Our Summary

This research paper looks at how well oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) and dental education are covered in the medical curriculum for undergraduate students in the UK. OMFS deals with surgeries related to the face, mouth, and jaw. The authors looked at 14 different studies and found that medical students are not getting enough education in these areas. On average, only 22% of the students had exposure to OMFS. The students’ knowledge about relevant anatomy, physiology, and OMFS-related information was very poor. The teaching about oral cancer also needs to be improved as only 7% of final year medical students could identify oral cancer and less than 20% felt confident in diagnosing oral issues. This lack of knowledge seems to continue into their professional lives as only 22% of general practitioners can correctly diagnose oral cancer. The authors suggest that doctors need a basic understanding of OMFS to make appropriate referrals and manage patients effectively. They also believe that doctors’ ability to handle oral medical problems needs to be improved for the betterment of patient outcomes.

FAQs

  1. What is oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) and how is it covered in the medical curriculum for undergraduate students in the UK?
  2. What is the level of knowledge and confidence among medical students and general practitioners in diagnosing oral issues and identifying oral cancer?
  3. What do the authors of the research paper suggest to improve the doctors’ ability to handle oral medical problems?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about maxillofacial surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, including fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications that can increase bleeding. It is also important to inform the surgeon about any medications, allergies, or medical conditions before the surgery. After the surgery, following post-operative care instructions, such as taking prescribed medications, eating soft foods, and avoiding strenuous activities, can help promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are also important to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

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

  1. Facial trauma: Patients who have sustained injuries to the face, jaw, or mouth due to accidents, falls, or sports-related incidents may require maxillofacial surgery to repair fractures, soft tissue injuries, or other damage.

  2. Orthognathic surgery: Patients with misaligned jaws or teeth that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone may benefit from orthognathic surgery to improve their bite, jaw function, and facial aesthetics.

  3. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Patients with TMJ disorders that cause chronic jaw pain, clicking or popping of the jaw, difficulty chewing, or other symptoms may be candidates for maxillofacial surgery to address the underlying issues.

  4. Oral and facial tumors: Patients with benign or malignant tumors in the mouth, jaw, or face may require surgery to remove the tumors and restore normal function and appearance.

  5. Craniofacial anomalies: Patients born with congenital deformities or abnormalities of the skull, face, or jaws, such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, or facial asymmetry, may need maxillofacial surgery to correct these conditions.

  6. Sleep apnea: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea that cannot be effectively treated with non-surgical options may benefit from maxillofacial surgery to reposition the jaw or soft tissues in the throat to improve airflow during sleep.

  7. Maxillofacial infections: Patients with severe or recurrent infections in the mouth, jaw, or face may require surgery to drain abscesses, remove infected tissue, or address underlying causes of the infections.

Overall, maxillofacial surgery is recommended for patients with a wide range of conditions affecting the face, mouth, and jaw that require surgical intervention to improve function, aesthetics, or overall quality of life.

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the procedure and potential outcomes.
  2. Pre-operative assessments, including medical history, physical examinations, and imaging tests, are conducted to determine the patient’s candidacy for surgery.
  3. Patient receives information on pre-operative instructions, such as fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications.
  4. Surgery date is scheduled, and the patient prepares mentally and physically for the procedure.

After maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient wakes up in the recovery room with post-operative care being provided by medical staff.
  2. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the surgical area, which is managed with pain medications and ice packs.
  3. Follow-up appointments are scheduled with the maxillofacial surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  4. Patient may need to follow a special diet and oral care regimen to aid in healing and prevent complications.
  5. Physical therapy or speech therapy may be recommended to aid in recovery and rehabilitation.
  6. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and sees improvements in their facial appearance and function over time.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What specific procedure or surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  5. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  6. Will I need to be referred to a specialist for this surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  8. How will the surgery impact my daily activities and quality of life?
  9. What type of follow-up care will be needed after the surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Glossop S, Duffaydar H, Jones H, Peters E, Ryan T, Saleh F, Scourfield L, Poacher A. Journal: Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2024 Dec;62(10):882-888. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2024.07.014. Epub 2024 Aug 16. PMID: 39424528