What is in a name? Oral and maxillofacial surgeon versus oral surgeon.

PURPOSE: In 1975, the American Society of Oral Surgeons officially changed its name to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. This change was intended to address the specialty's expanding surgical scope. However, today, many health care professionals continue to use the term oral surgeon. This study was undertaken to determine if students' perception of the oral and maxillofacial surgeon's (OMS) surgical scope would change when oral and maxillofacial surgeon was used instead of oral surgeon. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study surveyed undergraduate and dental students' choice of specialist to treat 21 different conditions. The independent variable was the specialty term (oral and maxillofacial surgeon vs oral surgeon). The dependent variables were specialists chosen for the procedure (ear, nose, and throat surgeon; plastic surgeon; OMS or oral surgeon; periodontist; other). The test of proportions (z test) with the Yates correction was performed for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 280 senior dental students who were surveyed, 258 surveys were included in the study. Dental students' perception of the OMS's surgical scope increased significantly from 51% to 55% when oral and maxillofacial surgeon was used instead of oral surgeon. Of the 530 undergraduate upper division science students who were surveyed, 488 surveys were included in the study. Undergraduate upper division science students' perception of the OMS's surgical scope increased significantly from 23% to 31% when oral and maxillofacial surgeon was used as an option instead of oral surgeon. CONCLUSION: The use of oral and maxillofacial surgeon increased students' perception of the OMS's surgical scope. This study also suggested that students were not fully aware of the magnitude of the OMS's scope of practice. The current dichotomy and inconsistent use of the specialty's official term adds to the confusion and to misunderstanding. Therefore, OMSs should universally refer to themselves as oral and maxillofacial surgeons and help educate others of their scope.

Toothbrushing barriers for people with developmental disabilities: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were: (1) to determine which step in tooth brushing is most difficult for individuals with developmental disabilities and (2) to determine if oral hygiene instruction improves technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Once per week for 6 weeks, disclosing solution was applied to the teeth of 14 subjects who were observed individually in their tooth brushing technique. Fourteen distinct steps were measured on a 4-point Likert scale. Plaque score was measured after brushing. RESULTS: The step causing greatest difficulty was "able to brush off residual, identified plaque." Steps that showed greatest improvement were "open toothpaste" and "place toothpaste on brush." The change in plaque score from the initial visit to the final visit was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Oral hygiene instruction in a group and individual setting increased compliance in the initial steps of tooth brushing.