Medical legal considerations in temporomandibular disorders

Dentists commonly see patients with temporomandibular disorders who are involved in litigation, and dentists are occasionally accused of temporomandibular disorder–related negligence. Rapidly changing scientific knowledge must 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 concepts pertaining to legal causation are discussed, especially in relation to motor vehicle accidents. Recommendations for avoiding malpractice suits are presented. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;88:395-9)