Principles of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Catalog description

This course will present the second-year dental student with an introduction to the principles and techniques integral to the provision of safe, effective, and comfortable Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical treatment. Emphasis will be placed on preoperative evaluation and diagnosis directed care as students develop an understanding of which procedures can be performed by a general dentist and when and how to seek consultation from or refer patients to a surgical specialist. Exodontia, management of unerupted teeth, and diagnostic techniques and treatments of infections and soft and hard tissue pathology will be covered. Techniques and strategies for intra- and post-operative pain control and prevention and management of both medical emergencies and intra- and post-operative surgical complications will be taught. Patient management techniques and medico-legal considerations will be integrated into the topics described above. Upon successful completion of this course students will have met the expectations of the faculty as listed for each portion of the course. Students will be prepared to take the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery portion of the National Boards. Students will have a basic level of understanding of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery that will be strengthened and expanded upon in the subsequent third year Principles of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery II course and ultimately enable them to fulfill their future responsibilities to their patients and the health care community.