Our Summary

This research paper looks at the number of female surgeons in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) in Australia, compared to the number of females in other surgical and dental specialties. Despite the fact that there are more women studying medicine and dentistry, the number of female OMS surgeons is still quite low. In 2023, only 14% of the 49 OMS trainee surgeons registered were women. Out of 304 members of the Australia and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, only 10.86% were women. When it comes to all surgical specialists, women made up 16.6% of the total, and in dental specialties, they made up 31.3%. The study concludes that there’s a need to provide more opportunities for women who want to become OMS surgeons.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of OMS trainee surgeons in Australia were women in 2023?
  2. How many female members are there in the Australia and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons?
  3. What is the research paper’s conclusion regarding the representation of women in oral and maxillofacial surgery in Australia?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about maxillofacial surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. This may include taking prescribed medications, avoiding certain foods or activities, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene and following a healthy lifestyle can also contribute to successful outcomes after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for maxillofacial surgery include those with:

  1. Facial trauma: Patients who have sustained injuries to the face, such as fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, or nose, may require maxillofacial surgery to repair the damage.

  2. Jaw misalignment: Patients with a misaligned jaw or bite may benefit from maxillofacial surgery to correct the alignment and improve function.

  3. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Patients with TMJ disorders that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint may be candidates for maxillofacial surgery to address the underlying issues.

  4. Facial deformities: Patients with congenital or acquired facial deformities, such as cleft lip and palate, may require maxillofacial surgery to improve the appearance and function of the face.

  5. Oral and facial tumors: Patients with tumors in the mouth or face may require maxillofacial surgery to remove the tumor and reconstruct the affected area.

  6. Sleep apnea: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, may benefit from maxillofacial surgery to widen the airway and improve breathing.

  7. Dental implants: Patients who are missing teeth may require maxillofacial surgery to place dental implants for improved function and aesthetics.

Overall, maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field that addresses a wide range of oral and facial conditions, and patients with these issues may be recommended for surgery to improve their quality of life.

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options and create a personalized treatment plan.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and tests to ensure they are fit for surgery.
  3. Patient may need to make lifestyle changes or adjustments to prepare for surgery, such as quitting smoking or adjusting medication.

After maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which may involve correcting facial deformities, treating facial injuries, or addressing other conditions.
  2. Patient is monitored closely post-operatively for any complications or side effects.
  3. Patient may need to follow a specific diet or oral hygiene routine to aid in the healing process.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the maxillofacial surgeon to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
  5. Patient may undergo further treatments or therapies to achieve optimal results, such as orthodontic treatment or physical therapy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific procedure or procedures do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period, and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  4. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific diet before or after the surgery?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and what are the potential side effects?
  6. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  8. What is the success rate for this type of surgery, and what are the potential long-term outcomes?
  9. Will I need to follow up with you or another healthcare provider after the surgery, and if so, how often?
  10. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I need to follow before and after the surgery to ensure optimal results?

Reference

Authors: Woo VM, Jensen ED, Candy KA. Journal: ANZ J Surg. 2025 Apr;95(4):690-695. doi: 10.1111/ans.19422. Epub 2025 Feb 7. PMID: 39916673