The Level of Self-Perceived Knowledge Regarding Temporo-mandibular Disorders among the Saudi Arabian Dental Professionals Working in Dental Institutes or Universities vs. Clinics or Hospitals.

Temporo-mandibular disorders (TMDs) are considered as one of the most common type of oro-facial pain. The basic knowledge regarding examining, diagnosing and treating the TMDs is part of the dental curriculum designed by the Saudi Dental Council. But till date it is not reported how the dentists working in dental institutes/universities and clinics/hospital of Saud Arabia make an attempt to diagnose and treat TMDs cases. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to evaluate the level of self-perceived TMD knowledge among the dentists working in Saudi Arabia and to compare the between those working in dental institutes/universities (Group I) and clinics/hospital (Group II). On prior ethical approval from Riyadh Elm University, the participants graduated from various universities of Saudi Arabia with more than two years of experience were randomly selected. They were asked to fill a previously validated questionnaire to evaluate them regarding their knowledge regarding TMDs diagnosis and therapy. It was observed only 9.09% of participants working in dental institutes/universities considered their knowledge as very good whereas it was higher (36.36%) among the participants working in clinics/hospitals. Of all respondents working in dental institutes/universities 7.23% attempted to diagnose and treat TMDs, slightly higher number of respondents (9.09%) working in hospitals/clinics attempt to treat patients with TMDs. A strong relationship was observed for both groups between the knowledge for TMDs and attempt to diagnose/ treat TMD patients (p</=0.05). The level of knowledge for TMDs is better among the dentists working in dental clinics or hospitals than those in dental institutes or universities. But in general it is still insufficient in both groups of dentists. Therefore, it should be considered to raise the level of knowledge regarding TMD among the dentists of Saudi Arabia, particularly to make them able for referring to the right specialist for diagnosis, treatment or interdisciplinary management.