Table 12 Outlines the themes, sub-themes, codes, and representative sentences
Theme | Sub-theme | Code | Code Number | Representative Sentence(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Incidence and Onset of TMJ Disorders in Dental Practice | Frequency | Rare Encounters | 01 | “TMJ problems aren’t encountered very frequently in our clinic.” |
Context of Occurrence | Procedure-Induced Symptoms | 02 | “Others may develop symptoms during dental procedures…” | |
Difficulties in diagnosing TMJ problems | Diagnostic Practice | Palpation | 03 | “I typically start by palpating the area in front of the ear…” |
Diagnostic Indicators | Symptoms | 04 | “If there’s limited mouth opening, trismus, or pain during the jaw’s movement…” | |
Challenges in treating TMJ disorders | First Line of Treatment | Analgesics | 05 | “I usually prescribe analgesics, such as NSAIDs, or apply topical NSAIDs for relief.” |
Clinical Efficacy and Practitioner Challenges | Perceived Treatment Ineffectiveness and Practitioner Frustration | 07 | “The clicking sound never goes no matter what I do !” “I seem helpless in treating TMD problems in certain patients as nothing works!” | |
Complexity in Management and Treatment of TMD. | Inadequacy of Conventional Therapeutics and Shift to Pharmacological Adjunct | 15,17 | “TMJ problems are chronic and difficult to manage.” “….TMD problems are notoriously difficult to treat, medications and analgesic gels don’t help much, and we end up giving benzodiazepines and sleep medications.” | |
Expertise and Knowledge | Self-assessment | Limited Knowledge | 08 | “I have very little knowledge and no expertise in this area of TMJ problems.” |
Reason for Limitation | Insufficient Exposure | 09 | “This is due to insufficient exposure during both my undergraduate and postgraduate training.” | |
Referral Practices | Referral for Non-TMJ Issues | Physiotherapy | 10 | “Yes, I have referred patients to physiotherapists for neck pain or related problems.” “I consider patient needs and the severity of TMD symptoms when making referrals.” |
Referral for Special Cases | Specialist Referral | 11 | “When it comes to TMJ pain dysfunction syndrome, I usually refer the patient to a specialist.” “I refer them to an oral surgeon that I trust.” | |
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) | CPD on TMJ Problems | Insufficient CPD | 12 | “No, there aren’t many CPD programs that address TMJ issues adequately…” |
Curriculum and Exposure | Lack of knowledge of the role of physiotherapists in TMJ treatment | 13 | “It is not sufficiently covered in the undergraduate curriculum, and there is not enough exposure afterward either.” | |
Interprofessional Collaboration | Collaboration with Physiotherapists | None | 14 | “No, I have no collaboration with physiotherapists.” |
TMJ Treatment Concerns | Dental Treatment Priority | Avoiding Interference | 16 | “My primary concern is ensuring that these problems do not interfere with the dental treatment I provide.” |