Temporomandibular Disorders: Functional Assessment, Differential Diagnosis and Interdisciplinary Management

This course will support dentists in understanding the musculoskeletal contributors to TMD and jaw related headaches, improve confidence in recognising different pain mechanisms, and facilitate effective collaboration with physiotherapists to optimise patient outcomes. The course is practical and clinically focused, incorporating hands on screening techniques and clear clinical reasoning to support more informed referral decisions and coordinated care between dentists and physiotherapists.

Description

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are commonly encountered in dental practice and are often appropriately grouped under a broad diagnostic umbrella. From a musculoskeletal perspective, however, not all TMD presentations are the same — and different tissues and mechanisms can drive very different symptom patterns.

This course introduces a functional and musculoskeletal approach to TMD assessment, designed to complement dental training and enhance interprofessional collaboration. Emphasis is placed on understanding jaw posture and movement, recognising movement control and loading issues, and differentiating between muscular, ligamentous, disc‑related, and joint‑based sources of pain and dysfunction.

Participants will also explore the presentation of jaw‑related headaches, learning to identify clinical features that suggest a temporomandibular contribution to head pain rather than primary headache disorders.

The course is practical and clinically focused, incorporating hands‑on screening techniques and clear clinical reasoning to support more informed referral decisions and coordinated care between dentists and physiotherapists.

Learning objectives

1.  Refresh TMJ anatomy relevant to clinical presentation

  • Review key anatomical structures of the temporomandibular joint, including the disc, capsule, ligaments, and associated musculature
  • Understand anatomical relationships between the TMJ, hyoid complex, cervical spine, and neural structures

2. Understand jaw posture, movement, and functional behaviour

  • Recognise key features of efficient jaw posture and movement during rest and function
  • Understand typical ranges and sequencing of jaw motion
  • Identify common movement patterns associated with overload or dysfunction

3. Improve understanding of TMD differential diagnosis

  • Differentiate between common muscle‑driven, ligament‑driven, joint‑based, and disc‑related TMD presentations
  • Recognise clinical features suggestive of capsulitis, ligamentous strain, muscle overload, or disc derangement
  • Understand how musculoskeletal differentiation can guide management

4. Identify signs and symptoms of jaw‑related headaches

  • Recognise headache patterns commonly associated with temporomandibular and masticatory system dysfunction
  • Identify clinical features suggesting a jaw or cervico‑mandibular contribution to head pain
  • Distinguish jaw‑related headache presentations from primary headache disorders at a screening level

5. Learn basic hands‑on musculoskeletal screening techniques

  • Perform simple manual assessments of jaw posture, movement quality, and muscle tone
  • Apply targeted palpation of masticatory muscles, ligaments, and joint margins to support clinical reasoning
  • Use movement differentiation tests to assess neuromuscular control and tissue contribution
  • Interpret findings to inform referral and collaborative management, rather than standalone diagnosis

6. Understand physiotherapy’s role in managing TMD

  • Understand how physiotherapy addresses musculoskeletal contributors such as movement dysfunction, muscle tone, joint loading, and cervical involvement
  • Recognise when physiotherapy input may complement splint therapy or dental management
  • Strengthen confidence in interdisciplinary communication and coordinated patient care

Presenters

Nigel Smith graduated from the University of Queensland in 2000. He has over 20 years of experience as a specialist physiotherapist in jaw, neck, and headache pain management. Initially pursuing sports physiotherapy, Nigel found his true calling in TMJ treatment following a chance encounter with an oral surgeon. 

His personal experience with TMJ issues and his dedication to developing conservative treatment pathways have made him a go-to expert for Dentists and oral surgeons seeking alternatives to surgical options. 

Nigel’s commitment to excellence includes advanced training with the Watson Headache® Institute and lecturing at the University of Queensland. His expertise, backed by decades of hands-on practice and training, makes him a respected leader in this niche field.

 

Megan has over 25 years on international clinical experience, working in Australia, England and South Africa.  Megan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiotherapy, and a Master of Philosophy. She has worked in private practice and was an integral member of the School of Physiotherapy at the Uni of Notre Dame, Fremantle lecturing in within the musculoskeletal stream. 

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