Advancing Research, Fostering Hope

It is only through the advancement of ground-breaking research that we will better understand the causes and mechanisms of TMJ disorders, develop safe and effective treatments and improve the care of people with TMJ disorders. Simply put – scientific advancement is what drives changes in professional education, treatment and models of care. If science doesn’t advance, the treatment of people with TMJ disorders will remain the same.

To that end, The TMJ Association (TMJA) is passionate about accelerating cutting-edge TMJ research, as well as providing TMJ patients, medical and dental professionals and the public with timely scientific developments.

“Medical breakthroughs do not happen overnight. In almost all instances breakthrough discoveries result from years of incremental research to understand how the diseases starts and progresses.”

-National Institutes of Health

TMJA’s Impact on Federal Research

For over 30 years, the TMJA has worked tirelessly to secure increased federal research funding for TMJ disorders, expand the breadth of scientists in the field and accelerate new discoveries that will improve the lives of people with TMJ disorders.  

Established consensus that TMJ Disorders represent a complex family of disorders best studied with a systems approach from many disciplines working as a team.

Sponsored eight scientific meetings in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health aimed at expanding the base of TMJ Science.

Catalyst to create the TMJ Patient-Led RoundTable, a patient-centered initiative brings together a broad array of experts in government, science, healthcare, manufacturing and the public, to conduct studies aimed at improving outcomes for implant patients worldwide Click here to read the about the TMJ RoundTable project.

Advocated for the National Institutes of Health to commission the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) to conduct the first-ever TMD study. Three key spotlight areas of the study include:

  1. Recognition of TMJ Disorders as a complex condition required a multidisciplinary approach to research and treatment.
  2. A new TMJ treatment model that spans medicine and dentistry is key to making a difference in improving care for individuals with TMJ.
  3. Patients play a critical role in bringing TMJ issues to the attention of policy makers and health professionals in moving the research and care agenda forward.

We invite you to learn more about: