NCT07074366

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

Personality Traits of TMD Experts Really Matters, A New Era in TMD Management

• Status: Completed
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 30 (actual)
• Sponsor: Soaad Tolba Mohammed Tolba Badawi · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: —
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

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

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-12-01
• Primary completion: 2025-04-01
• Completion: 2025-06-01
• First posted: 2025-07-20
• Last updated: 2025-07-20

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt