"To Understand the Abnormal, We Must First Understand the Normal"
Robert B. Salter, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
Although the learning objectives will vary, depending on which seminar is presented, the following are some of the major leaning objectives, not only of this website, but also of the seminars that are available through Drawbridge Seminars.
• To understand why the subjects of “TMJ” and Dental Occlusion continue to be seen as “controversial” and to appreciate how this might change if incorporated appropriately into dental education.
• To understand the anatomy, physiology, and biomechanical function of the masticatory system as the most elegant and complex joint system in the human body.
• To understand the reason that the overall management of the masticatory system, both in routine dentistry and in the resolution of TMJ disorders, is the primary professional responsibility of the dental profession.
• To understand how, through a simple screening process, patients with incipient TMJ disorders and potentially problematic occlusal findings can be easily identified.
• To understand the clinical process of intervening at the earliest indication of a potential TMJ problem and when it may be appropriate to alter potentially problematic occlusal issues.
• To understand the natural history of TMJ disorders and the differences between dysfunction, derangement, dysmorphology, dyscrasia and disease.
• To discriminate TMJ disorders from other types of orofacial pain conditions.
• To identify the key elements of the history and examination for TMJ disorders that help establish the correct biologically-specific diagnosis.
• To be able to delineate TMJ disorders by diagnostic category and knowing the basis of what is appropriate treatment.
• To clarify the epidemiology (age and sex distribution) of patients seeking treatment for TMD.
• To discuss contributing factors for TMD, and their role in a multi-factorial causation model, including parafunction, trauma, dental occlusal factors, emotional stress, systemic conditions, and acquired disturbances.
• To understand the cost/benefit ratio of ancillary diagnostic studies, including bite analysis, EMG, jaw tracking, joint sound analysis, Doppler evaluation, vibration analysis, computerized occlusal analysis, and bruxism monitors.
• To delineate the indications for and techniques of imaging the TMJ and integrating the resulting findings with the history and clinical examination in making a biologically-specific diagnosis.
• To outline the available treatment options for TMJ disorders, including removable intraoral appliance selection and ancillary supportive therapies.
• To interpret treatment outcomes as related to achieving TMJ stability prior to proceeding with occlusal therapy.
• To identify abnormal tooth wear including attrition, erosion, abrasion, fracture and abfraction associated with the overlapping causes including reflux, bulimia, bruxism, bleaching, diet, occupational exposure and changes in salivary flow, pH and viscosity.
• To coordinate the management of bruxism, sleep disorders, and GERD.
• To recognize the available literature and educational resources regarding TMDs.
