Critical Commentary 3: Validity of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders Axis I in Clinical and Research Settings

The commentary by Drs Steenks and de Wijer1 is an important appraisal of the potential shortcomings of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD).2 Nothing is perfect and everything can be improved. Clinicians and researchers need to be aware of the pros and cons for any type of diagnostic or classification scheme of orofacial pain conditions and therefore a critical dissection of the merits of the RDC/TMD is much welcomed. The authors raise a number of questions and concerns and discuss them in a timely and fair manner. Nevertheless, I would like specifically to comment on two points.