Comparison of Reaching Methods for TMJ and TMD Education in Dental Students

This randomized two-sequence crossover educational study aimed to compare theoretical and practical teaching methods for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anatomy, temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), and prosthodontic treatment approaches among dental students. A total of 83 third-year dental students were randomly allocated to two groups. Group 1 received theoretical teaching followed by practical teaching, whereas Group 2 received practical teaching followed by theoretical teaching. Both groups received both teaching methods, which covered TMJ anatomy, disc position and function, disc displacement, clinical manifestations, joint mechanics, and prosthodontic treatment approaches. Following completion of both teaching sessions, students completed a 17-item questionnaire evaluating their perceptions of the teaching methods and their preferences regarding the most effective and ideal teaching approach.

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Key information

Conditions

Dental Education

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Sakaerya University Faculty of Dentistry

Sakarya, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Third-year undergraduate dental students who were native Turkish speakers, were enrolled in the third year of the dental curriculum for the first time, and voluntarily agreed to participate in the study by providing informed consent

Exclusion criteria

Students who did not meet the inclusion criteria or did not provide informed consent were excluded from the study.

Treatment and study plan

Theoretical Teaching

Other

A slide-assisted theoretical teaching session covering temporomandibular joint anatomy, disc position and function, disc displacement with and without reduction, clinical manifestations, joint mechanics, and prosthodontic treatment approaches.

Practical Teaching

Other

A model-assisted hands-on teaching session covering temporomandibular joint anatomy and function, temporomandibular disorders, and prosthodontic treatment approaches, including hands-on fabrication of anterior repositioning and stabilization splints.

Primary outcomes

Students' Perceived Effectiveness of the Teaching Methods

Time frame: Immediately after completion of both teaching sessions

Students rated the effectiveness of the theoretical and practical teaching methods using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Ratings for the two teaching methods were compared to evaluate students' perceptions of their effectiveness.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Sakarya University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of Two Different Teaching Methods for Temporomandibular Joint Anatomy, Temporomandibular Disorders and Occlusal Splint Applications Among Dental Students

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Sep 16, 2026
Registry last updated: Sep 16, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed