Our Summary

This paper compares the curriculums for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) and Oral Surgery (OS) in the UK. These are two distinct specialties overseen by the General Medical Council and General Dental Council, respectively. While there’s a lot of overlap in the general professional training for both, the specific elements of each specialty are different.

The study found that the OMFS curriculum includes almost everything from the OS curriculum, except for formal training in conscious sedation, a technique used to relax patients during dental procedures. On the other hand, the OS curriculum doesn’t cover as much as the OMFS one, particularly in emergency situations involving trauma and acute infections. This means that OS specialists might need extra training to be able to take on emergency calls with OMFS specialists.

This comparison is meant to help those planning services and young professionals considering their career paths.

FAQs

  1. What are the main differences between the curriculums for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) and Oral Surgery (OS) in the UK?
  2. Why might Oral Surgery specialists need extra training for emergency situations?
  3. Does the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery curriculum include training in conscious sedation?

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 carefully. This includes avoiding certain medications, eating or drinking before surgery, and taking care of your incision sites after surgery. Following these instructions can help ensure a successful recovery and minimize the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who require maxillofacial surgery are those with complex oral and facial conditions that cannot be adequately addressed by a general dentist or oral surgeon. These may include:

  1. Facial trauma: Patients who have experienced facial injuries due to accidents, falls, or assault may require maxillofacial surgery to repair fractures, lacerations, and other injuries.

  2. Jaw abnormalities: Patients with congenital or acquired jaw abnormalities, such as misaligned jaws or temporomandibular joint disorders, may benefit from maxillofacial surgery to correct these issues.

  3. Oral pathology: Patients with benign or malignant tumors, cysts, or other abnormalities in the mouth or jaw may require maxillofacial surgery for diagnosis, treatment, and reconstruction.

  4. Orthognathic surgery: Patients with severe malocclusion or facial asymmetry may benefit from orthognathic surgery, which involves repositioning the jaws to improve function and aesthetics.

  5. Facial reconstruction: Patients who have undergone surgery for head and neck cancer or other conditions may require maxillofacial surgery for facial reconstruction to restore appearance and function.

Overall, maxillofacial surgery is recommended for patients with complex oral and facial conditions that require the expertise of a specialized surgeon to achieve optimal outcomes.

Timeline

Before Maxillofacial Surgery:

  1. Patient is referred to a maxillofacial surgeon by their dentist or physician for evaluation.
  2. Initial consultation with the maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the treatment plan and expected outcomes.
  3. Pre-operative assessments such as imaging studies, blood tests, and medical history review.
  4. Patient receives pre-operative instructions, including fasting guidelines and medication adjustments.
  5. Surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia or conscious sedation, depending on the complexity of the surgery.

After Maxillofacial Surgery:

  1. Patient wakes up in the recovery room and is monitored for any immediate post-operative complications.
  2. Pain management is initiated to ensure patient comfort during the recovery period.
  3. Patient may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following surgery.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the maxillofacial surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  5. Gradual return to normal activities, with restrictions on diet and oral hygiene practices as advised by the surgeon.
  6. Long-term follow-up care to ensure optimal outcomes and address any late complications or concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What specific training and experience do you have in maxillofacial surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during the recovery period?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  5. How many similar surgeries have you performed in the past and what were the outcomes?
  6. What are the alternatives to surgery and why do you recommend this particular treatment option?
  7. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional procedures after the surgery?
  8. How should I prepare for the surgery in terms of diet, medications, and lifestyle changes?
  9. Can you provide me with information on the success rates of this type of surgery?
  10. Are there any specific restrictions or limitations I should be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Capanni PM, Magill S, Walker T, Varley I, Magennis P. Journal: Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2025 Feb;63(2):125-132. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2024.11.003. Epub 2024 Nov 22. PMID: 39732543