Medical legal considerations in temporomandibular disorders

Dentists commonly see patients with temporomandibular disorders who are inv olved in litigation, and dentists are occasionally accused of temporomandib ular disorder-related negligence. Rapidly changing scientific knowledge mus t be reflected in dental practice and in the courtroom, where dentists act as experts. In this article, concepts pertaining to assessments of patients with temporomandibular disorders for impairment and disability and concept s pertaining to legal causation are discussed, especially in relation to mo tor vehicle accidents. Recommendations for avoiding malpractice suits are p resented.