Evaluation of temporomandibular disorders, quality of life, and oral habits among dentistry students.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate temporomandibular disorders (TMD), quality of life, and oral habits in dentistry students.

METHODS

The study was performed with 480 students (287 females, 193 males). The Fonseca Questionnaire, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), and Oral Behaviors Checklist (OBC) were used.

RESULTS

The mean scores of the fifth-year students from Fonseca TMD, OHIP-14, and OBC were statistically significantly higher than those of the students in other years of study. The mean Fonseca score of female students was higher than those of the males. There was a statistically significant difference regarding the OHIP-14 scores based on the Fonseca TMD scores. A statistically significant difference regarding OBC was present based on the Fonseca TMD scores.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of TMDs was higher among the senior dentistry students. Necessary measures should be taken in the dentistry educational system to raise students' quality of life, improve joint disorders, and eliminate current oral habits.