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

NCT ID: NCT07074366

Last Updated: 2025-07-20

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Total Enrollment: 30 participants
• Study Classification: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2023-12-01
• Study Completion Date: 2025-06-01

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.

Detailed Description

Temporomandibular disorders are multifactorial conditions often accompanied by psychological distress, chronic pain, and functional limitations. While splint therapy remains a common conservative intervention, patient adherence and satisfaction with treatment can vary widely and are often influenced by interpersonal dynamics between provider and patient.

Emerging literature in medicine and dentistry suggests that provider personality traits play a critical role in shaping communication style, patient engagement, and ultimately clinical outcomes. However, few studies have systematically examined this relationship within dental practice, particularly in the management of TMDs.

This study adopts a prospective, randomized design. Thirty dentists treating TMD patients are assessed for their personality traits using the BFI-2-S, which evaluates five core dimensions: conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, openness, and negative emotionality. Three hundred TMD patients are randomly assigned to one of the participating dentists and undergo a standardized treatment protocol involving splint therapy. Dentists follow a structured communication and counseling framework aimed at enhancing the quality of interaction and patient education.

Patient outcomes are assessed at baseline and after six months of therapy. The key outcomes include:

Quality of doctor-patient communication, measured using the PCCS,

Treatment satisfaction using a structured questionnaire,

Adherence to splint therapy (hours/day and days/week),

Psychological well-being measured by the DASS-10.

Statistical analyses include correlation to assess the association between dentist personality traits and patient outcomes.

This study has the potential to uncover meaningful links between provider personality and clinical success in TMD management. Results may guide the development of more effective communication protocols, inform training and self-awareness initiatives for dental professionals, and promote patient-centered care grounded in both technical and interpersonal excellence.

Conditions

Temporomandibular Disorders; Psychological Distress; Chronic Orofacial Pain

Study Design

• Observational Model Type: COHORT
• Study Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE

Study Groups

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.

Splint Therapy with Structured Communication

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

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

Interventions

Splint Therapy with Structured Communication

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

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• 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.

Exclusion Criteria

• 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.

• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Soaad Tolba Mohammed Tolba Badawi

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Soaad Tolba Mohammed Tolba Badawi

Lecturer of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

Soaad Tolba Badawy, Lecturer, Oral Surgery, MU

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Faculty of dentistry, Mansoura university

Locations

Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University

Al Mansurah, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt

Countries

Egypt

Other Identifiers

RP.25.05.1

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id