Our Summary

This research paper argues that the current state of training for oral and maxillofacial surgery (surgery of the mouth, jaw, and face) is not sustainable. The issues include the high financial cost of training, uncertainty about future pensions, and a poor balance between work and personal life. These factors are discouraging people from entering this specialty. The paper suggests that immediate changes are needed to address these issues, in order to ensure that there will be enough people trained in this field in the future.

FAQs

  1. Why is the current training system for oral and maxillofacial surgery not sustainable?
  2. What are the main issues with the current oral and maxillofacial surgery training that need to be addressed?
  3. What alternative is being suggested to improve the training for oral and maxillofacial surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about maxillofacial surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon closely. This may include guidelines on diet, medication, wound care, and activity restrictions to ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcomes.

Suitable For

Maxillofacial surgery is typically recommended for patients who have complex conditions or injuries affecting the face, jaw, or mouth. These may include:

  1. Facial trauma: Patients who have suffered injuries to the face or jaw, such as fractures or lacerations, may require maxillofacial surgery to repair the damage and restore function.

  2. Jaw disorders: Patients with conditions such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, malocclusions, or jaw deformities may benefit from maxillofacial surgery to correct the alignment of the jaw or improve chewing and speaking abilities.

  3. Oral pathology: Patients with tumors, cysts, or other abnormalities in the mouth or jaw may require maxillofacial surgery to remove the growth and prevent further complications.

  4. Orthognathic surgery: Patients with severe misalignments of the jaws, such as underbites or overbites, may undergo orthognathic surgery to correct the alignment and improve facial aesthetics and function.

  5. Facial reconstruction: Patients who have undergone surgery for cancer or other conditions that have resulted in facial disfigurement may benefit from maxillofacial surgery to restore a more natural appearance.

Overall, maxillofacial surgery is recommended for patients who require specialized care for complex conditions affecting the face, jaw, or mouth. These procedures are typically performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons who have received specialized training in this area.

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient is referred to a maxillofacial surgeon by their dentist or physician for evaluation and consultation.
  2. Initial consultation and examination with the maxillofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options and create a treatment plan.
  3. Pre-operative testing and preparation, which may include imaging studies, blood tests, and medical clearance.
  4. Patient may undergo orthodontic treatment or other pre-surgical interventions to optimize the surgical outcome.

After maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure under general anesthesia in a hospital setting.
  2. Post-operative care and monitoring in the hospital or outpatient setting, which may include pain management, wound care, and dietary restrictions.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the maxillofacial surgeon to monitor healing and address any post-operative complications.
  4. Rehabilitation and recovery period, which may involve physical therapy, speech therapy, and dietary adjustments.
  5. Long-term follow-up care to monitor the outcome of the surgery and address any long-term issues that may arise.

Overall, the patient’s journey before and after maxillofacial surgery involves a thorough evaluation, careful planning, skilled surgical intervention, and comprehensive post-operative care to achieve the best possible outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific procedure or treatment do you recommend for my condition?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?

  3. How long is the recovery time for this surgery?

  4. What are the success rates for this type of surgery?

  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered?

  6. How many times have you performed this type of surgery before?

  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?

  8. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?

  9. How will this surgery affect my daily life and activities?

  10. What is the cost of the surgery and will insurance cover it?

Reference

Authors: Wood GD, Hawkesford JE. Journal: Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022 Jan;60(1):80-81. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2021.02.001. Epub 2021 Feb 11. PMID: 34284884