Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) recently hosted a joint webinar with Touro University’s School of Dental Medicine, based in New York, USA, to advance global academic exchange and promote interdisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and management of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). The session was facilitated by Professor Douglas Maleka, Dean of the School of Health Care Sciences at SMU.
This webinar forms part of a growing international partnership spearheaded by the university’s Directorate of Internationalisation. Dr Carlien Jooste, Director of Internationalisation at SMU, stated that the initiative aligns with the institution’s broader mission: “As the only dedicated health sciences university in Southern Africa, we have a responsibility to engage in meaningful cross-border collaborations that push the boundaries of knowledge and clinical innovation. This partnership allows us to benchmark against international best practices and expand our academic footprint.”
A highlight of the session was a complex case study presented by Dr Dakalo Nelwamondo from the School of Dentistry at SMU. It featured a 39-year-old male inmate experiencing persistent jaw pain, restricted mouth opening, and bilateral preauricular tenderness, years after a motor vehicle accident. The case provided real-world insight into the chronic challenges of diagnosing and managing TMD.
The webinar’s interdisciplinary format brought together specialists from a range of healthcare fields. Dr Singh Rajbaran from Maxillofacial and Oral Radiology offered insights into the importance of detailed imaging in diagnosis. Dr Sibusiso Mpungose from Prosthodontics discussed the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) Axis I and II diagnostic frameworks. He explained that Axis I focuses on the clinical physical diagnosis of TMD, including muscle and joint conditions, while Axis II assesses psychosocial factors and pain-related disability. “A systematic, patient-specific approach is essential,” he noted. “TMD is multifaceted—it requires looking beyond just mechanical symptoms.”
From physiotherapy, Ishmerelda Mabena-Segoe and Dr Muhammad Dawood explored conservative rehabilitation strategies such as movement-based therapy, postural correction, and trigger point treatment. “Our goal is to restore function while minimising invasive interventions,” said Mabena-Segoe.
Dr Rahab Mothapo from the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology highlighted oral-motor rehabilitation—an often-overlooked aspect of TMD management. “TMD affects more than jaw movement—it impacts speech, swallowing, and overall communication,” she explained.
Jacques Pretorius, Clinical Psychologist and Lecturer in the School of Medicine, addressed the psychosocial implications of TMD. “Chronic pain is never just physical,” he emphasised. “In South Africa, we must approach pain through a biopsychosocial–spiritual lens to ensure holistic care.”
In closing, Professor Irene Munzhelele, Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon, stressed the need for collaboration across disciplines. “Effective TMD treatment is not the domain of one profession,” she said. “It requires a team-based approach, integrating dental, medical, therapeutic, and psychological care.”
This event reflects SMU’s commitment to academic excellence and global engagement. The successful webinar paves the way for further collaborative efforts and shared learning opportunities. As Jooste remarked, “This is not just about knowledge sharing—it’s about reimagining how we train future health professionals to work together, across borders and disciplines, for the benefit of our patients.”
With additional webinars and joint initiatives planned, SMU continues to position itself at the forefront of transformative health sciences education and research, both locally and globally.
By Dimakatso Modise
