Do you feel confident managing patients with TMD or oro-facial pain?

Are you clear on when to treat conservatively—and when to escalate?

What’s the best SEQUENCE of care for TMD patients?

Emma returns to Protrusive Students fresh from her finals, joining Jaz for an insightful episode on the basics of TMD management. Together, they explore the foundational steps of TMD care, from proper diagnosis to the logic behind a structured treatment hierarchy.

They break down conservative versus aggressive approaches, share clinical tips for muscle and joint assessment, and highlight common mistakes to avoid—especially during palpation and history taking.

Whether you’re a student, a dentist returning to practice, or just want a refresher on TMD, this episode will help solidify your approach and boost your clinical confidence.

Need to Read it? Check out the Full Episode Transcript below!

Key Takeaways

Highlights of this episode:

🔗 Protrusive Resources

📚 Protrusive Pathways
 Structured playlists grouped by topic (e.g., TMD, bridges, onlays): TMD Content Playlist

📝 Crush Your Exam Student Notes
Downloadable summaries by Emma, covering TMJ anatomy and function, are available inside the Protrusive Guidance App (request student access via Mari)

If you loved this episode, be sure to watch TMD New Guidelines! Evidence-Based Care – PDP213

#OcclusionTMDandSplints #BreadandButterDentistry #Communication

This episode is eligible for 0.75 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance. 

This episode meets GDC Outcomes 

C – Maintenance and development of knowledge and skill within your field of practice.

AGD Subject Code: 200 – Orofacial Pain / TMD

Aim: To provide a practical, evidence-informed framework for the conservative diagnosis and management of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD).

Dentists will be able to –

1. Describe the three major categories of TMD and their clinical features.

2. Differentiate muscular from joint-related symptoms using simple chairside tests.

3. Explain the rationale for a conservative, staged approach to TMD management.