EVALUATION OF A TRAINING-PROGRAM INTENDED TO CALIBRATE EXAMINERS OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS

The adequacy of a training program intended to calibrate examiners of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) was evaluated. Eight examiners blind ly rated 12 subjects with various TMD signs and symptoms after partici pating in a 5-h intense training procedure. Some examiners had earlier experience of TMD examinations, and some were newly trained. The Cran iomandibular Index was used as the assessment instrument. Agreement wi thin the whole group of examiners was low. Training tended to increase the probability of correctly registering signs. It is concluded that the program was not sufficient to create reliability among multiple ex aminers. More extensive training, not only to a standard but also betw een the different examiners, appears necessary. Revision of the examin ation technique is suggested, and recommendations for strengthening th e calibration procedures are made.