To assess the approach of dental practitioners towards TMJ related pain and application of dry needling in managing TMJ pain

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

The objective of the study is to evaluate the approach of dental graduates towards TMJ related pain and application of dry needling in managing TMJ pain.

Methods:

A questionnaire was constructed comprised of 4 sections and 16 items in semi-structured form, that are intended to assess the knowledge and approaches of general dentists regarding tmj pain, conventional approaches to treat tmj pain and applications of dry needling to manage pains related to TM joint. The questionnaire was valid, reliable and self-administered, while most of the questions were based on Likert scale. The mode of dissemination of questionnaires was both hard copies and online platforms. However, the target population was practicing dental graduates and sample size was 184 with 95% C.I. 

Results and conclusion:

A majority (61.7%) agree that they are confident in diagnosing TMJ-related pain, though a significant portion (32.8%) remain neutral, indicating some uncertainty. When it comes to understanding the etiology of TMJ-related pain, 72.1% of respondents agree they are familiar, while 11.5% are neutral. However, 16.5% either disagree or strongly disagree, suggesting a gap in knowledge among some practitioners. , yet the adoption of dry needling faces significant barriers, including patient acceptance, cost, training limitations, professional resistance, and regulatory concerns. This indicates a need for targeted education and awareness efforts if dry needling is to be integrated into TMJ pain management.