Introduction As a part of a multi-site RDC/TMD Validation Project, comprehensive TMJ diagnostic criteria were developed for image analysis using panoramic radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT). Methods Inter-examiner reliability was estimated using the kappa (k) statistic, and agreement between rater pairs was characterized by overall, positive, and negative percent agreement. CT was the reference standard for assessing validity of other imaging modalities for detecting osteoarthritis (OA). Results For the radiological diagnosis of OA, reliability of the three examiners was poor for panoramic radiography (k = 0.16), fair for MRI (k = 0.46), and close to the threshold for excellent for CT (k = 0.71). Using MRI, reliability was excellent for diagnosing disc displacements (DD) with reduction (k = 0.78) and for DD without reduction (k = 0.94), and was good for effusion (k = 0.64). Overall percent agreement for pair-wise ratings was ≥ 82% for all conditions. Positive percent agreement for diagnosing OA was 19% for panoramic radiography, 59% for MRI, and 84% for CT. Using MRI, positive percent agreement for diagnoses of any DD was 95% and for effusion was 81%. Negative percent agreement was ≥ 88% for all conditions. Compared to CT, panoramic radiography and MRI had poor to marginal sensitivity, respectively, but excellent specificity, in detecting OA. Conclusion Comprehensive image analysis criteria for RDC/TMD Validation Project were developed, which can reliably be employed for assessing OA using CT, and for disc position and effusion using MRI.

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MTA full pulpotomy was a successful treatment option for cariously exposed pulps in mature permanent molar teeth.

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Summary  The research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) have been employed internationally since 1992 for the study of temporomandibular muscle and joint disorders (TMD). This diagnostic protocol incorporates a dual system for assessment of TMD for Axis I physical diagnoses as well as Axis II psychological status and pain‐related disability. Because the reliability and criterion validity of RDC/TMD had not yet been comprehensively characterised, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research funded in 2001 the most definitive research to date on the RDC/TMD as a U01 project entitled, ‘Research Diagnostic Criteria: Reliability and Validity’. The results of this multi‐site collaboration involving the University of Minnesota, the University of Washington, and the University at Buffalo were first reported at a pre‐session workshop of the Toronto general session of the International Association of Dental Research on 2 July 2008. Summaries of five reports from this meeting are presented in this paper including: (i) reliability of RDC/TMD Axis I diagnoses based on clinical signs and symptoms; (ii) reliability of radiographic interpretations used for RDC/TMD Axis I diagnoses; (iii) reliability of self‐report data used for RDC/TMD Axis I diagnoses; (iv) validity of RDC/TMD Axis I diagnoses based on clinical signs and symptoms; and (v) proposed revisions of the RDC/TMD Axis I diagnostic algorithms.