The TMJA received the following article from the 360 Chat-TMD Center to share with our readers.
We are excited to announce a milestone in TMD research—a $13 million-plus NIH-NIDCR IMPACT Center grant bringing together the University of Michigan School of Dentistry (UMSD), Mass General Brigham (Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital; MGB), and Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) in an unprecedented, multi-institutional and interdisciplinary effort to advance understanding and care for TMD.
A United Front Against TMD Complexity
TMD affects approximately 10% of Americans and often presents alongside other chronic pain conditions, making diagnosis and management a persistent challenge. The 360° Collaborative Hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in TMD Research (360° CHAT-TMD) leverages collective strengths in multiple fields from these national leading institutions, with patient-centered translational research in TMD and chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) such as migraine and fibromyalgia.
What Sets 360° CHAT-TMD Apart?
- Integrated Data Science Infrastructure: Development of cutting-edge AI and digital twin technologies and methods that will aggregate and harmonize patient data across all institutions. See some of our already available resources (https://360tmd.ai).
- Standardized Training Programs: Implementation of unified educational resources and career development pathways for future clinician-scientists.
- Interdisciplinary Mechanistic Research: Joint studies exploring (neuro)imaging, biomarkers, and clinical factors driving TMD and chronic pain, powered by advanced AI and machine learning (ML).
- Technological Innovation for Collaboration: Deployment of digital tools—including mobile chatbots—for remote phenotyping, cohort mapping, and patient engagement on a national scale.
Three Pillars of Research Innovation Across Institutions
- Whole-Person Research: Integrating biological, clinical, and (neuro)imaging data with state-of-the-art AI models, wearables, and digital twins to uncover TMD subtypes and develop targeted treatment strategies.
- Whole-Healthcare Research: Implementing advanced decision-support systems for clinicians, driven by AI/ML models that factor patient history, comorbidities, and symptoms—redefining personalized care.
- Whole-Community Engagement: Using digital outreach (chatbots, AI mapping tools) to connect, educate, and enroll patient communities in real time, ensuring research reflects their experience and needs.
How the Project is Organized
- Administrative Core (AC): The Administrative Core oversees the day-to-day management of 360° CHAT-TMD activities, coordinates compliance with federal regulations, and supports communications, data and biospecimen sharing, and clinical documentation. Led by Drs. Alexandre DaSilva (contact PI), with Co-PIs Drs. David Kohn, Yuji Mishina from UMSD, and Fernando Guastaldi and Shruti Handa, from HSDM/MGB, the AC ensures operational excellence and strategic integration with TMD IMPACT, providing essential infrastructure and support for educational efforts, mechanistic and clinical models, and outreach initiatives driven by AI/ML technologies.
- Bioinformatics and Data Science Core (BDSC): Led by Drs. Ivo Dinov (UM) and Liqin Wang (MGB), this hub focuses on TMD-centric common data elements (CDEs), data pipelines, and analytic infrastructure. AI/ML techniques drive multi-modal phenotyping, data harmonization, and secure collaboration, all supported by biostatistical expertise from across the partnership.
- Outreach and Training Core (OTEC): OTEC expands access to TMD and COPC resources. It designs and deploys training programs to mentor the next generation of researchers and clinicians in dental medicine and pain management. The team, led by Drs. David Keith (MGB/HSDM), Elizabeth Hatfield (UMSD), and Ron Kulich (MGB), hosts quarterly free events featuring participation from all CODA approved TMD/orofacial pain residencies, as well as weekly medical-dental pain rounds with free continuing education for 200–300 attendees from more than 80 countries. Join us and the leading experts in the field: webpage (painandheadacherounds.org). Integrating patients and their unique perspectives is a core feature of this initiative.
Collaborative Impact
This alliance of UMSD, HSDM and, MGB represents a transformative leap toward precision TMD care. Each partner plays a pivotal role. Together, we are already delivering new tools, evidence-based guidelines, and scalable solutions for TMD patients nationwide.
The 360° CHAT-TMD initiative is a testament to the power of partnership in tackling complex health challenges. With NIH-NIDCR’s investment, our collaborative teams are laying the groundwork for lasting improvements in TMD research, diagnosis, and care—driven by the insights of data, technology, and diverse expertise.
Stay Connected
Learn more about how the 360° CHAT-TMD partnership is energizing TMD research and transforming patient outcomes. As our work progresses, we look forward to sharing discoveries and new tools with clinicians, patients, and advocates across the country.