Our Summary

This research paper investigates the awareness and exposure of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) among medical students in the UK. Currently, most OMFS specialists start out with a degree in dentistry, but more and more medical students are showing interest in the field. The study suggests that medical school curriculums should adjust to this trend and provide more opportunities for students to learn about and experience OMFS.

The researchers conducted an online survey with 76 final-year medical students from 15 different medical schools in the UK. The results showed that the majority of students have little to no hands-on experience with OMFS during their time in medical school. In fact, 69 out of the 76 students reported no clinical exposure to OMFS at all, and those who did only had an average of four days of experience.

The majority of students (63 out of 76) believe that medical schools should provide more information and guidance on OMFS. Despite the lack of exposure and education, there is a strong interest in OMFS among medical students. The study concludes that the limited awareness of OMFS is not due to a lack of interest, but rather a lack of opportunity.

FAQs

  1. What is the current level of exposure to oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) among medical students in the UK?
  2. How are medical schools responding to the growing interest in OMFS among students?
  3. What was the key conclusion of the research paper on awareness and exposure of OMFS among medical students?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing maxillofacial surgery to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications. They may also advise the patient to follow post-operative care instructions closely, including taking pain medication as prescribed, avoiding certain foods, and attending follow-up appointments. It is important for the patient to communicate any concerns or questions they may have with their healthcare team throughout the entire process.

Suitable For

Maxillofacial surgery is typically recommended for patients who have conditions or injuries affecting the face, jaw, mouth, and neck. Some common indications for maxillofacial surgery include:

  1. Corrective jaw surgery: Patients with misaligned jaws (malocclusion) may benefit from corrective jaw surgery to improve their bite and facial symmetry.

  2. Facial trauma: Patients who have suffered facial fractures or injuries, such as a broken nose or jaw, may require maxillofacial surgery to repair the damage.

  3. Oral and facial tumors: Patients with benign or malignant tumors in the mouth, jaw, or face may need surgery to remove the growth and reconstruct the affected area.

  4. Cleft lip and palate: Babies born with a cleft lip and/or palate may undergo multiple surgeries with a maxillofacial surgeon to repair the defect and improve speech and facial appearance.

  5. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Patients with TMJ disorders, which cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint, may benefit from maxillofacial surgery to improve jaw function and alleviate pain.

  6. Sleep apnea: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea may undergo maxillofacial surgery to reposition the jaw and improve airflow during sleep.

  7. Facial aesthetic surgery: Some patients may choose to undergo maxillofacial surgery for cosmetic reasons, such as reshaping the nose (rhinoplasty) or reducing the size of the chin (genioplasty).

Overall, maxillofacial surgery is recommended for patients with a wide range of conditions affecting the face, jaw, mouth, and neck. It is important for patients to consult with a qualified maxillofacial surgeon to determine the best treatment plan for their specific needs.

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery, a patient typically undergoes a consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss their medical history, treatment options, and potential risks and benefits of the surgery. They may also undergo pre-operative testing and imaging to assess their condition and determine the best course of action.

During maxillofacial surgery, the patient is placed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon performs the necessary procedures to repair or reconstruct the face and jaw. This may involve cutting and reshaping bones, removing tumors or cysts, or repairing facial injuries.

After maxillofacial surgery, the patient will typically require a period of recovery and rehabilitation. This may involve pain management, wound care, and physical therapy to help restore function and mobility to the face and jaw. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon will be scheduled to monitor progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Overall, the process of maxillofacial surgery can be a complex and challenging journey for patients, but with proper care and support, they can achieve positive outcomes and improved quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about maxillofacial surgery include:

  1. What specific procedure or procedures are recommended for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected outcome and recovery time for the surgery?
  4. What alternative treatment options are available and what are their pros and cons?
  5. How many times have you performed this type of surgery and what is your success rate?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and how will it affect me?
  7. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  8. What post-operative care and follow-up appointments will be necessary?
  9. Are there any specific dietary or activity restrictions I should follow before or after the surgery?
  10. What is the overall cost of the surgery and will my insurance cover it?

Reference

Authors: Jaibaji R, Dominic C, Raja A, Aldabbagh Y. Journal: Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2023 Feb;61(2):165-170. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2022.12.005. Epub 2023 Jan 7. PMID: 36658059