Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Orofacial Pain Education Program as a Complementary Intervention for Frequent Chronic Painful Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Mixed-Approach Clinical Study

• Grant number: 25/11104-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Laís Valencise Magri
• Grantee: Beatriz Dorne
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a chronic musculoskeletal condition that impairs functional, emotional, and social domains, negatively affecting quality of life. Mindfulness-based strategies have shown promise in managing chronic pain; however, their application as complementary educational interventions in dental clinical settings remains underexplored. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Orofacial Pain Education Program as an adjunct to conventional clinical treatment in patients with chronic painful TMD. Methods: This is a longitudinal mixed-methods study involving 40 patients diagnosed with frequent chronic painful TMD, according to the DC/TMD and ICOP criteria. Participants will be randomly allocated by simple lottery into two groups: intervention group (conventional treatment + mindfulness-based educational program, n = 20) and control group (conventional treatment only, n = 20). The intervention will last eight weeks, consisting of weekly 45-minute sessions. Assessments will be conducted at three time points: baseline (T0), two months after treatment initiation - intervention endpoint (T1), and three months after clinical discharge (follow-up - T2). Instruments will include the SF-MPQ, JFLS-20, WHOQOL-BREF, GAD-7, FFMQ, and PGIC. At follow-up, participants will complete a telephone-based questionnaire comprising open-ended questions and numeric rating scales assessing current pain, self-management strategies, aggravating factors, and the functional impact of symptoms. Additionally, focus groups will be conducted at T1 to qualitatively explore participants' perceptions. Statistical analysis: Descriptive analysis will be followed by intra- and intergroup comparisons based on data distribution (t-test, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, or chi-square tests). A significance level of 5% (p < 0.05) will be adopted. Expected outcomes: The intervention group is expected to show greater pain reduction, improved function, emotional well-being, and quality of life, with sustained effects at follow-up. This initiative represents a low-cost educational intervention with high potential for social impact and applicability in public healthcare services.