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Faculty Advisor

Inae Gadotti

Author Biographical Statement

Kelly Turro is a fourth-year student majoring in Biological Sciences with a second major in Natural and Applied Sciences. Her research was conducted under the Honors College Advanced Research and Creativity in Honors (ARCH) program, with mentoring from the Department of Physical Therapy and the Department of Nurse Anesthesiology in the FIU Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Kelly aspires to go into the field of Dentistry, applying to attend dental school. She currently volunteers as a General Biology I Peer Leader, guiding general biology students through weekly workshops.

Abstract

Orotracheal intubation is a procedure that is considered a risk factor for the development of disorders related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A proper TMJ assessment is required before and after inducing anesthesia to minimize temporomandibular complications. The objective of this pilot study was to assess the education, awareness, and confidence of anesthesia providers nationwide when evaluating TMJ in patients undergoing non-emergency orotracheal intubation. An online survey was created, including 21 questions related to: demographics, work experience, self-perceived knowledge and adequacy of entry-level education, awareness of TMJ risks, and current confidence levels on evaluating TMJ. A total of 36 anesthesia providers participated (47 ±12 years; 73% female, 27% male). 89% of the participants (26) reported receiving somewhat or very little adequate information on the management of TMJ issues related to intubation throughout their entry-level education. Only 38% (11) reported feeling confident in evaluating TMJs. Of those who were not confident, 28% (6) referred patients to another provider. The majority of the anesthesia providers did not receive adequate information on the management of TMJ issues in relation to intubation during their education. This lack of knowledge and awareness may have contributed to their lack of confidence in evaluating TMJs. After taking the survey, all participants felt more aware about the importance of proper education in TMJ evaluations before and after non-emergency orotracheal intubation. The survey helped increase awareness in anesthesia providers regarding the importance of evaluating TMJ when conducting intubation.

DOI

10.25148/FIUURJ.3.1.3

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