Screening for temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is an important component of any comprehensive dental examination. Once identified, it is the responsibility of the dentist to share all findings with the patient and include the discussion in any pre-therapy informed consent. In this course, fundamental principles of a comprehensive screening and examination protocol are clearly outlined and demonstrated.

At the conclusion of this lecture and demonstration attendees will be able to:

• Implement screening questionnaires and exam forms to identify temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD);
• Implement clinical steps to evaluate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated musculature; and
• Inform the patient and make the doctor aware of any pre-existing TMD conditions before any dental treatment is performed. This includes the risk and benefits of the treatment proposed and consequences if the treatment is avoided.

Dr. Poss graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1983. He has two dental practices in middle Tennessee. For the last six years, he has practiced dental sleep medicine and temporomandibular disorders exclusively at both practices. 



Dr. Tanya Kushner has been practicing dentistry since 1997. She graduated at the top of her class from Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago and practiced as a general dentist for 15 years. In 2014 Dr. Kushner limited her practice to dental sleep medicine and orofacial pain. Dr. Kushner is board certified through the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and the American Board of Orofacial Pain and is a fellow of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain.