Implementation of TMD pain screening questionnaire in peruvian dental students.

The aim of this study was to screen for painful TMD conditions by implementing the validated Axis I screening instrument from the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Using the screener as a surrogate, the prevalence of the conditions was estimated among a convenience sample of dental students in Peru. A total 2,562 dental students, 63.7% women, aged 18 to 62 completed the instrument. Prevalence was estimated using both the short and long versions. The prevalence of painful TMD conditions was 19.4% with the short and 16.1% with the long version. The distribution of the conditions according to gender differed significantly between groups (p<.001). Prevalence estimates of painful TMD conditions using the screening instrument seems to be logistically adequate in a field assessment involving multiple geographic and cultural regions in Peru. These estimates seem to be consistent with internationally reported values.