Atuação multiprofissional na disfunção temporomandibular: conhecimento dos profissionais de fisioterapia, fonoaudiologia e odontologia do estado de Sergipe

Abstract

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD's) are a group of musculoskeletal conditions that affect soft and hard tissues involved in mandibular movements, with a complex and multifactorial etiology. Objective: To analyze the level of knowledge of dentistry, physiotherapy and speech therapy professionals about the evaluation and treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD's) and the benefit of the multidisciplinary team. Method: Physical therapy, speech therapy and dentistry professionals, registered with the Regional Council of their profession and working in the state of Sergipe, were included in the study; who answered a questionnaire composed of identification questions and subjective and multiplechoice questions, which address topics on the diagnosis and treatment of TMD. Results: The sample consisted of 72 subjects, 36 physical therapists, 22 dentists and 14 speech therapists. Most of the sample had knowledge about TMDs and had already treated patients with this dysfunction; recognize orofacial pain, difficulty in chewing, facial and cervical muscle dysfunction, headache, TMJ noises as the main signs and symptoms and recognize the importance of the multidisciplinary team. Most interviewees report that the knowledge acquired during graduation does not guarantee sufficient knowledge to assess and treat TMDs and the longer the time since graduation, the less confidence they have to care for patients with this disorder. Conclusion: It is concluded that professionals demonstrated knowledge about TMDs and their clinical management and recognize the importance of multidisciplinary action. However, this knowledge does not guarantee confidence in most professionals to treat patients with this health condition.