ABSTRACT
The on-call component of a dental core training (DCT) post in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) is considered to be the most daunting and challenging aspect of the job. The average trainee is a singly-qualified dentist with limited knowledge and experience of managing OMFS presentations. Given the short duration of DCT posts, there is a continual rotation of junior staff through OMFS departments with a varying skillset and knowledge mix. As such, the consistent recording of appropriate information remains a constant challenge. The coronavirus pandemic has presented a unique situation in which the majority of dental foundation trainees (DFTs) entering OMFS DCT posts will only have around six months experience of independent practice. This lack of experience and onerous on-call workload could be a potentially dangerous combination, especially during nightshift patterns of on-call. We demonstrate that implementation of an on-call bleep-sheet proforma provides a validated, standardised, systematic, and chronological method of record keeping that exceeds the minimum required standard of clinical governance, in an era where junior trainees entering OMFS will have had even more limited experience than normal.
Subject(s)
Surgery, Oral , Dental Care , Humans , Referral and Consultation , Surveys and Questionnaires , United Kingdom , WorkloadABSTRACT
Maxillofacial infections are common but can potentially be life threatening. Accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent mismanagement with potential severe consequences. This article discusses the aetiology, differential diagnosis, host response, spread of infection and treatment.
Subject(s)
Bacterial Infections/therapy , Mycoses/therapy , Stomatognathic Diseases/therapy , Virus Diseases/therapy , Humans , Inflammation , Jaw Diseases/therapy , Mouth Diseases/therapy , Salivary Gland Diseases/therapyABSTRACT
Fractures of the frontal sinus are seen predominantly, although not exclusively, in young men and are usually the result of road traffic accidents or falls. These types of injury may present to either ENT, Maxillofacial, Plastic or Neurosurgery teams, and understanding of a clear management protocol is desirable for each of the specialties. The optimal management of these injuries is becoming more uniformly adopted although some areas of contention still persist. The aim of treatment has always been directed at creating a 'safe sinus' that is not complicated by the late sequelae of infection or mucocele formation. The difficulty lies in being able to predict which patients are likely to develop these complications. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the literature and offer a rationale for the management of these injuries.
Subject(s)
Frontal Sinus/injuries , Skull Fractures/surgery , Frontal Sinus/surgery , Humans , Skull Fractures/diagnosis , Skull Fractures/etiology , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common oral malignancy, with a relatively poor prognosis. Treatment of oral cancer has a major impact on afflicted patients because it affects speech, swallowing and mastication. Surgery is the main treatment of oral cancer, as a single modality or combined with radiotherapy. Vigilance is vital for early diagnosis and better overall prognosis.
