ASSOCIATION BETWEEN TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DYSFUNCTION AND ANXIETY IN DENTISTRY STUDENTS: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

According to the American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP), temporomandibular disorders (TMD) comprise a set of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular problems that affect the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), the muscles of mastication, and related structures. Given this definition, the present study aims to investigate the prevalence of TMD and anxiety disorders among students enrolled in the FAMINAS BH dentistry course, and to correlate these two phenomena to determine whether there is a relationship with course progression. To achieve this objective, a questionnaire was conducted in conjunction with the extraoral examination in groups of students from the initial, intermediate, and final periods to verify the existence of a relationship between psychological and physical conditions related to TMJ. It is concluded that this study reveals a significant association between psychological conditions and TMD in dentistry students. Anxiety and depression are prevalent and are associated with muscular TMD. Furthermore, course progression contributes to an increase in the prevalence of TMD, especially in the final stages.