Diş Hemşiresi Liderliğinde Akupunktur Hizmeti, Temporomandibular Bozukluk İçin Erişimi ve Sonuçları Önemli Ölçüde İyileştiriyor

Özet (abstract)

Aims Acupuncture is an established treatment for myogenous temporomandibular disorder (mTMD). Long waiting times and limited outcome recording highlighted service improvement need. A dental nurse-led acupuncture clinic was introduced to increase access and improve clinical outcomes. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the impact of a dental nurse-led acupuncture service for mTMD. Methods Retrospective data were collected between September 2023 and May 2024, and prospective data after implementation of a dental nurse-led clinic (June 2024–December 2025). Patients received up to six 30-minute acupuncture sessions. Pain was assessed using an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS) at baseline, visit three, and visit six, and patient-reported improvement using a seven-point Global Impression of Change (GIC) at visits three and six. Outcomes were compared between dentist- and dental nurse-led care. Results In total, 63 patients were treated (32 dentist-led, 31 dental nurse-led), with 40 completing six visits. Following implementation, throughput increased from 1.1 to 4.2 patients treated/month, reducing waiting times by 40 weeks. Mean NRS reduced by 42% over six visits (35.9% dentist-led versus 49% dental nurse-led), and 95% of patients reported GIC improvements. Conclusion The dental nurse-led acupuncture service for mTMD improved access, reduced waiting times, and achieved clinically significant pain reduction.

Yazarların özeti; kaynağından alınmıştır. BDJ, 2026 · DOI ↗