advice on statistic methods and co-evaluation of statistical analyses. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Advisory Committee Kronoberg County Council, Sweden (Ref. No. 13/2013).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by grants from the Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Sweden [grant no. 15RK535-7].