Our Summary

This research paper discusses the training process for specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS), a field that requires qualifications in both medicine and dentistry. This means at least eight years of undergraduate study, which often includes repeating similar material. The study suggests that to save time, trainees studying for their second degree should be allowed to do research, audits, and gain relevant clinical experience instead of repeating previously studied material. There’s also a suggestion to integrate junior surgical training into the second degree. The main obstacle to this is scheduling, which often prevents the integration of second degree trainees with OMFS units. The paper concludes by suggesting that the training process for OMFS could be made more efficient if the content was agreed upon nationally, and that institutions implementing these changes could play a key role in OMFS training.

FAQs

  1. What is the proposed method to make the training process for oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) more efficient?
  2. What is the main challenge to integrating junior surgical training into the second degree for OMFS trainees?
  3. How can institutions contribute to making the training process for OMFS more efficient?

Doctor’s Tip

A 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 eating, drinking, medication, and activity restrictions to ensure a successful recovery. It is important to communicate openly with your healthcare team and address any concerns or questions you may have throughout the process. It is also important to follow up with any recommended post-operative appointments to monitor progress and address any issues that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for maxillofacial surgery include those with:

  1. Facial trauma: Patients with facial fractures, lacerations, or other injuries to the face may require maxillofacial surgery to repair and reconstruct the affected area.

  2. Orthognathic surgery: This type of surgery is performed to correct jaw alignment issues, such as an overbite or underbite, which can impact a patient’s bite and facial appearance.

  3. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Patients with TMJ disorders, which can cause pain and difficulty with jaw movement, may benefit from maxillofacial surgery to address the underlying issues.

  4. Cleft lip and palate: Patients born with cleft lip and/or palate may require maxillofacial surgery to correct the structural abnormalities and improve function and appearance.

  5. Tumors and cysts: Maxillofacial surgery may be recommended for patients with benign or malignant tumors, cysts, or other growths in the jaw, mouth, or facial area.

  6. Dental implants: Patients who are missing teeth or have severe dental issues may undergo maxillofacial surgery to place dental implants and restore function and aesthetics.

  7. Sleep apnea: Maxillofacial surgery may be recommended for patients with obstructive sleep apnea to address anatomical issues in the airway and improve breathing during sleep.

Overall, maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field that encompasses a wide range of procedures to address various conditions affecting the face, jaws, and mouth. Patients with complex or severe issues in these areas may be referred to a maxillofacial surgeon for evaluation and treatment.

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options
  2. Patient undergoes various pre-operative tests and evaluations to determine candidacy for surgery
  3. Patient receives information on the surgical procedure, risks, and expected outcomes
  4. Patient may need to make necessary arrangements for post-operative care and recovery

After maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which can vary depending on the specific treatment needed
  2. Patient is closely monitored in the immediate post-operative period for any complications
  3. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the days following surgery
  4. Patient follows post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon, including medication management and wound care
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and address any concerns or complications
  6. Patient may require additional treatments or procedures for optimal results
  7. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and diet as healing progresses.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with maxillofacial surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  3. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  4. What is the success rate for this type of surgery in patients with similar conditions to mine?
  5. How many times have you performed this type of surgery and what is your success rate?
  6. Will I need to follow any special dietary restrictions or lifestyle changes before or after the surgery?
  7. Will I require any additional procedures or treatments before or after the surgery?
  8. How long will the surgery take and will I need to stay in the hospital overnight?
  9. Will I experience any pain or discomfort during or after the surgery and how will it be managed?
  10. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and optimize my recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Rapaport BHJ, Gill K, Douglas J, Ali T, Brown JS. Journal: Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2020 Dec;58(10):1333-1334. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2020.04.048. Epub 2020 Jun 20. PMID: 32576466