May 11, 2005
Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D.
Director
National Institutes of Health
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20892

Dear Dr. Zerhouni,

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJD) are serious and debilitating conditions that affect millions of Americans, including thousands of my constituents. As you know, pain from TMJD can radiate throughout the head and neck, and can often be a part of broader syndromes affecting much of the body. Although researchers have documented many problems associated with TMJD and the high prevalence in the American population, many persons continue to suffer undiagnosed, and even those diagnosed continue to suffer as clinicians struggle to find effective methods of treatment. I'm concerned that not enough is being done to improve the response of the public health system to this condition.

I wholeheartedly support the steps the NIH has taken to enhance its collection of scientific data on TMJD, particularly at the TMJD Interagency Working Group and the 1996 Technology Assessment Conference-drawing from varied viewpoints, in the spirit of the NIH Roadmap, and focusing efforts on TMJD and related conditions. I urge you to continue the search for a better understanding of the scope of its impact on the American public. But, I respectfully urge you to consider moving more quickly to raise awareness of what we do already know about TMJD. I was pleased to hear of your upcoming Share the Health: Health and Fitness Expo. A possible addition would be a booth dedicated to teaching people about the incredible power of the jaws, the complex function of the joint, how to keep it healthy, and how to obtain help when problems arise.

In addition, perhaps the NIH can coordinate with medical, dental, and patient groups to make a concerted effort, over the course of a special week each year, to inform the public and health providers that TMJD can and should be addressed. Only with improved awareness will we be able to help those persons suffering with TMJD, or better yet, prevent the condition in the first place.

I would also welcome an update on NIH's current programs to collect and disseminate information on TMJD, including the use of longitudinal studies and TMJD patient registries, and any plans to reconvene the valuable Technology Assessment Committee on its 10-year anniversary.

With respect and appreciation, I look forward to working with you on this important health problem.

Sincerely,


Edward M. Kennedy