A comparative study of student vs supervisor diagnoses of anatomical abnormalities affecting the TMJ

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The use of modern teaching methods and learning tools by educators to ensure competent graduates has been encouraged. At the Department of Odontology, University of Pretoria, School of Dentistry, four diagnostic screening tests were tested as learning tools, in order to teach undergraduate dental students to diagnose abnormalities affecting the osseous components and associated muscles of mastication of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). These screening tests are known as joint play, end feel, static pain and dynamic pain. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine if dental students would be able to diagnose abnormalities affecting the osseous components and associated muscles of mastication of the TMJ using these four screening tests, as well as to compare their diagnosis with the diagnosis of a prosthodontist. METHODS: One hundred joints were randomly examined for abnormalities by 50 dental students and a prosthodontist. The diagnoses were recorded on a diagnostic form and entered into an electronic Microsoft Excel ® database. RESULTS: Of the 100 joints examined, 78 of the diagnoses made by the students were in agreement with that of the prosthodontist, which is highly significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The tests were used successfully by the majority of the students to make a correct diagnosis.