Temporomandibular DisordersTMDNCT07074366
How Dentists' Personality Traits Affect Communication and Treatment Outcomes in TMD Patients
An observational study of Temporomandibular Disorders and Psychological Distress, run by Soaad Tolba Mohammed Tolba Badawi at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Any age
- Conditions the study is for
- Temporomandibular Disorders, Psychological Distress, Chronic Orofacial Pain
- What is being tested?
- Splint Therapy with Structured Communication
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 1 Dec 2023to 1 Jun 2025
- How long will I take part?
- 6 Months
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages Any age
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult, Older adult
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.
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Egypt1 site
Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University
Al Mansurah, Dakahlia Governorate, 35511
About this study
Official title: Personality Traits of TMD Experts Really Matters, A New Era in TMD Management
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.
Read the 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.
- Being tested
- Splint Therapy with Structured Communication
- Keywords
- TMD, Splint Therapy, Dentist Personality, Patient Satisfaction
- Medical subject headings
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, Patient Satisfaction
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Splint Therapy with Structured CommunicationBehavioural
All participants received a stabilization splint for the management of TMDs, combined with a structured counseling protocol delivered by the assigned dentist.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Receives: Behavioral: Splint Therapy with Structured Communication |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: 6 months post-treatment
Secondary outcomes (3)
Patient Satisfaction with Treatment
Patient satisfaction was measured using a structured questionnaire developed to assess overall satisfaction with the treatment process, fulfillment of expectations, and perceived treatment effectiveness. Responses were scored on a Likert scale, with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction.
Measured: 6 months post-treatment
Adherence to Splint Therapy
Patient adherence was assessed using two self-reported indicators: (1) average number of hours per day the splint was worn, and (2) number of days per week the splint was used consistently. Higher scores reflect better adherence.
Measured: 6 months post-treatment
Change in Psychological Distress (DASS-10 Score)
Psychological distress was measured using the 10-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-10). The change in score from baseline to 6-month follow-up reflects improvement or worsening of psychological wellbeing.
Measured: Baseline and 6 months post-treatment
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Jul 2025
- Study start1 Dec 2023
- Primary completion1 Apr 2025
- Study completion1 Jun 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Temporomandibular DisordersStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Target duration
- 6 Months
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Soaad Tolba Mohammed Tolba Badawi
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Soaad Tolba Mohammed Tolba Badawi, Mansoura University
- Investigators
- Soaad Tolba Badawy, Lecturer, Oral Surgery, MU, Principal investigator, Faculty of dentistry, Mansoura university
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07074366
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RP.25.05.1
- Acronym
- TMD
- Status last verified
- Jul 2025
- First submitted
- 10 Jul 2025
- Last updated
- 20 Jul 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Haggag MA, Elmaghraby SA, Hafez MM, Badawi AT, Badawy ST. Personality Traits of TMD Experts Really Matters, A New Era in TMD Management. A Prospective Cohort Study. J Oral Rehabil. 2026 Jul 11. doi: 10.1111/joor.70259. Online ahead of print.
PubMed 42433132
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Personality Traits of TMD Experts Really Matters, A New Era in TMD Management
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07074366
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- TMD / RP.25.05.1
- Keywords
- TMD, Splint Therapy, Dentist Personality, Patient Satisfaction
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Soaad Tolba Mohammed Tolba BadawiUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Dec 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Jun 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 20 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Target follow-up
- 6 Months
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| TMD Patients Assigned to Dentists | – | Behavioral: Splint Therapy with Structured CommunicationPatients 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. |
Who may qualify
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
- 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.
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 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.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Splint Therapy with Structured CommunicationAll participants received a stabilization splint for the management of TMDs, combined with a structured counseling protocol delivered by the assigned dentist. | Behavioural | TMD Patients Assigned to Dentists |
Primary outcome
Patient-Centered Communication Score (PCCS)
Time frame: 6 months post-treatment
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.
3 secondary outcomes
Patient Satisfaction with Treatment
Time frame: 6 months post-treatment
Adherence to Splint Therapy
Time frame: 6 months post-treatment
Change in Psychological Distress (DASS-10 Score)
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months post-treatment
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 20 Jul 2025.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42433132Haggag MA, Elmaghraby SA, Hafez MM, Badawi AT, Badawy ST. Personality Traits of TMD Experts Really Matters, A New Era in TMD Management. A Prospective Cohort Study. J Oral Rehabil. 2026 Jul 11. doi: 10.1111/joor.70259. Online ahead of print.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Soaad Tolba Badawy, Lecturer, Oral Surgery, MU principal investigator
Faculty of dentistry, Mansoura university
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Temporomandibular Disorders and Psychological Distress, run by Soaad Tolba Mohammed Tolba Badawi at 1 site in Egypt.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Jul 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Egypt. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Patient-Centered Communication Score (PCCS) (time frame: 6 months post-treatment). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07074366, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 Jul 2025.