Our Summary

The paper discusses the potential effects of introducing medical associate professions (MAPs) into oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). The idea of bringing MAPs, such as physician associates and surgical care practitioners, into this field has sparked a lot of debate. On one hand, their presence could be a great addition to OMFS departments and give trainees more hands-on surgery experience. However, there’s also a fear that their inclusion could negatively impact the training process. The paper further explores these possible outcomes.

FAQs

  1. What are medical associate professions (MAPs) and how can they benefit oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) departments?
  2. How could the implementation of MAPs potentially prove detrimental to OMFS training?
  3. What is the potential impact of implementing MAPs in the field of OMFS?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing maxillofacial surgery to follow their post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the surgical site clean, taking prescribed medication as directed, and attending all follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress. It is also important for the patient to maintain a healthy diet and avoid activities that could potentially disrupt the healing process.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for maxillofacial surgery include those with facial trauma, congenital deformities, jaw misalignment, temporomandibular joint disorders, impacted teeth, oral cancer, and other conditions affecting the face, jaw, or mouth. Additionally, patients requiring orthognathic surgery to correct bite or facial symmetry issues may also be recommended for maxillofacial surgery.

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the need for surgery, potential risks and benefits, and treatment options.
  2. Pre-operative assessments and tests, such as blood work, imaging scans, and dental evaluations.
  3. Discussion with an anesthesiologist to determine the best anesthesia method for the surgery.
  4. Education on pre-operative instructions, such as fasting before surgery and medication management.

After maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Recovery in the hospital or outpatient surgical center under the supervision of medical staff.
  2. Pain management and monitoring for any post-operative complications.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the maxillofacial surgeon for wound care, suture removal, and assessment of healing progress.
  4. Physical therapy and rehabilitation if necessary to regain full function and mobility of the jaw and facial muscles.
  5. Long-term follow-up care to monitor for any potential complications and ensure optimal outcomes from the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific qualifications and experience do you have in performing maxillofacial surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan for this surgery?
  4. Can you explain the specific steps of the surgical procedure and what I can expect during the surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  6. How many similar surgeries have you performed in the past, and what is your success rate?
  7. What is the overall goal or outcome of this surgery for my condition?
  8. Will I need to follow up with you or another healthcare provider after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before or after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific questions or concerns you have about my individual case that we should discuss further?

Reference

Authors: Rooney J, Dhariwal D, Kerawala C, Brennan PA. Journal: Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2024 Apr;62(3):299-300. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2023.12.006. Epub 2023 Dec 13. PMID: 38360435