Oral Surgery - Essay Sample

Oral Surgery, or as otherwise referred to as maxillofacial surgery is recognized by the American Dental Association one among the nine possible specialties in dentistry. It is a dental specialty that focuses equips dentists with the knowledge and skills that are necessary to diagnose and further treat a couple of disparities in the neck and head region (Bauer, 2017). The dental professionals in the medical profession are trained surgically in a residency program that is hospital-based along with medical residents; they mainly focus on the complex nature of the anatomical facial structures, particularly the mouth and jaw.

A profession in oral surgery requires intense studying. First, a student has to qualify for the same, the go through four years of vigorous studying in dental school, which of course he/she has to pass well for them to join the residency program (CONSUMER GUIDE TO DENTISTRY, 2013). Depending on various factors, residency programs vary in length, i.e., from about four to six years of further training. The students that choose the six-year plan are advantaged because the long years taken to study, the program incorporates a medical degree that comes with an excellent opportunity for them to be exposed to therapeutic clerkships. After residency, fellowships are recommended to any of the professionals interested in oral surgery sub-specialization such as craniofacial and cleft surgeries, facial cosmetics, head and neck cancer, etc. The fact that oral surgery incorporates medicine and dentistry, making it possible to work in a hospital and office setting regularly is a unique factor in this field. It gives the practitioner a broader spectrum of patients and adds variety to the practice.

Some of the procedures that oral surgeon perform include; removing impacted or diseased teeth and giving anesthesia, doing dental implants, treatment of facial trauma, evaluation of pathologic conditions, relieving facial pain, performing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, performing orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery), providing surgical treatment for OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea), among others (Bell, 2006). These surgeons lead excellent lives with their annual salaries coming up to the area of at least $232,870. It however entirely depends on the job group and the employer, because the figure could go higher for some of them.

Oral surgery is not only necessary because it treats dental problems but also because it provides a link between primary care providers and surgeons. In cases where patients have dental concerns, for instance, keeping healthy teeth, dental hygiene, beating issues with congenital growth, ways in which to control severe oral diseases, etc. they are referred to oral dentists for specific advice on the same.

As the contemporary society experiences technological changes, so has the field of oral surgery. Technology has made it possible to plan in preparation for jaw surgeries using 3D with the help of specialized computer programs and CT scans (Michael Friedman, 2016). A computer enables an oral surgeon to perform procedure virtually and print splints that he/she can later use in the actual surgery. The invention of the machine-generated guides has brought significant improvements in performing many critical operations.

It is preferable that anyone that is looking to get into oral surgery to first find out what the field entails. Talking to current residents who are undergoing training or shadowing oral surgeons would be a perfect way to know more about their area as a whole as well as their lifestyle. It is also advisable to research about the different models of practice and understand the various avenues that are available after residency.

References

BIBLIOGRAPHY Bauer, R. (2017). Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. American Student Dental Association.

Bell, R. B. (2006, October 6). The Role of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the Trauma Care Center. ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY.

CONSUMER GUIDE TO DENTISTRY. (2013). Oral Surgery Basics. CONSUMER GUIDE TO DENTISTRY.

Michael Friedman, D. (2016, July 28). Oral Surgery. WebMD.