Over the last decade, TMD were better subclassified, and the etiological concept shifted from anatomic-occlusal factors towards a biopsychosocial model focusing on physiology, behavioural aspects, and the importance of pain. Concomitantly, also the management of TMD changed from optimising bad function or bad “mechanics” (occlusal disharmony, temporomandibular joint disc displacement) using occlusal splints, grinding of the occlusion, “Phase II” treatment,…to a more behavioural and physical therapy approach, while occlusal splints are more considered an additional treatment serving protection of teeth and guarding the orofacial system during the night.
This course will review the current approach in classification, etiological factors, diagnostics and management strategies for temporomandibular disorders and related pain.

CURRICULUM VITAE: Antoon de Laat

Prof. Antoon DE LAAT , DDS, PhD is responsible for the Clinic for Temporomandibular Disorders (Dept. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) and for teaching oral physiology and pathophysiology at the School of Dentistry, Oral Pathology and Maxillofacial Surgery in Leuven, Belgium. He deals with temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain on a full-time basis. His scientific work led to over 160 papers and abstracts. He lectured all over Europe, North and South-America, the Middle and Far East. He was Associate Editor of the Journal of Orofacial Pain, and of the European Journal of Oral Sciences, currently of the European Journal of Pain, Douleur et Analgésie and the Leuven Dental Journal. He is Past-President of the IADR/Neuroscience group, the EACD, the Belgian Pain Society, and founding Chair of the Special Interest Group on Orofacial Pain of the IASP. At this moment he is council member of the IASP and chairs the Research Committee. His research interests focus on trigeminal neurophysiology, jaw reflexes, orofacial pain and quantitative sensory testing.