Evaluation of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder in Dental Undergraduates Using the Fonseca Questionnaire

A basic component of general well-being and health is oral health. One common problem influencing populations worldwide is temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Objectives: To determine the occurrence of temporomandibular disorders in dental undergraduates using the Fonseca index. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out with undergraduate dental students enrolled at Watim Medical and Dental College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The sample size was determined using the WHO sample size calculator, and participants were selected through non-probability judgmental sampling. Assessment of temporomandibular disorders was performed using the validated Fonseca Anamnestic Questionnaire. Data management and statistical analysis were conducted with SPSS version 26. Results: A total of 186 participants were included, with 149 females (80.10%) and 37 males (19.90%). Using the Fonseca Clinical Index, TMD classification revealed that 104 participants had present TMD (55.90%), while 82 had absent TMD (44.10%). Severity levels ranged from no TMD (44.09%) to mild TMD (43.01%), moderate TMD (9.68%), and severe TMD (3. 23%). Gender and TMD were statistically significantly associated (p=0.004), indicating that gender may contribute to TMD occurrence, with females being more affected. Additionally, there was a correlation between gender and TMD severity (p=0.038), suggesting that severity may vary based on an individual’s gender. However, no correlation was found between age and TMD (p=0.397). Conclusions: TMD was prevalent among dental undergraduates, with a statistically significant association with gender, particularly affecting females.