Our Summary

This research study is about understanding the goals and expectations of dental students when they do an externship in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS), a specialized area of dentistry focusing on treating diseases, injuries, and defects in the face, jaw, and mouth.

The study was conducted over a period of four years (from June 2015 to September 2019) and involved having students who completed an externship at Emory University’s OMS program fill out a survey. The survey asked questions about the students’ background, their previous experience with OMS, and what they hoped to get out of the externship.

A total of 116 students completed the survey. Most of the students were men, around 25 years old, and in their third or fourth year of dental school. Almost all of them had some previous experience with OMS and were planning to specialize in it.

The results showed that most of the students were hoping to use the externship to get a better understanding of what life is like as a resident in an OMS program. They wanted to learn about the range of procedures and treatments performed in the program and get a feel for the culture of the program.

Interestingly, the students reported that their biggest source of stress was about their own level of experience and knowledge, showing that they were concerned about being able to meet the demands of the externship.

In simple terms, the study found that dental students see OMS externships as a way to learn more about the everyday life, practices, and culture of an OMS program.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of OMS externships for dental students?
  2. What expectations do dental students have from OMS externships based on the survey results?
  3. What were the main sources of anxiety for dental students during their OMS externships?

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 your surgeon. This can help ensure a successful surgery and smooth recovery process. It’s also important to communicate any concerns or questions you may have with your medical team.

Suitable For

Typically, patients recommended for maxillofacial surgery include those with facial trauma, congenital facial deformities, jaw misalignment, temporomandibular joint disorders, facial pain, infections, oral cancer, and dental and orthodontic issues that cannot be treated with traditional methods. Additionally, patients with sleep apnea or other breathing problems may also be recommended for maxillofacial surgery.

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  3. Patient receives information on the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes.
  4. Patient undergoes the maxillofacial surgery procedure.
  5. Patient is monitored closely during the post-operative period for any complications or issues.
  6. Patient follows post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon.

After maxillofacial surgery:

  1. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery.
  2. Patient follows a soft diet and avoids strenuous activities to aid in the healing process.
  3. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  4. Patient may undergo physical therapy or speech therapy if needed to regain function and mobility.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities as advised by the surgeon.
  6. Patient experiences improved facial symmetry, function, and aesthetics as they continue to heal and recover.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific procedures will be performed during the surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan?
  4. How many similar surgeries have you performed in the past?
  5. What are the alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  6. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments after the surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  8. What is the success rate of this surgery for patients with similar conditions?
  9. How long will the effects of the surgery last?
  10. What is the expected outcome and how will it improve my quality of life?

Reference

Authors: Smith NR, Bradshaw SM, Roser SM, Abramowicz S. Journal: J Dent Educ. 2022 Nov;86(11):1435-1438. doi: 10.1002/jdd.13035. Epub 2022 Jul 15. PMID: 35838310