Jaw Repositioning, Articulators, and Unicorns: Farewell to TMJ Mythology

Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Orthodontics at the Dental School, University of Western Australia, Perth (since 2013). Adjunct Associate Professor at Saint Louis University, Missouri, USA. Specialist orthodontist with practice limited to orthodontics. Owner of West Australian Orthodontics in Midland, Western Australia. World-renowned expert on temporomandibular disorders, occlusion, and evidence-based orthodontics.

Over 27 years of combined clinical, teaching, and research experience in orthodontics. Expert in temporomandibular disorders and their relationship to orthodontic treatment, critical evaluation of airway orthodontics claims, evidence-based treatment protocols, and systematic approaches to complex malocclusions. Known for rigorous scientific approach challenging unsupported treatment philosophies. Research focuses on TMD and orthodontics, influence of craniofacial growth on treatment outcomes, occlusal relationships, and evidence-based evaluation of emerging orthodontic concepts.

Fellow of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons in the Special Field of Orthodontics (FDS RCS Edin, 2014), one of only 9 orthodontists worldwide with this distinction. Recipient of the P. Raymond Begg Research Award (2016), the Australian Orthodontic Society Foundation's most prestigious award for outstanding original research, recognizing his contributions to TMD, orthodontics, and occlusion research (seventh orthodontist to receive this honor since 1980). Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (MOrthRCS Edin). Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in Orthodontics (FRACDS Ortho). Assistant Editor of the Australian Orthodontic Journal. Reviewer for American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Angle Orthodontist, Seminars in Orthodontics, and Orthodontics - The Art and Practice of Dentofacial Enhancement. Editor of "Temporomandibular Disorders in Orthodontics: A Clinical Guide" (Wiley-Blackwell, 2015, co-edited with Dr. Charles Greene), the first and only comprehensive textbook on orthodontics and TMD. Author of numerous peer-reviewed publications and seven textbook chapters. International lecturer presenting throughout Australia, United States, Europe, Russia, and Asia on topics including evidence-based evaluation of airway orthodontics, TMD management in orthodontic patients, and critical analysis of unsupported treatment philosophies.

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Science) from University of Western Australia (1998). BScDent (Bachelor of Science in Dentistry) from University of Western Australia. Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics) from University of Melbourne. Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics) from University of Melbourne. Postdoctoral Fellowship at Saint Louis University under mentorship of Dr. Rolf Behrents and Dr. Lysle Johnston. Teaching at UWA since 2005, progressing from Clinical Tutor to Clinical Senior Lecturer to current professorship.

Dentist and orofacial pain researcher. Emeritus Clinical Professor, Department of Orthodontics, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry (retired 2018). Director of Orofacial Pain Studies, UIC (1995–2018). Co-Director, TMD Clinic, Northwestern University Dental School (1986–1995). Researcher, TMJ and Facial Pain Research Center, UIC College of Dentistry — working under the direction of Prof. Daniel Laskin, the discipline's founding figure (1965–1984).

Over a 50-year career, one of the world's most influential voices on the evidence-based, conservative, and reversible management of temporomandibular disorders. Author of the landmark 2010 JADA paper "Managing the Care of Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders: A New Guideline for Care" — aligned with the AADR's Policy Statement on TMDs, widely cited as a model for evidence-based TMD clinical policy. Author and co-editor of more than 150 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and abstracts. Co-editor (with Dr. Sanjivan Kandasamy) of the only textbook in the world specifically dedicated to Orthodontics and Temporomandibular Dysfunction. Co-editor of several additional books on temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain.

DDS, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain (ABOP). Fellow, American College of Dentists. Fellow, International College of Dentists.

Practising orthodontist who works part-time as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Orthodontics at the Sechenov University.

Dr. Yakoub teaches undergraduate students and orthodontic residents.

Orthodontist at Face Smile Center, a clinic specialised in orthognathic surgery.

Dr. Ditmarov writes his orthodontic blog, OrthodonticGrammar.com.