Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect millions of people and can lead to chronic pain, impaired jaw function, and reduced quality of life. Despite their prevalence, TMD remain difficult to diagnose and treat effectively.
The TMD Collaborative for IMproving PAtient-Centered Translational Research (TMD IMPACT) is a five-year, NIH-funded research and education initiative designed to address these gaps. The program brings together research teams at the University of Pittsburgh, University of Michigan, and University of Southern California to advance understanding across basic, translational and clinical science.
TMD IMPACT integrates patient-reported outcomes with biological, imaging, and clinical data to support more precise diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches. The initiative also emphasizes patient engagement, ensuring that research priorities reflect lived experiences and real-world needs.
In addition to research, TMD IMPACT supports education and workforce development through training programs for early-career researchers and clinicians. Shared data infrastructure, research cores, and collaborative resources are designed to accelerate discovery, improve clinical care, and grow the community of professionals dedicated to improving TMD care.
As TMD IMPACT gets underway, the TMJA will provide updates on progress, discoveries, and opportunities for involvement as they become available.