The first meeting of the Korean Academy of Temporomandibular Disorders (KATMD) was held in 1987 in Seoul, as a result of the joint efforts of many individuals who had been investigating the clinical and academic aspects of temporomandibular disorders since the early 1980s.

With the rapid accumulation of basic research results, studies on, and the treatment of, temporomandibular disorders started to become systemized and temporomandibular disorders gained interest among common orofacial diseases, along with dental caries and periodontal disease. There was a need for an organization that would be at the center of this movement and organize the clinical and academic efforts. The main mission of the academy was to establish a scientific background for the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorders and to educate those in the field.

The organization was originally named ‘The Korean Academy of Craniomandibular Disorders.’ It was renamed ‘The Korean Academy of Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders’ in 2003 and then ‘The Korean Academy of Temporomandibular Disorders’ in 2008. KATMD was founded by clinicians from various disciplines, including oral medicine, oral surgery, prosthodontics, and orthodontics. The academy promotes the exchange of knowledge among experts and informs both clinicians and the public of the standard, evidence-based treatment of orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders. To promote this, the academy hosts two scientific meetings annually and numerous workshops to disseminate knowledge and boost interest in this field.

The Journal of the Korean Academy of Craniomandibular Disorders was first published in September 1989 and two volumes are published every year, with reviews, original articles, and case reports.

KATMD has also emphasized the need for international exchange. The Academy is one of the founders and sister academies of the Asian Academy of Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders (AAOT), and to date has hosted five scientific meetings for the Asian Academy. KATMD was the first sister academy of the Asian Academy to host the International Congress of Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders (ICOT), which was held in 2000 in Seoul. KATMD is clearly the leader in this field, not only in Asia but also worldwide.

The membership of KATMD has grown steadily, reflecting the increasing interest in this field, and there are currently 250 members who are very knowledgeable in the field and are motivated to conduct further research and education.