Our Summary

This paper discusses issues about evaluating the skills of residents (doctors in training) in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The current system of assessing students on six major skills is often subjective and may not be helpful for their learning and growth. The feedback given is often not supportive enough, and the professors giving the feedback are often not trained well enough to do so. The paper suggests using “Entrustable professional activities” or EPAs as a better way to assess the residents. EPAs are specific tasks that a resident can perform without supervision once they’re competent enough. This could be a more concrete and practical method of assessment than the current system. The paper proposes using EPAs specifically for oral and maxillofacial surgery training, and discusses how it could also help improve the way faculty teach and give feedback.

FAQs

  1. What are the current issues with evaluating the skills of residents in oral and maxillofacial surgery?
  2. What is the suggested method of assessment for residents in the paper?
  3. How can the use of “Entrustable professional activities” or EPAs improve oral and maxillofacial surgery training?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about maxillofacial surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize complications. This may include taking prescribed medications, avoiding certain foods or activities, and attending follow-up appointments with your surgeon. It’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in your recovery to your healthcare provider.

Suitable For

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

  1. Facial trauma: Patients who have suffered facial fractures or injuries that affect the bones, soft tissues, or nerves of the face may require maxillofacial surgery to restore function and aesthetics.

  2. Jaw deformities: Patients with misaligned jaws, such as an overbite or underbite, may benefit from maxillofacial surgery to correct the position of the jaw and improve bite function.

  3. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Patients with TMJ disorders that cause pain, clicking, or limited movement of the jaw may undergo maxillofacial surgery to address the underlying issues.

  4. Facial pain: Patients with chronic facial pain conditions, such as trigeminal neuralgia or facial nerve disorders, may be recommended for maxillofacial surgery to alleviate symptoms.

  5. Sleep apnea: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea that cannot be managed with other treatments may undergo maxillofacial surgery to reposition the jaw or soft tissues of the throat to improve airflow during sleep.

  6. Oral pathology: Patients with tumors, cysts, or other abnormal growths in the oral and facial region may require maxillofacial surgery for diagnosis, treatment, and reconstruction.

Overall, maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field that addresses a wide range of conditions affecting the face, jaws, and oral cavity. Patients who require surgical intervention for these conditions may be referred to a maxillofacial surgeon for evaluation and treatment.

Timeline

  • Initial consultation: The patient meets with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss their concerns and goals for the surgery. The surgeon evaluates the patient’s medical history, conducts a physical examination, and discusses the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

  • Pre-operative preparation: The patient undergoes various pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery. They may also meet with other members of the surgical team, such as an anesthesiologist, to discuss the anesthesia plan.

  • Surgery: The patient undergoes the maxillofacial surgery, which can vary in length and complexity depending on the specific procedure being performed. The surgical team works together to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort during the procedure.

  • Post-operative care: After the surgery, the patient is closely monitored in the recovery area. They may experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and other interventions. The surgical team provides instructions on how to care for the surgical site and manage any side effects.

  • Follow-up appointments: The patient has several follow-up appointments with the maxillofacial surgeon to monitor their healing progress and address any concerns or complications. The surgeon may recommend additional treatments or therapies to optimize the results of the surgery.

Overall, the patient’s experience before and after maxillofacial surgery involves thorough evaluation, careful preparation, skilled surgical intervention, attentive post-operative care, and ongoing follow-up to ensure a successful outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific procedure is recommended for my condition and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected outcome and recovery time following the surgery?
  4. How many times have you performed this type of surgery and what is your success rate?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  6. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery or is it outpatient?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?
  8. What type of post-operative care and follow-up appointments will be necessary?
  9. How long will it take for me to resume normal activities and diet after the surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with any before and after photos of similar cases you have treated in the past?

Reference

Authors: Carlson ER. Journal: J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2024 Aug;82(8):1008-1018. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2024.04.007. Epub 2024 May 1. PMID: 38702042