Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Surgery — what’s the difference? A Western Australian dental student survey

Abstract

Confusion exists around the terms 'Oral Surgeon' and 'Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon'. Historical terms and international differences have added to this confusion. Recently, the University of Sydney has begun to offer a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Oral Surgery to graduate dentists. With this new dental specialty entering the Australian workforce, distinction must be made between their role and the role of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to facilitate effective referral pathways. A cross sectional survey of 3rd and 4th year dental students was distributed in June 2019. Students were queried with regards to their perception of the scope of practice of Oral Surgeons and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons as well as their knowledge of the training pathways and level of interest in pursuing either pathway. A total of 85% of students responded. Responses indicated a general awareness of the increased scope of practice of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons with some exceptions. No significant difference was seen between third and fourth year responses. Knowledge of both training pathways was lacking. Further education is required with regards to the scope of practice of both specialties. A lack of exposure to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery during the undergraduate years may be partly to blame. Consideration should be given to the renaming of Oral Surgery to Surgical Dentistry.