Our Summary

This research paper aimed to understand how many oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) residents based in the United States would be interested in participating in global surgery rotations as part of their training. A survey was sent out to 633 OMS residents and 120 responded.

The researchers found that 18.5% of those who responded already have the option of a global surgery rotation in their program, and almost all of them (95.5%) were willing to participate. Among those who didn’t have this option, a large majority (87.8%) said they would like to have a global surgery rotation added to their program.

The results also showed that if the faculty in the residency program were involved in global OMS work, or if the residents were willing to use their vacation time for the global surgery rotation, their interest in this kind of rotation increased.

In simple terms, most of the OMS residents surveyed would like the opportunity to gain international experience as part of their training.

FAQs

  1. What was the aim of this research paper on maxillofacial surgery?
  2. What percentage of OMS residents surveyed expressed an interest in participating in global surgery rotations?
  3. How does faculty involvement in global OMS work or willingness of residents to use vacation time affect interest in global surgery rotations?

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. This may include recommendations for dietary restrictions, medication use, and wound care to ensure a successful recovery and optimal results. It is important to communicate openly with your healthcare team and ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have throughout the process.

Suitable For

Maxillofacial surgery is typically recommended for patients who have conditions or injuries affecting the face, jaws, or mouth. Some common reasons for maxillofacial surgery include:

  1. Correcting facial deformities or asymmetry
  2. Treating traumatic injuries to the face, jaws, or mouth
  3. Addressing congenital disorders such as cleft lip and palate
  4. Removing tumors or cysts in the face or jaw
  5. Treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  6. Correcting bite abnormalities or malocclusions
  7. Reconstructive surgery following head and neck cancer treatment
  8. Treating facial pain or dysfunction related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
  9. Addressing sleep apnea or other breathing problems related to the facial structure

Overall, maxillofacial surgery is recommended for patients who require surgical intervention to improve their facial appearance, function, or overall quality of life.

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  2. Pre-operative assessments and tests are conducted to evaluate the patient’s condition.
  3. Patient receives instructions on pre-operative care and dietary restrictions.
  4. Surgical plan is discussed and finalized with the patient.

After maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure under general anesthesia.
  2. Post-operative care and pain management are provided to the patient.
  3. Patient is monitored for any complications or side effects.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to check on the healing process and address any concerns.
  5. Patient may undergo physical therapy or rehabilitation to aid in recovery.
  6. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and diet as advised by the surgeon.
  7. Long-term follow-up may be required to monitor the results of the surgery and address any issues that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about maxillofacial surgery may include:

  1. What specific procedure(s) do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  5. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  7. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  8. What kind of post-operative care and follow-up appointments will be necessary?
  9. Are there any dietary or lifestyle restrictions I need to follow before or after the surgery?
  10. What is the success rate of this type of surgery for patients with similar conditions?

It is important for patients to have open and honest communication with their doctor about their concerns and questions regarding maxillofacial surgery to ensure they are well-informed and comfortable with their treatment plan.

Reference

Authors: Harris JA, Guntaka PK, Niedziela CJ, Aziz SR, Afshar S. Journal: J Dent Educ. 2024 Jan;88(1):30-41. doi: 10.1002/jdd.13394. Epub 2023 Oct 19. PMID: 37855209