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Review
. 2016 Sep;95(10):1093-101.
doi: 10.1177/0022034516653922. Epub 2016 Jun 16.

The Evolution of TMD Diagnosis: Past, Present, Future

R Ohrbach  1 , S F Dworkin  2
Affiliations
Review

The Evolution of TMD Diagnosis: Past, Present, Future

R Ohrbach et al. J Dent Res. 2016 Sep.

Abstract

This review explores the principles and process associated with the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). TMD diagnosis has evolved substantially over the past 25 y. Previously, diagnosis focused solely on aberrations in oral structures, largely without empirical evidence. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) were developed on core principles of 1) a dual-axis system reflecting the biopsychosocial model, 2) a clear operationalization for reliability, and 3) the allowance of multiple diagnoses. These principles were retained in the subsequent validation research of the RDC/TMD, and the current diagnostic system-the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD)-has improved on those principles as well as on diagnostic validity and protocols for assessing the psychosocial domain. Further investigations into etiology and its potential contribution to taxonomy revision are described, particularly within the context of complex disease. The review concludes with an outline of major research areas already underway that will support future revisions of the DC/TMD.

Keywords: decision making; diagnostic systems; informatics; pain; psychosocial factors; temporomandibular disorders.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure.
Figure.
From the RDC/TMD to the DC/TMD and Expanded DC/TMD. Major steps and funding sources are shown as nodes, with stage-specific products included. DC/TMD, Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders; IADR Network, International RDC/TMD Consortium Network, within the International Association for Dental Research; IASP OFP SIG, International Association for the Study of Pain Orofacial Pain Special Interest Group; Impact Study, TMJ Intra-articular Disorders, Impact on Pain, Functioning, and Disability; NIH, National Institutes of Health; OPPERA, Orofacial Pain–Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment; RDC/TMD, Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders; RDC/TMD Consortium, International RDC/TMD Consortium; Validation Project, Research Diagnostic Criteria–Reliability and Validity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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