Our Summary

This study is about the confusion between the terms ‘Oral Surgeon’ and ‘Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon’. Due to historical terms and international differences, there seems to be a misunderstanding about these two roles, particularly now that the University of Sydney has started offering a course to become an Oral Surgeon. A survey was carried out among 3rd and 4th-year dental students to try and understand their knowledge and perceptions of these two roles, as well as their interest in pursuing either one as a career. The results showed that students generally understood that Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons have a wider range of duties, but there were some exceptions. There was no significant difference between the responses of the 3rd and 4th-year students. However, their understanding of the training needed for both roles was limited. The study suggests that more education is needed on this topic and that a lack of exposure to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery during undergraduate years might be part of the problem. A possible solution could be to rename ‘Oral Surgery’ to ‘Surgical Dentistry’.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between an ‘Oral Surgeon’ and an ‘Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon’?
  2. What did the survey among 3rd and 4th-year dental students reveal about their understanding of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
  3. What solutions does the study suggest to address the confusion between the roles of an ‘Oral Surgeon’ and an ‘Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon’?

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 to ensure a successful recovery. This may include avoiding certain foods or activities before surgery, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending all follow-up appointments for proper healing and monitoring. It is also important to communicate openly with your surgical team about any concerns or questions you may have throughout the process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended maxillofacial surgery are those who have issues or conditions affecting the face, jaw, mouth, and neck. This can include problems such as impacted wisdom teeth, facial trauma, misaligned jaws, cleft lip and palate, temporomandibular joint disorders, and oral cancer. Maxillofacial surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions in these areas, and they often work closely with other medical specialists to provide comprehensive care for their patients.

Timeline

Before maxillofacial surgery:

  • Patient is referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon by their dentist or another medical professional
  • Initial consultation is scheduled, where the surgeon evaluates the patient’s condition and discusses treatment options
  • Pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery
  • Surgical plan is created and explained to the patient, including risks and potential outcomes
  • Consent form is signed by the patient
  • Surgery date is scheduled

After maxillofacial surgery:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure under anesthesia
  • Post-operative care and monitoring is provided by the medical team
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess healing progress and address any concerns
  • Patient may need to follow specific post-operative instructions, such as dietary restrictions and medication management
  • Long-term follow-up care may be necessary to monitor any potential complications or to address any ongoing issues

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the difference between an Oral Surgeon and an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
  2. What specific procedures does maxillofacial surgery encompass?
  3. What are the risks and potential complications associated with maxillofacial surgery?
  4. What is the recovery process like after maxillofacial surgery?
  5. How long is the typical recovery time for different types of maxillofacial surgeries?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  7. How many surgeries of this type have you performed in the past?
  8. What is the success rate for this type of surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with maxillofacial surgery?
  10. What ongoing care or follow-up appointments will be needed after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Cooper T, Schenberg K, Smith L, Bobinskas A. Journal: Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2020 Dec;58(10):1276-1281. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2020.08.109. Epub 2020 Sep 1. PMID: 32921504