The past, present, and future of temporomandibular disorders in predoctoral curriculum: historical perspectives and what comes next

Approximately one-third of adults in the United States are estimated to suffer from temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Despite the widespread prevalence, effective diagnosis and management of TMD remains inadequate, contributing to patient frustration and a sense of stigmatization by healthcare providers. To address this gap, significant attention is being directed toward improving educational initiatives at all levels regarding TMD. This perspective aims to explore the historical development, current standards, and emerging trends in TMD-related education in the U.S. and Canada. From its early misconceptions as a disorder primarily caused by occlusal discrepancies, TMD education has evolved towards a biopsychosocial model that acknowledges the multifactorial nature of these disorders. Significant gaps persist in predoctoral dental curricula, hindering the development of effective clinical skills among students, despite advancements in diagnostic criteria, including the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) and the more comprehensive Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD) and International Classification of Orofacial Pain (ICOP). Current standards for TMD education highlight the necessity for dentists to achieve competence in managing these disorders, yet the lack of standardization across schools remains a barrier. Integrating multidisciplinary and interprofessional education strategies into the curriculum offers a path forward, as these approaches foster collaborative practice and enhance patient management. Additionally, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovative educational technologies holds the potential to revolutionize TMD education, enabling personalized learning and improved clinical decision-making. Addressing these educational gaps and embracing a standardized approach to TMD-related predoctoral education will equip future dental professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve patient outcomes in TMD.

Temporomandibular disorders; Temporomandibular joint; Orofacial pain; Education; Curriculum; Dental students

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