Treffer: Evaluating Temporomandibular Disorder Severity: A Four‐Dimensional Model.

Background: This study developed and tested a multi‐dimensional model for evaluating the severity of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) based on the five core symptoms (5Ts) of the Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs (DC/TMD). Methods: Study participants were sourced from a university hospital. The 5Ts screener was expanded to include the dimensions of duration, frequency, intensity, and interference with daily activities (5Ts‐4D). The 5Ts‐4D, along with the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS), Jaw Functional Limitation Scale‐8 (JFLS‐8), and Oral Health Impact Profile for TMDs (OHIP‐TMD), was administered to individuals with no (NT), intra‐articular (IT), pain‐related (PT), and combined (CT) TMDs as determined using the DC/TMD methodology and diagnostic algorithms. Reliability and validity testing were carried out thereafter (α = 0.05). Results: Among the 324 participants, 13.6% had NT, while 42.9%, 15.7%, and 27.8% were diagnosed with IT, PT, and CT, respectively. The 5Ts‐4D demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.83–0.95) and moderate‐to‐good test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.51–0.97) across various symptom‐dimension combinations. It also showed robust known‐group differences (PT, CT, IT>NT) and convergent validity, with strong correlations between global TMD severity, JFLS‐8, and OHIP‐TMD (rs = 0.68–0.78). Conclusions: The 5Ts‐4D, with its strong reliability and robust validity, holds promise as a straightforward tool for evaluating TMD symptoms and severity, thereby contributing to more effective management of TMD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]