# Comparing the Knowledge and Awareness of Dental Students, Dental Practitioners and Patients About Botulinum Toxin and Its Therapeutic Applications in Temporomandibular Disorders

## TL;DR

This study compares how well dental students, dentists, and patients understand botulinum toxin as a treatment for jaw disorders and teeth grinding.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the varying levels of knowledge about botulinum toxin among different dental groups and patients.

## Key findings

- Dental practitioners had the highest knowledge of botulinum toxin for TMD treatment.
- Patients showed limited awareness, with female patients being more informed.
- Dental students' knowledge increased with their academic progression.

## Abstract

This study aims to assess the awareness of botulinum toxin (BTX), a treatment for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and bruxism, among patients, dental students and dental practitioners.

Over a 7-month period (September 2023–March 2024), a paper-based questionnaire was distributed to randomly selected patients, dental students, and practitioners at the Griffith University Dental Clinic (GUDC) in Queensland, Australia. The questionnaire assessed participants' knowledge and awareness of BTX as a treatment for TMD and bruxism.

A total of 325 participants completed the questionnaire, comprising 171 patients, 130 students and 24 dental practitioners. Dental practitioners demonstrated the highest knowledge and awareness surrounding the uses of BTX in TMD treatment. While students had less knowledge than practitioners, their understanding of BTX increased as they advanced through their studies. Both dental practitioners and students favored non-BTX treatments for TMD. Patients exhibited limited awareness of BTX, with female patients being more informed and receptive.

The results from this study highlight the need for increased awareness of BTX for the treatment of TMD, particularly amongst patients and dental students, and to a lesser extent, dental practitioners.