An open working group discussion was held at the IADR General Session in New Orleans (March 2024), where members of the INfORM network finalised the proposal of a list of ten key points for good clinical practice for the field of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). These ten points represent a summary of the current standard of care for TMD management.1 The key points and their main contents mirror the recommendations recently released within England by NHS England's GIRFT programme and the Royal College of Surgeons of England for the TMD Care Pathway,2 and include:

  • One statement on general principles: patient-centred decision-making as well patient engagement and understanding of expectations are critical aspects in the management of TMDs

  • Two statements on aetiology: TMDs are disorders of musculoskeletal origin that occur within a biopsychosocial framework and are precipitated by a multifactorial aetiology

  • Three statements on diagnosis: diagnosis of TMDs should be based on a careful and standardised oral history and clinical assessment. Imaging procedures should be considered in all cases when that imaging (MRI for soft, CBCT for bone tissues) has the potential to impact the treatment plan and outcome. Currently, the use of electronic devices for diagnosis is not supported

  • Three statements on treatment: outcomes should be evaluated in terms of pain reduction and improved function as well as decrease of relapses and psychosocial impact. Primary approaches should be conservative whenever possible, with a combination of counselling, cognitive-behavioural treatments, provisional use of oral appliances, and pharmacological control of pain. Surgery may be needed in a selected minority of cases. Dental and/or surgical techniques to correct occlusion and/or mandible position are not supported

  • One statement on TMDs within the broader aspects of orofacial pain: cases of pain chronicity or presence of concurrent multiple pain conditions should be managed by expert practitioners and/or referred to the proper specialist.

These key points, in their simplicity, will assist general dental practitioners to advance their understanding and prevent inappropriate treatment. They can be viewed as a guiding template for other national and international associations to prepare guidelines and recommendations on management of TMDs; those can be adapted to the different cultural, social, educational, and healthcare requirements in countries around the world.