How Dentists' Personality Traits Affect Communication and Treatment Outcomes in TMD Patients

NCT07074366 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: RP.25.05.1
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This prospective, longitudinal study investigates the influence of dentists' personality traits on patient-reported outcomes among individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) undergoing splint therapy. Dentists are assessed using the Big Five Inventory-2 Short Form (BFI-2-S), and patients are randomly assigned to them. Key outcomes measured six months after treatment include patient-centered communication, treatment satisfaction, adherence to splint therapy, and changes in psychological distress using validated scales such as the Patient-Centered Communication Scale (PCCS), a structured satisfaction questionnaire, and the DASS-10. The study explores whether traits such as conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, openness, and emotional stability are associated with better patient outcomes in TMD care. This research aims to enhance patient-centered treatment by integrating personality-informed clinical practice and tailored communication strategies.

Conditions

Temporomandibular Disorders; Psychological Distress; Chronic Orofacial Pain

Keywords

TMD; Splint Therapy; Dentist Personality; Patient Satisfaction

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Patient-Centered Communication Score (PCCS)

  Patient-centered communication was assessed using the validated Patient-PCCS. This self-reported measure evaluates the quality of dentist-patient communication from the patient's perspective, including aspects such as empathy, clarity, and involvement in decision-making. Scores range from low to high, with higher scores indicating more patient-centered communication. The outcome is used to determine the influence of dentist personality traits on perceived communication quality.

  6 months post-treatment

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Patient Satisfaction with Treatment

  6 months post-treatment

• Adherence to Splint Therapy

  6 months post-treatment

• Change in Psychological Distress (DASS-10 Score)

  Baseline and 6 months post-treatment

Study Arms (1)

TMD Patients Assigned to Dentists

Patients diagnosed with TMDs were randomly assigned to dentists with varying personality traits. All patients received standardized splint therapy and were followed for six months. Key patient-reported outcomes-including communication quality, satisfaction with treatment, adherence to splint use, and changes in psychological distress (DASS-10)-were assessed to examine the influence of dentist personality on treatment effectiveness.

Behavioral: Splint Therapy with Structured Communication

Interventions

Splint Therapy with Structured Communication BEHAVIORAL

All participants received a stabilization splint for the management of TMDs, combined with a structured counseling protocol delivered by the assigned dentist.

TMD Patients Assigned to Dentists

Eligibility Criteria

• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

This study included adult patients diagnosed with TMDs seeking care at the oral and maxillofacial surgery department of Faculty of dentistry, Mansoura university. All patients were eligible for splint therapy and were randomly assigned to postgraduate dentists with advanced clinical training in TMD management. Dentists were with advanced training in TMD management. Participants were followed for six months after the initiation of treatment.

You may qualify if:

• Diagnosed with TMDs according to Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) guidelines, specifically disc displacement with reduction.
• Exhibiting symptoms of stress or anxiety, as identified by the baseline DASS-10 screening.
• Prescribed occlusal splint therapy as part of their treatment regimen.

You may not qualify if:

• Cognitive impairments.
• Psychiatric conditions other than anxiety or depression.
• Any condition that could impair the patient's ability to provide informed consent or accurately complete self-report questionnaires.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Soaad Tolba Mohammed Tolba Badawi: lead

Study Sites (1)

Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University

Al Mansurah, Dakahlia Governorate, 35511, Egypt

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Patient Satisfaction

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Craniomandibular Disorders; Mandibular Diseases; Jaw Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Joint Diseases; Muscular Diseases; Stomatognathic Diseases; Treatment Adherence and Compliance; Health Behavior; Behavior

Study Officials

• Soaad Tolba Badawy, Lecturer, Oral Surgery, MU

  Faculty of dentistry, Mansoura university

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Target Duration: 6 Months
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 10, 2025
• First Posted: July 20, 2025
• Study Start: December 1, 2023
• Primary Completion: April 1, 2025
• Study Completion: June 1, 2025
• Last Updated: July 20, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Locations

EG (1)