History for temporomandibular disorders. A simplified technique

ABSTRACT

As a result of the widespread nature of temporomandibular disorders [TMD], a screening for its occurrence has been recommended as a part of the routine dental examination by leading dental organizations. The purpose of this study was to provide dentists and other health care providers with an Arabic TMD routine history form, after being modified and translated from a recent English one and evaluated clinically. One hundred Saudi male subjects were used to trial test the Arabic TMD routine history form. The median time for patients to fill the form was 2 minutes. Immediately after completing the TMD form, each subject was given a survey questionnaire form to fill out, in order to determine if the routine history form was "clear and understandable." The survey findings indicated that 77 per cent of the subjects understood all 16 items on the Arabic routine history form. The remaining 23 per cent of the subjects had some difficulty in understanding one [or both] of two items. related to not knowing the meanings of 'temple area' and 'teeth clenching and grinding.' Recommendations were made in order to add clarity to the two "unclear items" for dental patients. further, reasons for needing the Arabic TMD routine history form [along with a TMD screening examination] as an essential part of the routine dental examination are discussed