Evaluation of a training program intended to calibrate examiners of temporomandibular disorders

Dahlstrom L, Keeling SD, Fricton JR, Galloway Hilsenbeck S, Clark GM, Rugh JD. Evaluation of a training program intended to calibrate examiners of temporomandibular disorders. Acta Odontol Scand 1994;52:250-254. Oslo. ISSN 0001-6357. The adequacy of a training program intended to calibrate examiners of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) was evaluated. Eight examiners blindly rated 12 subjects with various TMD signs and symptoms after participating in a 5-h intense training procedure. Some examiners had earlier experience of TMD examinations, and some were newly trained. The Craniomandibular Index was used as the assessment instrument. Agreement within the whole group of examiners was low. Training tended to increase the probability of correctly registering signs. It is concluded that the program was not sufficient to create reliability among multiple examiners. More extensive training, not only to a standard but also between the different examiners, appears necessary. Revision of the examination technique is suggested, and recommendations for strengthening the calibration procedures are made.