Main instruments for assessing temporomandibular disorders, part II: diagnostic criteria; a contribution to clinicians and researchers

Abstract

Several instruments for assessing temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are available in literature, such as indices, questionnaires, protocols, scales, and diagnostic criteria. The purpose of this study, divided into two parts, was to characterise main tools available for TMD evaluation, so as to offer both researchers and clinicians guiding information on instrument selection according to their clinical or research needs. Two clinical indices and three (anamnestic and functional) questionnaires were presented in part I; and, here in part II, one functional questionnaire and two sets of diagnostic criteria. Indices consist of organized forms for assigning scores to signs and symptoms thus obtaining severity degrees. Questionnaires are better employed for epidemiological purposes. Functional questionnaires are better used to assess impact of TMD on daily life activities. There are few specific sets of systematised diagnostic criteria available for diagnosing TMD. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) has been partially translated into Portuguese and had its accuracy and most psychometric properties validated, hence seems the best choice for assessing TMD.