We are initiating a multinational collaborative study to evaluate conceptual frameworks for treatment delay in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, comparing two conceptual framework models using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM).

Our aim is to understand cross-national variations in therapeutic pathways-specifically, the stages where patients most often hesitate or delay seeking care, based on the experiences of oral healthcare physicians and dentists worldwide.

• A validated questionnaire will be shared exclusively with selected collaborators.

• We are seeking contributions of responses from clinicians/dentists/physicians with experience in TMJ management.

• Authorship & recognition: Responses should be collected via Google Form from professional contacts (friends/ colleagues/ networks/ peer clinicians/ physicians/ dentist/ TMD specialist). Name, mail address and affiliation details will be recorded for identification.

  • ≥100 responses: Authorship + membership points + acknowledgement

  • 50–100 responses: Membership points + acknowledgement

  • <50 responses: Membership points

• Timeline: Seeking collaborators until January 30, 2026; project completion by April 2026.

• Publication goal: Submission to a high-impact journal by July 2026.Interested researchers can apply through this portal and also, can connect directly at sasidharan.icmr@gmail.com. We also welcome colleagues with clinical datasets or ongoing TMJ research to join our emerging TMJ Research Group for broader collaborative opportunities.

The ideal applicant is a clinician or researcher with substantial experience in diagnosing and managing TMJ disorders, preferably dentists, oral healthcare physicians, maxillofacial specialists or any TMD specialists. They should have good professional networks to mobilize responses from colleagues and peers, ensuring high-quality data collection. Applicants with a track record in collaborative research and publication will be especially valuable, as the project targets a high-impact international journal.