Assessment of Incidence of TMJ Disorders in Dental Graduates Competing for Post Graduation Exam: Original Research

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of the research was to evaluate the incidence of TMJ disorders (TMD) in dental graduates who are in process of competing in post graduate entrance exams. Methodology: A sample of 100 dental graduates (BDS professionals) were selected for this survey study. Their age ranged from 23 to 30 years. Study includes clinical evaluation of TMJ system and questionnaire. The stress level in respondents was then categorized with the help of Likert’s scale. Results:Headache was found to be the most prevalent TMD symptom (26.2%) followed by clicking (24.9%), pain on clicking (5.5%), jaw lock (3.4), and difficulty in mouth opening (0.9%). Clicking was found to be the most prevalent TMD sign (24.9%) among dental students followed by deviation (16.3%), muscle tenderness (14.3%), and TMJ pain (5.7%). The most prevalent TMD was disc displacement 22.6% followed by myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS) with disc displacement (13.5%) and MPDS (3.8%). Conclusion: Stress is a significant etiologic factor involved in initiation and maintenance of TMDs in Dental graduates.