Registration closes in...

November 20, 2025

In-person - 789 Turnpike st North Andover, MA

6-7:30 pm ET. Arrival for 5:30 pm ET.

TMD or TMJ? What is it all about?

Ann-Marie Depalma, CDS, RDH, MEd, FADIA, FAADH, FADHA

A patient contacts the office with pain in the jaw and facial muscles; how do you triage and treat? Temporomandibular Disorders are a group of conditions, often painful, that affects the Temporomandibular Joint and the muscles of mastication. It has been estimated by the National Institutes of Health that approximately 10 million people are affected. During this interactive presentation, attendees will discover the anatomy, signs and symptoms and treatments available for TMD patients. Understanding the structure and function of the joint and its disease manifestations, participants will be able to understand the frustration that often accompanies the TMD patient.

Learning Objectives

  • Demonstrate a review of the anatomy of the Temporomandibular Joint

  • Identify the signs and symptoms of TMD that can be recognized in patients

  • Examine the possible ecological factors which contribute to the development of TMD

  • Discuss the various methods of evaluation and treatment of TMD patients

  • Verbalize the role of the dental team in providing comprehensive care for TMD patients

Meet Ann-Marie

Ann-Marie C. DePalma, CDS, RDH, MEd, FADIA, FAADH, FADHA is a graduate of the Forsyth School for Dental Hygienist, Northeastern University and the University of Massachusetts Boston. Ann-Marie is a Fellow of the Association of Dental Implant Auxiliaries (ADIA), a Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Hygiene (AADH), a continuous member of American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), as well as a lifetime member of the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM). She is an Esther Wilkins Distinguised Alumni of Forsyth Award recipient. Ann-Marie has published in dental and dental hygiene publications and textsbooks. She is a consultant dental hygiene examiner for CDCD/WREB/CITA.

Ann-Marie presents continuing education programs for dental team members on a variety of subjects. She has been employed as a software trainer educating teams on software technology for their practice and patients, a business/clinical advisor for a national dental practice management company, a faculty member of a dental hygiene program, and program chair of a dental assisting program after having been employed in clinical practice for a number of years. Beyond continuing continuing education programs, Ann-Marie is a prolific writer having written in a variety of dental publications and can provide written materials for your business.

She is married with 2 adult sons and is a Minister of the Word (Lector) at her church and volunteers in other local activities.

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