Abstract
In 2013, the Japanese Society for the Temporomandibular Joint announced a new classification of temporomandibular disorders (2013) based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). Three years later, we investigated how the classification was viewed by 153 chief medical instructors at Japanese training institutions involved in TMD treatments. We explored the usage situation, methods employed, diagnostic overlaps, treatment priorities, availability of clinical statistics, utility of the new classification, and education of students and residents. We found that 87% of facilities used the new classification. In terms of diagnosis, the new classification was used by 73% of facilities, while 13% used the original DC/TMD. Multiple diagnoses were made in 88% of facilities, many of which prioritized treatment of arthralgia and myalgia. Overall, 23% of facilities considered the DC/TMD "useful" and 67% considered it "somewhat useful". The new classification was used to educate students and residents in 76% of facilities. Thus, the new classification is spreading widely as a result of its usefulness. Guidance in terms of treatment priority and a Japanese version of the DC/TMD including imaging criteria are required.
