The TMJ Association's mission is to improve the quality of health care and lives of everyone affected by temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders.

Since its founding the goals of the Association have been to advocate for scientific research, provide the most credible information about temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJD), provide support to those suffering and become a resource center. In that regard, the Association collects information from patients and professional providers and utilizes it to advocate for the needs of the patients. Today the TMJA is a leading national resource for information on TMJD, fostering research, education and other activities with the ultimate goal of preventing TMJD.

In 1986 The TMJ Association was founded as a support group in Milwaukee for those suffering from temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJDs). In 1989 the Association was incorporated as a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization under the laws of the state of Wisconsin.