What do maxillofacial surgeons do?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, face and neck. The scope of the specialty is extensive and includes the diagnosis and management of cranio-facial trauma, head and neck cancers, salivary gland diseases, congenital and developmental facial and jaw deformities, temporomandibular joint disorders, cysts and tumours of the maxillofacial region, surgery for dental anomalies such as impacted and buried teeth, as well as a host of medical conditions affecting the oral mucosa. A significant part of the work undertaken by the specialty involves reconstructive surgery of the face and jaw area following injury, cancer or growth problems. What does training involve? Now for the tough bit! Maxillofacial surgery is unique amongst the surgical specialties in requiring a dual qualification in both medicine and dentistry. The Specialist Advisory Committee, a sub-committee of the intercollegiate Joint Committee for Higher
