General dental practitioner’s knowledge about TMJ disorders (TMD) in Tehran Dr. Rafati H.,1 Dr. Navi F., 2 Dr. Taheri K., 3 Dr. Firozeh SS. 4 1Assistant Professor, Health Management Department, Bagheyatallah Medical Sciences University. Tehran, Iran. 2 Resident, Specialty Program, Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Islamic Azad University. Tehran, Iran. 3 Assistant Professor, Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Islamic Azad University. Tehran, Iran. 4 Faculty Member, Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Islamic Azad University. Tehran, Iran. (Received 6 May, 2008 Accepted 14 March, 2009) Abstract Background and Aim: Early diagnosis and treatment of TMD can significantly reduce future complications of this condition. General dental practitioners can play pivotal role in early detection of such patients by conducting careful initial evaluation. Therefore, this study was conducted in order to evaluate the TMD knowledge of general dentist practicing in Tehran, in 2005. Materials and Methods: Using cross-sectional study design, a total of 400 dentists practicing in the north, east, west and central parts of Tehran were randomly selected for participation in this investigation. A questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic information of dentist, including: age, sex, location of practice, type of services provided as well as the name, location of dental school where one graduated from. The second part of the questionnaire asked about dentists’ knowledge on TMD and related factors. The levels of reported dentists' knowledge were classified into four categories: excellent, good, moderate and low. The relationship between dentists’ knowledge about TMD and relevant factors were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods as well as multiple regression analysis. Results: The study sample included 173 females and 227 males (n=400), with average age of 38.44 years. The level of TMD knowledge was excellent for 10 % of respondents, good for 38.75%, moderate for 38.75% and weak for 12.5%. The TMD related knowledge was excellent in 20.25%, good in 41%, moderate in 29%, and weak in 9.75%. In search of relationship between individual characteristics and knowledge of TMD and related factors, a significant relationship was detected between the educational institution (university) and the duration of study until graduation, (P<0.0001). Also, foreign graduates demonstrated the maximum TMD knowledge compared with provincial college graduates who had minimum knowledge. Conclusion: The TMD knowledge of dentist practicing in Tehran is adequate for early detection of abnormal conditions. Key words: knowledge - TMD - related factors to TMD - general dentists. Corresponding Author: Dr. Rafati H., Assistant Professor, Health Management Department, Bagheyatallah Medical Science University. Tehran, Iran. e.mail: Hasan.rafati@gmail.com |
