Temporomandibular disorders: current status of research, education, policies, and its impact on clinicians in the United States of America.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current status and future directions in research, education, clinical practice, and policy related to temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in the United States. TMDs are defined as a group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints, masticatory muscles, and associated tissues, often causing pain and dysfunction. The article highlights recent advances including the 2020 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report calling for improved interdisciplinary research, evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), and enhanced dental education standards mandated by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Additionally, it notes the American Dental Association's 2020 recognition of orofacial pain as a dental specialty, which aims to improve access to specialized care and standardize postgraduate training. The report emphasizes a shift toward conservative, reversible treatments aligned with a biopsychosocial model and advocates for collaborative, patient-centered approaches to improve outcomes for individuals with TMDs.