Abstract

A nationwide survey of oral conditions, treatment needs, and attitudes toward dental health care in Dutch adults was carried out in 1986. One of the aims of the study was to investigate the perceived need and demand for treatment of craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD). A sample of 6577 persons (15-74 yrs of age), stratified for gender, age, region, and socio-economic status, was contacted. Of this sample, 4496 persons participated in the behavioral part of the study, of which 3526 were examined clinically. The CMD-treatment demand was based on (1) CMD complaints in the past, (2) CMD complaints at present, and (3) an anticipated increase of the present complaints. CMD was both anamnestically and clinically assessed, independently by different examiners. A total of 21.5% of the Dutch adult population reported dysfunction, but 85% of these perceived no need for treatment. With most of the remaining 15% either seeking or intending to seek treatment (or having had it before), a figure of 3.1% can be used to summarize the actual level of treatment need for CMD in the Dutch adult population.