Springer Nature [academic journals on nature.com], British Dental Journal, 11(202), p. E29-E29, 2007
DOI: 10.1038/bdj.2007.369
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Objective: To gain a deeper understanding of the range of influences on the full range of dental professionals who provide treatment for temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Design: Qualitative semi-structured interviews. Setting: Primary and secondary care in the North and South of the United Kingdom. Sample and method: A criterion-based purposive sample was taken of dental practitioners, comprising primary and secondary care practitioners. In-depth interviews were conducted and data collection and analysis occurred concurrently until data saturation was achieved. Data and discussion: There was a reported lack of adequate remuneration for provision of treatment for TMD within primary care. This alongside the primary care practitioners' reported uncertainty in diagnosis of TMD appeared to lead to a propensity for referral to secondary care. Practitioners recognised a poor and scanty evidence base on which to base their care, and this allowed for idiosyncratic practice. Often the outcome measure for treatment was a subjective questioning of the patient focussing mainly on relief of pain. Conclusion: There is a need for better quality evidence on which to base TMD treatment, more continuing professional development and improvement in contracting arrangements to enable primary practitioners to feel confident in managing TMD.