Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
“Evaluation and Treatment of the TMD Patient Utilizing a Physical Therapy/Dental Coordinated Approach” is a 2-day lecture and lab-based course developed by Mr. Esser. This course presents the fundamental principles underlying the most common temporomandibular joint dysfunctions. Physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, dentists, and dental assistants are welcome to attend.
Evaluation and Treatment of the TMD Patient Utilizing a
Physical Therapy/Dental Coordinated Approach:
A Clinical and Evidence-Based Program
Presenter: Bill Esser, PT, MS, CCTT
Dates: October 19-20, 2019
7:30-7:55 am registration / 8 am – 5:30 pm Saturday and 8 am – 5:00 pm Sunday
Location: Evergreen Medical Center Outpatient Rehab, Kirkland (Seattle-area), WA
Contact Hours: 15
Course Details: Syllabus/Schedule
Registration Fee: $475 prior to October 10, 2019/$550 on or after October 11, 2019
Who should attend?: This 2 day course is appropriate for Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, and Physical Therapy Assistants. All levels of experience are welcome. We are an approved CE provider by the WA and OR State Licensing Board for Dentists/Dental Hygienists and PT/PTA’s.
Online Registration: 
Download Paper form to fax or mail: Registration Form TMD Oct 19-20 2019Seattle WA
Course Description
Evaluation and Treatment of the TMD Patient Utilizing a Physical Therapy/Dental Coordinated Approach” is a 2-day lecture and lab-based course developed by Mr. Esser. This course presents the fundamental principles underlying the most common temporomandibular joint dysfunctions and the relationships between occlusion, the TMJ, the cranium, and the upper cervical spine. The course provides an algorithmic approach (LPTMJ format) for evaluation of the TMJ and upper cervical area. Accurate evaluation is key to appropriate treatment planning for this complex patient population, incorporating both physical therapy and dentistry. Treatment techniques presented will include manual therapy for the TMJ and upper cervical area, TMJ splinting, and therapeutic exercise for the TMJ and upper cervical area.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the basic anatomy and function of the temporomandibular joint and upper cervical area and their role in temporomandibular symptomology.
- Properly evaluate the head and neck for primary TMD causative factors and determinants for using a team approach to care.
- Be able to classify TMJ dysfunction into the appropriate classification system to assist in treatment planning.
- Appreciate the role dentistry and physical therapy play in the care of patients with TMD.
- Implement a coordinated treatment plan incorporating dental and physical therapy concepts to achieve optimal outcome for the TMD patient.
TMD Course Schedule
TMD Instructional Methods: Lectures, demonstration and labs, and case studies. Course Schedule: Day 1 – Class Schedule 7:30 – 8:00 Registration 8:00 – 8:45 Lecture 1 – Introduction – historical perspective of physical therapy and dental roles in TMD care/introduction to the LPTMJ evaluation format/TMD categories 8:45 – 10:00 Lecture 2 – Anatomy and arthrokinematics… Continue reading TMD Course Schedule
BIO: TMD Instructor Bill Esser, PT, MS, CCTT
Presenter: Bill Esser, PT, MS, CCTT Bill graduated in 1979 with a master’s degree from Purdue University and in 1981 from the University of Iowa Graduate Program in Physical Therapy. Since 1981, Bill has worked in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy settings, including being an owner/partner in private practices in Southern Oregon from 1986 until… Continue reading BIO: TMD Instructor Bill Esser, PT, MS, CCTT
The Need for Multidisciplinary Treatment for TMD
The Need for Multidisciplinary Treatment for TMD An understanding of the interrelationship of the masticatory system, the temporomandibular joints, and the head and neck is imperative when evaluating and planning treatment for patients with temporomandibular dysfunction. Dentists, physicians, physical therapists, and medical professionals often have only a selective understanding of one area of the head… Continue reading The Need for Multidisciplinary Treatment for TMD
