Oral maxillofacial surgeons and Orthodontists’ perceptions about anterior inferior crowding and indications of mandibular third molar extraction / Percepciones de los cirujanos maxilofaciales y ortodoncistas sobre el apiñamiento anteroinferior y las indicaciones de la extracción del tercer molar mandibular

Background: There are still many doubts about anterior inferior crowding and indications of mandibular third molar extraction, although it is very studied subject in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of oral maxillofacial surgeons (OMFSs) and orthodontists about anterior inferior crowding and indications of mandibular third molar extraction. Material and Methods: A web-based survey was developed and sent to professionals in order to collect their opinion about the fact that third lower molars cause crowding and questions about the indication of third molars for orthodontic treatment. Descriptive analysis was performed and Chi-square or G tests were applied with a 95% confidence interval. Results: The study included a total of 218 participants, of whom 115 were OMFSs and 103 were orthodontists. The results showed that 56.5% of OMFSs and 35.0% of orthodontists believe that the lower third molars cause anterior inferior crowding (p<0.001). A total of 91.3% of OMFSs and 70.9% of orthodontists indicate the extraction of lower third molars to aid orthodontic treatment (p<0.001). Conclusions: It can be concluded that in being an oral maxillofacial surgeon, a higher odds ratio is observed to consider that lower third molars cause dental crowding compared to those who are orthodontist. The indication of exodontia of lower third molars for orthodontic treatment was more frequent among OMFSs when compared to orthodontists.(AU)

Perceived surgical difficulty of mandibular third molar extraction. A comparative cross-sectional study of dentists with postgraduate qualificationin oral surgery and maxillofacial surgeons in a Spanish subpopulation

Background: Mandibular third molar (MTM) extraction is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in the oral cavity. Establishing the level of surgical difficulty pre-operatively is an essential step to ensure correct treatment planning. In Spain, MTM extraction - especially in cases presenting greater difficulty - is normally performed by doctors specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery, or by dentists with postgraduate qualifications in oral surgery. The present work set out to analyze the extent to which perceptions of surgical difficulty of the said intervention vary in relation to professional training. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study took the form of a survey. Using a visual analog scale (VAS), participants evaluated both the perceived difficulty of 30 cases of MTM extraction described by means of digital panoramic radiographs and the perceived difficulty deriving from a series of factors conditioning MTM extraction. The results underwent statistical analysis with SPSS Statistics 28.0 software. Nonparametric tests (Mann Whitney test for independent samples and the Kruskal-Wallis test) were applied. Results: A total of 213 surveys were available for analysis. Both groups awarded the greatest importance to clinical experience, followed by anatomical and radiographic factors, root morphology obtaining the highest score among anatomical factors (9.01±1.42), while proximity of the MTM to the inferior alveolar nerve was regarded as the least important anatomical factor (8.11 ±2.54). Significant differences were only found for patient age, whereby maxillofacial surgeons awarded this factor more importance than dentists. Conclusions: The different training received by dentists specialized in oral surgery and maxillofacial surgeons did not influence either perceptions of surgical difficulty of MTM extraction, or opinions as to the factors influencing surgical difficulty. (AU)

Perceived surgical difficulty of mandibular third molar extraction. A comparative cross-sectional study of dentists with postgraduate qualification in oral surgery and maxillofacial surgeons in a Spanish subpopulation.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular third molar (MTM) extraction is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in the oral cavity. Establishing the level of surgical difficulty pre-operatively is an essential step to ensure correct treatment planning. In Spain, MTM extraction - especially in cases presenting greater difficulty - is normally performed by doctors specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery, or by dentists with postgraduate qualifications in oral surgery. The present work set out to analyze the extent to which perceptions of surgical difficulty of the said intervention vary in relation to professional training. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study took the form of a survey. Using a visual analog scale (VAS), participants evaluated both the perceived difficulty of 30 cases of MTM extraction described by means of digital panoramic radiographs and the perceived difficulty deriving from a series of factors conditioning MTM extraction. The results underwent statistical analysis with SPSS Statistics 28.0 software. Non-parametric tests (Mann Whitney test for independent samples and the Kruskal-Wallis test) were applied. RESULTS: A total of 213 surveys were available for analysis. Both groups awarded the greatest importance to clinical experience, followed by anatomical and radiographic factors, root morphology obtaining the highest score among anatomical factors (9.01±1.42), while proximity of the MTM to the inferior alveolar nerve was regarded as the least important anatomical factor (8.11±2.54). Significant differences were only found for patient age, whereby maxillofacial surgeons awarded this factor more importance than dentists. CONCLUSIONS: The different training received by dentists specialized in oral surgery and maxillofacial surgeons did not influence either perceptions of surgical difficulty of MTM extraction, or opinions as to the factors influencing surgical difficulty.

Strategies adopted by oral physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and oral pathologists in patient education on oral cancer: A Nigerian study.

BACKGROUND: The burden of oral cancer in Nigeria is increasing. Different studies have shown how public education on oral cancer have increased knowledge of oral cancer across populations, however, it is not known if these practices are adopted by oral physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and oral pathologists in Nigeria. AIMS: To investigate the patient oral cancer education strategies adopted by oral physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and oral pathologists in Nigeria. METHODS: This study adopted an analytical cross-sectional study design. This study surveyed practicing oral physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and oral pathologists in Nigeria. An e-questionnaire was used for this study. The data were analyzed using the SPSS Version 20 software, and a p-value of <.05 was used to determine the level of statistical significance. RESULTS: The study's response rate was 46.6% (75/161). The 75 participants were from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria responded to the survey questionnaire. Even though more than half (43/75, 57.3%) of the respondents have never received any training since their post-bachelor's degree qualification on the strategies that can be used in educating patients on oral cancer, majority (54/75, 72.0%) of them knew at least one education strategy; also, the most known (36/54, 66.7%) and utilized (33/54, 61.3%) strategy among those respondents who were aware of patient education strategy was health talk. Only 38.7% (29/75) of the respondents reported that health learning materials (posters, leaflets, fliers, and flipcharts) are available in their clinics, all of which were in insufficient quantities. Also, 93.3% (70/75) of the respondents opined that it is worthwhile that dental clinics/hospitals in Nigeria invest in the provision of oral cancer learning materials for patient use. Inferential statistical analysis did not reveal any significant relationship between the respondents' characteristics and their awareness and practice on patient oral cancer education strategies. CONCLUSION: This study identified that many oral physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and oral pathologists in Nigeria lack the needed capacity to educate their patients on oral cancer. There is a need to strengthen their capacity by giving them training on patient oral cancer education strategies, and by providing them with good quality and enough teaching aids.

An exchange technique in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy to insert a larger operative cannula to facilitate advanced procedures.

The paper describes a modification of the surgical technique for temporomandibular joint arthroscopy, using an exchange guide to replace the 2.2 mm cannula with one of 2.9 mm to better facilitate osteoplasty of the medial wall. The procedure is a simple and safe manoeuvre that reduces complications such as fluid extravasation into soft tissues, damage to the articular eminence, and bleeding into the superior joint space. Every oral and maxillofacial surgeon could benefit from this novel method, which reduces the chances of failure when exchanging the working cannulas, the potential morbidity of re-entry, and the duration of surgery.

Trajectories of opioid prescribing by general dentists, specialists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the United States, 2015-2019.

BACKGROUND: Despite decreases in opioid prescribing from 2016 through 2019, some dentists (general, specialists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons) in the United States continue to prescribe opioids at high rates. The authors' objective was to define dentists' trajectories of opioid prescribing. METHODS: The authors identified actively prescribing dentists from the IQVIA Longitudinal Prescription data set, from 2015 through 2019. Group-based trajectory modeling identified opioid prescribing trajectories on the basis of dentists' annual prescribing rates for the overall sample (model 1) and for high prescribers (model 2). The authors used χ2 or Mann-Whitney U tests to characterize the model 2 trajectory groups. RESULTS: In model 1 (n = 199,145 prescribers), group-based trajectory modeling identified 8 trajectories that were grouped into 5 categories. A total of 14.8% were nonprescribers who composed less than 1% of all prescriptions, low prescribers (3 groups; 46.0%) prescribed at low rates (2015: 5.5%-16.9%; 2019: 1.5%-11.9%), decliners (7.3%) decreased prescribing rapidly (2015: 29.4%; 2019: 5.1%), moderately high prescribers (2 groups; 28.5%) prescribed moderately (2015: 28.7% and 39.2%; 2019: 18.1% and 28.8%), and consistently high prescribers (3.4%) prescribed at high rates (2015: 54.6%; 2019: 44.7%). In model 2, from consistently high prescribers (n = 6,845), 4 trajectories were identified. Of these 4 groups, 1 group (7.5%) declined prescribing rapidly. The groups did not differ meaningfully; however, the rapid decliners included fewer oral and maxillofacial surgeons (13.0% vs 18.4%), saw more Medicaid patients (2.5% vs 1.0%), and had higher opioid prescribing rates in 2015 (95.5% vs 91.6%) (P < .001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: The authors identified variations in dentists' opioid prescribing rates. Although 60% of dentists decreased prescribing rates by 30% through 83%, 3.4% of dentists consistently prescribed at high rates. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Some dentists continue to prescribe opioids at high levels, indicating that additional information is needed to better inform policy and clinical decision making.

Oral maxillofacial surgeons and Orthodontists' perceptions about anterior inferior crowding and indications of mandibular third molar extraction.

BACKGROUND: There are still many doubts about anterior inferior crowding and indications of mandibular third molar extraction, although it is very studied subject in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of oral maxillofacial surgeons (OMFSs) and orthodontists about anterior inferior crowding and indications of mandibular third molar extraction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A web-based survey was developed and sent to professionals in order to collect their opinion about the fact that third lower molars cause crowding and questions about the indication of third molars for orthodontic treatment. Descriptive analysis was performed and Chi-square or G tests were applied with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The study included a total of 218 participants, of whom 115 were OMFSs and 103 were orthodontists. The results showed that 56.5% of OMFSs and 35.0% of orthodontists believe that the lower third molars cause anterior inferior crowding (p<0.001). A total of 91.3% of OMFSs and 70.9% of orthodontists indicate the extraction of lower third molars to aid orthodontic treatment (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that in being an oral maxillofacial surgeon, a higher odds ratio is observed to consider that lower third molars cause dental crowding compared to those who are orthodontist. The indication of exodontia of lower third molars for orthodontic treatment was more frequent among OMFSs when compared to orthodontists.

The perception and practice of routine lingual flap retraction in lower third molar surgery among oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Nigeria.

Background: Lingual nerve injury is a known complication of mandibular third molar (M3M) surgery, and retraction of the lingual flap is reported to reduce the incidence of this complication. However, there is no global consensus on the routine retraction of lingual flap. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the perception and practice of lingual flap retraction amongst oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional national survey was conducted amongst 122 oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Nigeria from January 2023 to March 2023 using a validated, structured, self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire had three sections and 14-item questions. Section A consists of the sociodemographic questions, Section B comprises questions on perception towards lingual flap retraction, whereas Section C consists of questions on the practice of lingual flap retraction. These questionnaires were deployed as an online survey and as hard copies. Both qualitative and quantitative data were analysed. A critical probability level (P < 0.05) was used as the cut-off level for statistical significance. Results: Most of the participants (47.6%) belong to the age group of 31-40 years. The male-to-female ratio was 6:1. Only 12 (9.8%) participants had a positive perception towards routine lingual flap retractions following M3M surgery. Perception of lingual flap retraction was found not to be associated with the demographic variables of the participants (P > 0.05). A total of 95 participants (77.9%) did not raise nor retract the lingual flap during lower third molar surgery. The rate of practice of lingual flap retraction during third molar surgery was not influenced by any of the factors studied (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The majority of oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Nigeria do not agree that routine retraction of the lingual flap is necessary to reduce lingual nerve injury and majority, too, do not practice this in their management of impacted lower third molar.

Sir Terence Ward CBE MBE (Mil) (1906-1991) and maxillofacial surgery at Queen Victoria Hospital.

Terence Ward was a major maxillofacial surgeon in World War II, working with Sir Archibold McIndoe to treat badly injured forces personnel, especially air crew. He was important when the time came to establish his speciality in the post-war NHS. Sir Terence played an important role in the Royal College of Surgeons of England, where he was dean of its Faculty of Dental Surgery and raised a great deal of money for the Department of Dental Science.

Técnica quirúrgica con Zigoma quad con carga inmediata en maxilar atrófico: a propósito de un caso / Surgical technique with quad Zygoma with immediate loading in an atrophic maxilla: a case report

Introducción: En la actualidad existen técnicas quirúrgicas predecibles y reproducibles para los tratamientos en pacientes con atrofias de rebordes maxilares, los implantes cigomáticos son unas de las alternativas. El trabajo interdisciplinario entre el rehabilitador oral y el cirujano maxilofacial es fundamental para el éxito de la rehabilitación del paciente. El presente caso clínico reporta un paciente de sexo femenino de 60 años, sin antecedentes médicos, donde se observa en el conebean atrofia del reborde alveolar por lo que se planifica cuatro implantes cigomáticos. Objetivo: El objetivo del informe clínico es mostrar una alternativa de tratamiento quirúrgico implantologico en paciente con maxilar atrofiado. Resultados: Los resultados demostraron la eficacia de los implantes cigomáticos en pacientes edéntulos con atrofia del reborde alveolar más la colocación de una prótesis inmediata. Conclusión: Unas de las alternativas de tratamiento en maxilares con rebordes atróficos son la colocación de implantes cigomáticos junto a una buena planificación digital. varios estudios han descrito que la tasa de éxito de estos implantes es muy alta, debido a que la técnica es segura, reproducible y genera alta satisfacción en los pacientes. (AU)

Introduction: At present there are predictable and reproducible surgical techniques for treatments in patients with maxillary rim atrophy, zygomatic implants are one of the alternatives. The interdisciplinary work between the oral rehabilitator and the maxillofacial surgeon is fundamental for the success of the patient's rehabilitation. The present clinical case reports a 60 year old female patient, with no medical history, where atrophy of the alveolar ridge was observed in the conebean and four zygomatic implants were planned. Objective: The objective of the clinical report is to show an alternative implantological surgical treatment in a patient with atrophied maxilla. Results: The results demonstrated the efficacy of zygomatic implants in edentulous patients with alveolar ridge atrophy plus immediate prosthesis placement. Conclusion: One of the treatment alternatives in maxillae with atrophic rims is the placement of zygomatic implants together with a good digital planning. Several studies have described that the success rate of these implants is very high, due to the fact that the technique is safe, reproducible and generates high patient satisfaction, (AU)

Proceedings of the Third American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Anesthesia Patient Safety Conference.

The 3rd Anesthesia Patient Safety Conference of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons was held at the Daniel M Laskin Institute for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Education and Innovation at American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons headquarters in Rosemont, Illinois on June 6, 2022. The conference provided a platform to scrutinize collective errors, explore optimal practices, comprehend the concepts and principles of human complacency, assessing the system's capacity to handle deviations from the norm, and contemplate ideas and initiatives to enhance our practice model. These safety conferences are designed to foster collaborative, proactive conversations and understand best practices in safe delivery of anesthetic care to our patients.

Knowledge and Practice of Radiation Stents for Oral Cancer Patients among the Sudanese's Maxillofacial Surgeons, Prosthodontists, Oncologists, and Radiotherapists.

AIM: To assess the knowledge and practice of radiation stents for oral cancer patients among the Sudanese's maxillofacial surgeons, prosthodontists, oncologists, and radiotherapists in Khartoum state. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire composed of three sections, including the participant's sociodemographic, knowledge, and practice data, was conducted and distributed among the specialists and Registrars of maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics, oncology, and radiotherapy who were working at the Khartoum Teaching Dental Hospital, the Faculty of Dentistry (University of Khartoum), and the Khartoum Oncology Hospital, respectively, during the study's duration. A cluster sampling technique was used, and within the cluster group, simple randomization was used. The sample size was 137 participants. The participant's knowledge and practice scores were calculated as percentages achieved by dividing the numbers of the accurate answers of the participants by the total number of questions and categorized as good (66.6%-100%), average (33.3%-66.6%), and poor (less than 33.3%). RESULT: The response rate was 80%. Forty five (40.9%) of the respondents were males, and 65 (59.1%) were females. The high-frequency age-group was 30-40 years (59 subjects, 53.6%). Thirty-eight participants (75.5%) were unfamiliar with the radiation stent. The overall knowledge score was poor, with a significant difference between the different groups (p = 0.0001*). Only the prosthodontists reported a good level of knowledge about the radiation stent (73%), while the oncologists and the radiologists showed a zero level of knowledge. Despite this, the practice score of the radiation stent was poor among all groups. The level of knowledge regarding the complications of radiation and the different protective measures among the maxillofacial surgeons, oncologists, and radiotherapists was 55%, 60%, and 50%, respectively, while the prosthodontists reported 70%. Only 27 (24.5%) participants reported a multidisciplinary treatment approach. At the same time, the majority, 59.1%, declared that they do not follow a formal clinical guideline and/or protocol for dental treatment in oral cancer patients. The lack of knowledge and communication between the different health providers were the main barriers preventing the use of radiation stents. CONCLUSION: The knowledge and practice of the radiation stent were poor. A highlighted need was strengthened to improve the training and communication among the multidisciplinary oral cancer team members, and standard clinical guidelines and protocols need to be conducted and followed to improve patient treatment outcomes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Radiation stents have a significant role in reducing the complications of radiation therapy. Improving the knowledge and practice of radiation stents will have a substantial influence on the quality of health services provided for the oral cancer patients and their quality of life.

Decision-making patterns among expert and novice orthodontists and oral maxillofacial surgeons in the management of adults with Class III malocclusions and moderate degree of skeletal discrepancies.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the decision-making patterns among expert and novice orthodontists and oral maxillofacial surgeons in the management of adults with Class III malocclusions and moderate skeletal discrepancies. DESIGN: Self-administered questionnaire survey. SETTING: Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore and the University Dental Cluster, National University Hospital, Singapore. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 55 clinicians, comprising 13 expert orthodontists, 20 novice orthodontists, 10 expert oral maxillofacial surgeons and 12 novice oral maxillofacial surgeons. METHODS: Clinicians assessed six adults with a Class III malocclusion and moderate skeletal discrepancy. They were asked to decide who could be managed exclusively by orthodontic camouflage, who would require combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgery as the only viable treatment, or who could be offered both treatment options. RESULTS: The study found variable decision-making patterns among the clinicians in each case. Only 18.2%-40.0% of clinicians agreed that the cases selected were of moderate skeletal discrepancies and could be offered both treatment options whereas the rest were either more inclined to recommend orthodontic camouflage or orthognathic surgery. Intra-clinician agreement (n = 20) was only fair (Kappa value = 0.31). There was only slight inter-clinician agreement (n = 55) on their clinical decisions (Kappa value = 0.10). Clinical experience and dental specialty did not significantly influence clinicians' decisions. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons were 1.98 times more likely to indicate orthognathic surgery as the only viable treatment compared to the orthodontists (95% confidence interval = 1.15-3.42). CONCLUSION: Variability in the patterns of decision-making for adults with a Class III malocclusion and moderate skeletal discrepancy was observed among the clinicians with low repeatability and agreement.

Perceptions and conducts of oral and maxillofacial surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are among the frontline healthcare workers and are classified as a high-risk group for COVID-19 infection; however, it has not yet been defined how these professionals were impacted. The aim of this study was to explore the conducts and perceptions of oral and maxillofacial surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Nine individuals, mean age 34.8 years, 66.6% men, were included in the study. A semi-structured interview with a qualitative approach was applied to professionals belonging to a messaging application group (WhatsApp). Content analysis was performed in the light of Hellerian theory in its daily theoretical framework for the interpretation of the memories reported by the participants. Four themes were identified. The lack of knowledge about COVID-19 and the fear of being contaminated during care were the main factors responsible for changes in the professionals' work routine. An important point was the collective reflection of the participants about the increase in biosafety barriers, which ensured a greater sense of security. The need for social isolation to contain the virus was also described. As a result, there was a great distance between professionals and their families, which generated high levels of anxiety in the former. Repetitive reports of slowness and reduced attendance directly related to financial loss and aggravated stress were also highlighted. The findings of this study reveal that oral and maxillofacial surgeons had their professional-personal axis affected in terms of daily habits, family life and financial strain, aspects that were responsible for impacting stress and anxiety levels.

Coincidencia de criterios para el manejo quirúrgico de caninos impactados/retenidos entre ortodoncistas y cirujanos maxilofaciales: estudio piloto / Criteria agreement for the surgical management of impacted/retained canines among orthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons: a pilot study

Introducción: Los caninos son piezas dentarias consideradas como importantes en el sistema estomatognático. En la actualidad existe una gran cantidad de pacientes con caninos impactados en México y el tratamiento es desafiante desde una perspectiva diagnóstica y terapéutica para los especialistas. El tratamiento ortodóntico-quirúrgico se ha vuelto el método preferido por los clínicos tanto especialistas en ortodoncia como cirujanos maxilofaciales.Objetivo: Determinar el grado de coincidencia en los criterios para el manejo quirúrgico de caninos impactados/ retenidos.Material y métodos: Fue un estudio observacional descriptivo y analítico. Se aplicó un cuestionario que consistió de 29 preguntas con un tamaño de muestra de 30 ortodoncistas y 30 cirujanos maxilofaciales.Resultados: Este estudio encontró en promedio un nivel moderado de concordancia (54 %) en el manejo de los caninos retenidos entre cirujanos maxilofaciales y ortodoncistas.Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados indican que, aunque existe alguna alineación en las prácticas de manejo entre estos dos grupos profesionales, también hay una considerable variabilidad. Esto puede reflejar diferencias en la formación, experiencia y preferencias individuales. A pesar de la limitación de una muestra pequeña, estos hallazgos sugieren la necesidad de directrices clínicas más claras y/o formación adicional para mejorar la coherencia en el manejo de los caninos retenidos. (AU)

Introduction: Canines are dental pieces considered as important in the stomatognathic system. Currently, there is a large number of patients with impacted canines in Mexico, and treatment is challenging from a diagnostic and therapeutic perspective for specialists. Orthodonticsurgical treatment has become the preferred method by clinicians, both orthodontics specialists and maxillofacial surgeons.Objective: To determine the degree of agreement in the criteria for the surgical management of impacted/retained canines.Materials and methods: It was a descriptive and analytical observational study. A questionnaire consisting of 29 questions was applied with a sample size of 30 orthodontists and 30 maxillofacial surgeons.Results: This study found on average a moderate level of agreement (54 %) in the management of retained canines between maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists.Conclusions: Our results indicate that, although there is some alignment in management practices between these two professional groups, there is also considerable variability. This may reflect differences in training, experience, and individual preferences. Despite the limitation of a small sample, these findings suggest the need for clearer clinical guidelines and/or additional training to improve consistency in the management of retained canines. (AU)

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon's Position Paper on Oral Mucosal Dysplasia.

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) of the oral mucosa include leukoplakia, erythroplakia, erythroleukoplakia, lichen planus, and oral lichenoid lesions, each with varying incidences of dysplastic disease at the time of presentation and each with observed incidences of malignant transformation over time. The primary goal of the management of dysplasia, therefore, includes their early detection and treatment prior to malignant transformation. The recognition and management of these OPMDs and an understanding of their potential progression to oral squamous cell carcinoma will reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these lesions with expedient and properly executed treatment strategies that will have a positive effect on patient survival. It is the purpose of this position paper to discuss oral mucosal dysplasia in terms of its nomenclature, epidemiology, types, natural history, and treatment to acquaint clinicians regarding the timing of biopsy, type of biopsy, and follow-up of patients with these lesions of the oral mucosa. This position paper represents a synthesis of existing literature on this topic with the intention of closing gaps in our understanding of oral mucosal dysplasia while also stimulating new thinking to guide clinicians in the proper diagnosis and management of OPMDs. The fifth edition of the World Health Organization classification of head and neck tumors published in 2022 represents new information regarding this topic and a construct for this position paper.