Abstract
Aim: To determine whether discrepancies exist between orthodontists, prosthodontists, and maxillofacial surgeons regarding their knowledge, attitudes, practices, and experiences around temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and a convenient sample was used. An invitation with a link to the questionnaire was sent to orthodontists, prosthodontists, and maxillofacial surgeons. A total of 126 individuals agreed to take part, of whom 57 were orthodontists, 37 were prosthodontists, and 32 were oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Participants were asked to answer questions about their knowledge of TMDs, the relationship between orthodontics and TMDs, and how TMD awareness and number of referrals can be increased. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and descriptive measures, were obtained. Comparisons between groups were performed by using the chi-square test. Results: There was general agreement across all groups that identification and removal of occlusal interferences is effective in the management of TMDs, with the highest level of agreement found among prosthodontists. In addition, there was overall agreement among the groups that the best treatment of TMD cases involves multidisciplinary teamwork. All groups suggested more than one approach to enhancing TMD awareness and increasing referral rate. Conclusion: There is a general consensus that identification and removal of occlusal interferences is effective in the management of TMDs. Multidisciplinary teamwork is broadly considered to be the optimal approach for the management of TMDs. There is a discrepancy between orthodontists, prosthodontists, and maxillofacial surgeons in terms of their knowledge and experience around the treatment of patients with TMDs.