Journal of Dental Research, Vol 71, 1607-1612, Copyright © 1992 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Demand and need for treatment of craniomandibular dysfunction in the Dutch adult population
R. J. De Kanter, A. F. Kayser, P. G. Battistuzzi, G. J. Truin and M. A. Van 't Hof
Department of Oral Function and Prosthetic Dentistry, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
A nationwide survey of oral conditions, treatment needs, and attitudes
toward dental health care in Dutch adults was carried out in 1986. One of
the aims of the study was to investigate the perceived need and demand for
treatment of craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD). A sample of 6577 persons
(15-74 yrs of age), stratified for gender, age, region, and socio-economic
status, was contacted. Of this sample, 4496 persons participated in the
behavioral part of the study, of which 3526 were examined clinically. The
CMD-treatment demand was based on (1) CMD complaints in the past, (2) CMD
complaints at present, and (3) an anticipated increase of the present
complaints. CMD was both anamnestically and clinically assessed,
independently by different examiners. A total of 21.5% of the Dutch adult
population reported dysfunction, but 85% of these perceived no need for
treatment. With most of the remaining 15% either seeking or intending to
seek treatment (or having had it before), a figure of 3.1% can be used to
summarize the actual level of treatment need for CMD in the Dutch adult
population.
