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Background: The management of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) is a challenge for General Medical Practitioners (GMPs). They are increasingly approached by patients for advice on TMD but little is known about how this disorder is dealt with in primary health care. Objective: To determine the level of awareness regarding TMD assessment and management among GMPs. Method: A postal questionnaire survey containing questions on aetiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of TMD was conducted in the city of Leicester, East Midlands, England. Result: 124 responses were analysed. The majority (88%) of GMPs consider themselves to have a low level of knowledge of TMD. Very few (5%) were aware of current guidelines on TMD management. None could respond correctly to approximate prevalence of TMDs. Overall 74 % including both GMPs with experience of less than 5 years (32 %) and more experienced (42 %), knew the correct clinical features. Group analysis did not show any statistically significant association between experience and knowledge of TMD clinical features (Chi-square statistics 3.78, p = 0.5). Most GMPs (95%) believed they had 2 to 4 TMD patients in their practice. The majority (89%) referred TMD patients to General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) whilst 11 % considered an oral and maxillofacial practice more appropriate. A combination of non-surgical therapies was employed by 34% for treating TMD. Very few GMPs (6%) have updated their TMD knowledge but 97% showed interest in receiving further education. Conclusion: Respondent GMPs in the East Midlands of England, demonstrated limited knowledge of TMD and most lacked confidence in contemporary management. Appropriate educational opportunities during post graduate training as well as continuing professional development (CPD) activity would improve the knowledge and awareness of TMD among GMPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]