Aim The aim of this study was to define the prevalence and severity of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among Iranian dental and nondental students who attended Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Materials and methods The samples consisted of 200 subjects, 100 dental and 100 nondental students (equal distribution between males and females). Subjects ages ranged from 18 to 30 years (24.07 ± 2.93). A functional evaluation was performed using the Helkimo dysfunction index (Di). Data were evaluated by the Chi-square test. Results Among the total study population, 71% showed some degree of dysfunction. Prevalence ratio in dental students was 80%, while in nondental students was 62% (p < 0.05, odds ratio = 0.679). With respect to gender, women (80%) were more affected than men (62%). A significant relationship was found between gender and the occurrence of TMD (p < 0.05). Conclusion A high prevalence of signs of TMD in Iranian university students was seen which was greater in dental students and women. Clinical significance The results of this study showed that the prevalence of TMD among dental students and women was significantly higher than nondental students and men. These findings might be due to poor postural style or emotional stress during dental practice. How to cite this article Bahrani F, Ghadiri P, Vojdani M. Comparison of Temporomandibular Disorders in Iranian Dental and Nondental Students. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(2): 173-177.

Background:This study was designed to evaluate the correlation between subjective data obtained from a questionnaire and clinical examination among students in Shiraz university of medical sciences.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional prospective study, the samples consisted of 200 subjects, with equal distribution between males and females. Subjects’ ages ranged from 18 to 30 years (24.07±2.93). A functional evaluation was performed using the Helkimo clinical dysfunction (Di) and anamnestic (Ai) indices. Data were evaluated by the Chi-square test between gender and clinical dysfunction index (Di) and correlation coefficient between Di and Ai (the level of significance was set at P<0.05).Results:Among the total study population, 30% reported mild symptoms (Ai I) while 2% had severe (Ai II). In the clinical examination, 71% showed some degree of dysfunction. These degrees were as follows: 50% were classified as mild (Di I), 13% moderate (Di II) and 8% severe signs and symptoms (Di III).With respect to gender, women (80%) were more affected than men (62%). A significant relationship was found between gender and the occurrence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) (P<0.05). The correlation coefficient (r) between the reported symptoms (Ai) and recorded signs (Di) was 0.53. There were positive correlation coefficient between Di and Ai. They were statistically significant (P<0.001).Conclusions:A high prevalence of signs and symptoms of TMD among students in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences was seen, which was greater in women. Despite suffering from TMD, students were not aware of their disorders.