Jenna Goar-Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Physical Therapy Perspective

Jenna Goar gave a great lecture on temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) and its impact on dental care. Many patients with TMD experience pain or limited jaw movement, which can make treatment challenging and lead them to avoid care altogether.

The presentation covered how to recognize common TMD symptoms, the connection between posture and jaw function, and how the cervical spine plays a role in these issues. We also touched on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)—a type of vertigo that can occur in the dental chair when patients recline or sit up quickly. It was a valuable look at how interdisciplinary care, especially involving physical therapy, can improve comfort and outcomes for our patients.