Marquette and Medical College of Wisconsin Collaborate on Temporomandibular Disorder Awareness

USA: Marquette University’s School of Dentistry and the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) are joining forces to address temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a condition causing pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and associated muscles. 

In an effort to bridge the gap between medicine and dentistry, students from Marquette’s School of Dentistry recently participated in an interprofessional event at MCW, emphasizing the necessity of coordinated care for TMD. 

This collaborative initiative aims to equip future healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage this complex condition.

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The initiative stemmed from The TMJ Association, a patient advocacy group in Milwaukee, which recognized the need for increased awareness and standardized care for TMD. 

Patients with TMD often face significant challenges in accessing appropriate care due to limited evidence-based training among healthcare providers. 

Dr. Yasser Khaled from Marquette’s School of Dentistry highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Many medical and dental students…are not aware of how to treat TMD.” By bringing together students from different disciplines, the workshop seeks to address this gap and improve patient outcomes.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Education

During the workshop, students gained insights from various perspectives, including dentistry, medicine, and physical therapy. 

Dr. Teresa Patitucci from MCW guided students in examining anatomical specimens of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), providing a deeper understanding of the underlying structures associated with TMD. 

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Additionally, students had the opportunity to learn hands-on techniques from physical therapy staff, further enriching their understanding of TMD management.

Kirstin Marcks, a second-year dental student at Marquette, emphasized the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in patient care. 

Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “The IPE session was extremely beneficial for the future of treating patients with TMJ problems.” By fostering collaboration among students from different healthcare disciplines, the workshop not only enhances awareness of TMD but also cultivates a spirit of teamwork and shared responsibility in patient management.

Promoting Coordinated Care and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Dr. Pradeep Bhagavatula, a professor at Marquette’s School of Dentistry, underscored the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare. 

He stated, “The opportunity to exchange ideas and insights with individuals from diverse backgrounds truly highlights the value of interdisciplinary collaboration.” 

Interprofessional education events like the TMD workshop play a vital role in preparing students to deliver coordinated, team-based care, essential for addressing the complex healthcare needs of patients in the future.

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