What to look for in a TMJ or Orofacial/ craniofacial pain expert

Choosing an expert witness for TMJ disorders, or TMD, can be confusing because many medical practitioners try to treat these complex problems. So what should you look for in a TMD expert.

The TMJ can be affected by misaligned teeth and the bite, therefore, a dentist makes the best expert witnesses when evaluating TMJ disorders or TMD. The American Dental Association does not currently recognize treatment of TMD as a specialty. Specialty training in a field such as oral surgery, orthodontics, and prosthodontics does not necessarily translate into specialty training in TMJ. Instead, look for a dentist who has extensive post-graduate training in TMD and orofacial/craniofacial pain. There are a number of private and university-based programs and courses available.

There are two organizations that are dedicated to educating practitioners and advancing the field of TMD: The American Academy of Craniofacial Pain and American Academy of Orofacial Pain. They each have different levels of membership. Look for someone who is a fellow. Fellowship requires a minimum of 5 years of treating TMD patients, hundreds of hours of post-graduate training taken in the field of TMD, presentation of cases before a board of fellows, the evaluation and treatment of hundreds of patients, and passing an oral and written examination

Look for a dentist who sees a large number of patients with TMD. University professors may spend a considerable amount of time doing research, writing, administrating, and teaching, and should also be questioned as to how much time they spend seeing patients

So, along with being available, being cooperative, and having a good reputation, an expert witness in TMD should have experience treating a large number of patients with these types of problems, extensive training in TMJ disorders, and recognition as being experienced and knowledgeable by organizations that specialize in TMJ related disorders