[Oral kinesiology and the quality of life]. / Orale kinesiologie en levenskwaliteit.

In a comparative study, the influence of oral health on the quality of life was investigated for people with temporomandibular pain, people with tooth wear and people with complete dentures. To this end, the study made use of the Oral Health Impact Profile. Both the total score and the scores on 4 of the 7 domains of the Oral Health Impact Profile were significantly higher in the research group with temporomandibular pain than in the research groups with tooth wear and complete dentures. These results suggest that among people with temporomandibular pain the influence of oral health on the quality of life is more negative than among people with tooth wear and among people with complete dentures. This result can probably be linked with the general finding that patients with temporomandibular pain bear a relatively high psycho-social burden.

[Occupational differentiation in dentistry 2. From Brueghel's syndrome to a radiant smile. An advanced postgraduate programme in oral kinesiology]. / Beroepsdifferentiatie in de tandheelkunde 2. Van Bruegel-syndroom tot stralende glimlach--masterprogramma orale kinesiologie.

Oral movement disorders, jaw pain, and tooth wear are examples of clinical problems that are part of the dental discipline 'oral kinesiology'. About half of the advanced postgraduate programme in oral kinesiology involves the diagnosis, indication, and management of patients with one or more oral kinesiologic problems. The remaining time is available for thematic courses and a research project. The breadth of the programme will hopefully lead to improved care for patients whose treatment until now has been dispersed between various dental specialists. Successful candidates will obtain an advanced postgraduate diploma in Oral Kinesiology, and can also apply to be recognized as a gnathologist.

[Role of the psychologist in the treatment of bruxism]. / De rol van de psycholoog bij de behandeling van bruxisme.

Although there is a controversy about the importance of psychological factors in the development, enhancement and perpetuation of bruxism and other parafunctional activities, the contribution of a psychologist in the treatment of the individual patient is recommended. This contribution consists of diagnostic examination and treatment, most often a short cognitive behavior modification therapy. Because bruxism is mostly examined and treated in relation to the complaints it might cause, especially CMD-complaints, diagnosis and treatment are mostly directed at both. For the diagnosis a questionnaire is used, including a psychological test, which is followed by one or more interviews. The treatment is directed at learning to recognize bruxism activities, to practice alternative behavior, and to learn to cope better with situations that may lead to an increase of bruxism.

[Anxiety management of dental patients]. / Angstbegeleiding en -bestrijding. Benadering van volwassenen.

The treatment of dentally anxious patients demands a behavioral approach, supported, if necessary, by pharmacological means. First of all coping is described. Next an overview is presented of the most common anxiety-reducing methods. To this goal the dentist has at his disposal: information, successive approximation, distraction and relaxation. Biofeed-back does not appear to be used. The systematic desensitisation, the deconditioning of dental anxiety, is dealt with separately, because this technique requires the aid of a psychologist.