Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is one of the most common oral and maxillofacial diseases, affecting millions of patients worldwide. Due to its complex etiology, involving anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuromuscular control and many other aspects, the professional training of relevant medical personnel is very important. The aim of this project is to improve the knowledge of medical personnel on TMJ disease, improve their diagnosis and treatment ability, and ultimately improve the quality of life of patients through systematic basic training. This project is committed to cultivating a group of TMJ disease professionals with solid theoretical foundation and clinical practice ability, and promoting the development of TMJ disease research and clinical treatment through interdisciplinary cooperation. This program is aimed at medical personnel and researchers in the fields of stomatology, maxillofacial surgery, rehabilitation medicine, biomechanics, especially those professionals who have a keen interest in TMJ diseases and wish to pursue further studies in this field.

Advantages:

1. Interdisciplinary Integration: Incorporating the most recent research findings from fields such as stomatology, biomechanics, and neuroscience.

2. Practice-Oriented Approach: Emphasizing the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application, offering extensive clinical case studies and simulation exercises.

3. International Perspective: Inviting globally recognized experts to deliver lectures and share cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic concepts and technologies.

4. Continuous Learning: Providing an online learning platform that enables students to review and update their knowledge at any time.

Features:

1. Personalized Learning path: Provide a customized learning plan based on the background and needs of the student.

2. Interactive teaching: Through the form of group discussion, role play, etc., to improve students' participation and learning effect.

3. Clinical internship opportunities: Provide clinical internship opportunities in cooperation with well-known hospitals, so that students can learn and grow in practice.

Vision:

Through the training program, we aim to cultivate a cohort of TMJ disease diagnosis and treatment specialists who possess both an international perspective and advanced professional capabilities. This initiative is designed to elevate academic research and clinical practice in the field, culminating in a substantial enhancement of the quality of life for patients.

Expected Results:

1. Enhance Professional Competence: Equip participants with foundational knowledge and clinical skills pertaining to TMJ disorders.

2. Promote Academic Exchange: Facilitate the establishment of an interdisciplinary platform for academic interaction, thereby fostering knowledge dissemination and innovation.

3. Improve Patient Treatment: Elevate the standards of diagnosis and treatment for TMJ conditions, minimizing instances of misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses.

4. Advance Disciplinary Development: Stimulate the growth and advancement of the TMJ disease specialty through dedicated training and research endeavors.

Training Objectives:

1. Theoretical Knowledge: Ensure that trainees attain a comprehensive understanding of the anatomical, physiological, and pathological aspects of the temporomandibular joint.

2. Clinical Skills: Enable trainees to proficiently employ a range of diagnostic and therapeutic methodologies, including arthrography and arthroscopic surgery.

3. Research Ability: Foster the development of scientific reasoning and investigative capabilities among trainees, encouraging active engagement in research within the domain of TMJ disorders.

4. Interdisciplinary Cooperation: Cultivate a collaborative mindset among trainees and facilitate cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration.

In August 2012, the applicant received the Doctor of Dentistry degree from Kiel University, Germany, and was appointed as a Chief Physician and Doctoral Supervisor. Additionally, the applicant served as a Member of the Special Committee for the Chinese Orthodontics Department and the Chinese Oral Temporomandibular Joint Special Committee. The applicant has successfully led two national-level research projects (2012-01-01 to 2015-12-31 and 2020-01-01 to 2023-12-31), one project funded by the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation (completed), and one project under the "Qianjiang Talent" program of the Zhejiang Provincial Science and Technology Department (completed). Furthermore, the applicant has been honored with the Zhejiang Provincial Health Department's Science and Technology Progress Award. To date, the applicant has published over 100 academic papers, including more than 40 indexed in the Science Citation Index (SCI). In recent years, the applicant has focused on researching the mechanisms of osteogenic differentiation and regeneration of stem cells, particularly in the study of the role of mesenchymal stem cell membranes in regenerative medicine, the influence of biomaterial surface properties on stem cell osteogenic differentiation, and the mechanisms governing cellular behavior.

Undergraduate students：

Candidates should be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in a related field of stomatology. Basic English skills are required.

Graduate students：

Candidates must be enrolled in a master's, MD or PhD degree program in oral medicine or a related field. Familiar with research methods and laboratory techniques. Fluency in English is a must.

Researcher fellows：

Applicants should have an advanced degree in the discipline of oral medicine (master's, MD or equivalent) and have some research experience. Candidates must be able to work independently and contribute to team projects. A good command of English is essential.

Doctors：

Candidates must have an MD degree with clinical experience in dentistry. Research experience is not mandatory, but has strong advantages. Applicants must be proficient in English.

Postdocs：

Postdocs should have a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree or equivalent education, training and experience. Candidates should be proficient in English.

Duration: 6 weeks

Daily Training Schedule:

Monday:

9:00 AM – 11:00 PM: Lecture on anatomical basis

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Lecture on physiological basis

Tuesday:

9:00 AM – 11:00 PM: Lecture on diagnostic techniques

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Lecture on treatment technique and clinical case study Wednesday:

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Lecture on scientific thinking and research technique

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Lecture on thesis writing

Thursday:

9:00 AM – 12:30 AM: Lecture on interdisciplinary cooperation and exchange

Friday:

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Lecture on practice

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Lecture on Feedback and improvement

Program Training Schedule:

1. Session Name:

Time Duration: (7 weeks)

Activities:

Format:

Stage 1: Fundamental Theory Learning (1 week)

Anatomical Foundation: Provide a detailed explanation of the anatomical structure of the temporomandibular joint, encompassing components such as the articular disc, joint capsule, condyle, and others.

Physiological Foundation: Explore the physiological functions of the temporomandibular joint, including but not limited to mastication and speech.

Pathological Foundation: Conduct an analysis of the common causes and pathological transformations associated with temporomandibular joint disorders.

Stage 2: Clinical Skills Development (1 week)

Diagnostic Techniques: Acquire proficiency in utilizing a variety of diagnostic instruments and methodologies, such as radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and more.

Treatment Techniques: Gain mastery over conventional therapeutic approaches, including physical therapy, pharmacotherapy, surgical interventions, and others.

Clinical Case Analysis: Enhance students' clinical reasoning and decision-making capabilities through the examination of actual cases.

Stage 3: Research Competency Enhancement (2 weeks)

Scientific Thinking: Cultivate students' scientific thought processes and foster their ability to pose questions and devise solutions.

Research Methodologies: Study the foundational techniques of scientific inquiry, such as experimental design, statistical analysis, and others.

Thesis Writing: Guide students in the composition of scientific research articles, covering aspects like literature reviews, experimental reports, and more.

Stage 4: Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Communication (1 week)

Teamwork: Facilitate the development of teamwork skills among students through collaborative projects and group discussions.

Academic Exchange: Organize scholarly meetings and symposiums to facilitate interaction and collaboration across different fields of study.

Stage 5: Practice (2 weeks)

Practice: Arrange students to practice in the cooperative laboratory to improve the basic experimental operation ability.

Discussion: Regularly organize case discussion for students to share their internship experience and learning experience.

Feedback and improvement: Constantly adjust and optimize the training plan based on internship feedback

Training evaluation

Theory tests: Online theory tests are conducted on a regular basis to assess students' mastery of basic theory.

Skills assessment: Hands-on assessment in an offline workshop to assess the clinical skills of the participants.

Case study: Participants are asked to submit a case report on the treatment of temporomandibular joint disease to evaluate its clinical application ability.

Training support

Provide training materials and reference materials.

Provide an online learning platform for students to review and communicate at any time.

Continuing education opportunities are available, including online courses and seminars.

Feedback

1. Theoretical test feedback

1.1 Analysis of test results

At the end of each theory test, students will receive an individual performance report, including correct answers and analysis. This helps students understand which areas they have mastered well and which areas need further study.

1.2 Collective Feedback

The teacher or trainer will analyze the test results as a whole and provide collective feedback in the online course or workshop, pointing out common problems and points that need strengthening.

2. Operation assessment feedback

2.1 Immediate Feedback

In the simulated operation assessment, the trainer will provide immediate verbal feedback, pointing out the strengths of the trainees in the operation and areas for improvement.

2.2 Video playback analysis

For some operational assessments, a video may be recorded and the analysis played back later with the student to discuss details and improvement points in the operation in more detail.

3. Case report feedback

3.1 Written Feedback

The case report will be reviewed in detail by an expert jury and written feedback will be provided, including the strengths and weaknesses of the report and suggestions for improvement.

3.2 Verbal Feedback

During the oral presentation session, experts and other participants will ask questions and make suggestions, which provides participants with direct oral feedback and helps them to look at their work from multiple perspectives.

4. Regular progress meetings

4.1 Personal Progress Meeting

Participants will have regular one-on-one meetings with a trainer or tutor to discuss their progress, challenges and future learning plans.

4.2 Group Discussion

Participants will participate in group discussions to share their learning experiences and provide feedback and support to each other.

5. Peer evaluation

5.1 Peer evaluation

During certain training sessions, such as group projects or case discussions, participants will have the opportunity for peer evaluation, which helps them gain valuable feedback from their peers.

6. Feedback summary and action plan

6.1 Feedback Summary

At the end of the training, participants will receive a comprehensive feedback report summarizing feedback from all assessment and evaluation sessions.

6.2 Develop an action plan

Based on the feedback, participants will work with the trainer to develop a personal development action plan that will define the direction of future learning and improvement.

Through these multi-dimensional feedback mechanisms, students can fully understand their learning situation and make targeted improvements according to the feedback to achieve personal career development and professional skills improvement.

The program is free of charge.

Program Coordinator: Jun Lin

Email: linjun2@zju.edu.cn

Phone: 15967157887