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Scholastic Dental Sciences
(ISSN: 3107-1657)



Research Article
Volume 2 Issue 3 March 2026

From Symptoms to Diagnosis: Interpretation of Patient-Reported Orofacial Pain in Temporomandibular Disorders Among Dentists—A Cross-Sectional Study”

Karima Alfitory Ahmed1* ,Basma Ali2 , Najwa Aun3

1Lecturer, Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Sirte University, Sirte, Libya
2Lecturer, Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Althadi University, Tripoli , Libya
3Lecturer, Department of prosthodontics , Faculty of Dentistry, Tripoli University, Tripoli , Libya

Corresponding Author: Karima Alfitory Ahmed, Lecturer, Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Sirte University, Sirte, Libya

Received: March 23, 2026; Published: March 30, 2026



Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) represent a leading source of orofacial pain, yet their diagnosis remains inherently challenging due to the subjective nature of patient-reported symptoms. The translation of lay symptom descriptions into accurate clinical diagnoses is a critical step in care, but one that is susceptible to variability among dentists.
Objective: This study aimed to explore how dentists interpret patient-reported orofacial pain in TMDs and to identify key factors influencing diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making.
Methods: A cross-sectional, scenario-based survey was conducted among 466 practicing dentists. The instrument incorporated clinically relevant patient-reported symptom scenarios to evaluate diagnostic interpretation, alongside measures of professional background, diagnostic confidence, and use of standardized criteria. Statistical analysis included descriptive methods, Chi-square testing, and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent predictors of diagnostic accuracy.
Results: Marked variability was observed in the interpretation of patient-reported symptoms, particularly in ambiguous and non-specific presentations. Higher diagnostic accuracy was significantly associated with formal TMD training, greater clinical experience, and increased diagnostic confidence (p < 0.05). Dentists employing an integrative diagnostic approach—combining patient-reported symptoms with clinical examination—demonstrated superior performance (p < 0.01). Furthermore, consistent application of standardized diagnostic frameworks was strongly linked to improved interpretative accuracy (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: These findings highlight substantial heterogeneity in dentists’ interpretation of patient-reported orofacial pain, underscoring the complexity of diagnostic decision-making in TMDs. Enhancing clinician training and reinforcing the use of structured diagnostic criteria are essential to improve diagnostic consistency, accuracy, and patient outcomes.
Keywords: Temporomandibular disorders, orofacial pain, diagnostic variability, clinical reasoning, dentists, cross-sectional study.

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Citation: Karima Alfitory Ahmed., et al. “From Symptoms to Diagnosis: Interpretation of Patient-Reported Orofacial Pain in Temporomandibular Disorders Among Dentists—A Cross-Sectional Study””. Scholastic Dental Sciences 2.3 (2026): 01-05.

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