Publication performance of university maxillofacial surgeons in Germany.

The aim of this bibliometric analysis was to benchmark the publication activities of German university departments of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The publication performance of staff surgeons (chief and consultants), documented by first or last authorship, from 37 German university departments was captured over a 10-year period (January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019). All publications listed in PubMed were included. Additionally, the Impact Factor (IF) was determined. A total of 213 surgeons were identified, of whom 158 (74.2%) were publishing. The number of publications was 1,777, published in 311 journals. Publication activity ranged from an average of 23.3 publications per staff surgeon in the top-ranked department to 0 publications in the last-ranked. The same trend was observed for the total cumulative IFs (CIFs) per member (range from 56.2 to 0). The most common used journal was the Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery (19.7%), with focus on "dentoalveolar surgery" (24%) and "operative techniques and procedures" (28.3%). Women constituted 19.2% of the staff, contributing to 8.5% of the publications. The publication performance of German university departments of oral and maxillofacial surgery exhibits a high variance, which did not correlate with the number of personnel and could only be explained by different research motivations.

Utilização e percepção da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico por especialistas em cirurgia e traumatologia bucomaxilofacial para avaliação de terceiros molares inferiores impactados / Use and perception of cone beam computed tomography by oral & maxillofacial surgeons for impacted lower third molars evaluation

Objetivo: conhecer o perfil demográfico e as características que levam à solicitação de tomografia computa-dorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) pelos especialistas em Cirurgia e Traumatologia Bucomaxilofacial (CTBMF) do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, para diagnóstico e planejamento cirúrgico de terceiros molares inferiores (3MI) impactados. Métodos: foram enviados questionários eletrônicos para todos os especialistas em CTBMF do RS. O questionário compreendia perguntas demográficas, clínicas e imaginológicas. O teste Qui-Quadra-do foi utilizado para verificar a associação entre as variáveis. Resultados: 115 questionários foram respondi-dos.O exame mais solicitado foi a panorâmica (95%). A TCFC foi solicitada por 50 especialistas (30 utilizam software). Localização do canal mandibular, dilaceração radicular e reabsorção do segundo molar são os aspectos mais avaliados na TCFC (P < 0,05); já o contato da raiz com o canal mandibular foi dito ser avaliado nos dois exames. Complicações permanentes foram relatadas por 21 especialistas, associadas a profissionais com maior tempo de graduação e/ou especialização (P < 0,05), mas não com o tipo de exame solicitado (P > 0,05). Na percepção dos especialistas, a TCFC tem papel importante em casos de alta complexidade. Con-clusão: a panorâmica ainda é o exame mais utilizado para avaliação de 3MI impactados pelos especialistas em CTBMF do RS, porém a TCFC tem sido solicitada para complementação do diagnóstico e planejamento e como meio de segurança jurídica do profissional.(AU)

Objective: to recognize the demographic profile and the characteristics that lead to the request of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) by Oral & Maxillofacial (OMF) Surgeons in the state of RS for the diagnosis and surgical planning of impacted lower third molars (3LM). Methods: electronic questionnaires were sent to all OMF surgeons in RS. The questionnaire comprised demographic, clinical, and imaging questions. The chi-square test was used to verify the association between variables. Results: 115 questionnaires were answered. The most requested exam was the panoramic (95%). CBCT was requested by 50 specialists (30 use software). Localization of the mandibular canal, root dilaceration, and resorption of the second molar are the most evaluated aspects in the CBCT (P <0.05); the contact of the root with the mandibular canal was said to be evaluated in both exams. Permanent complications were reported by 21 OMF surgeons, and were related to the time of graduation and/or specialization (P < 0.05), but not to the type of exam (P > 0.05). In the OMF surgeons' perception, the CBCT has an important role in cases of high complexity. Conclusion: panoramic radiograph still is the most used exam for the assessment of impacted 3LM by OMF surgeons in RS, however, CBCT has been requested to complement the diagnosis and treatment plan, and as a means of professional legal security.(AU)

The New Zealand oral and maxillofacial surgeon workforce in 2017-18: characteristics, practice and prospects.

AIM: To describe and consider the findings of a workforce survey of New Zealand Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMS) which was conducted in 2017-18, and to compare those to findings from a similar survey undertaken in 2001. METHODS: A questionnaire was used to obtain information on the qualifications, sociodemographic characteristics and and practising circumstances of all practising OMS in New Zealand. Data were analysed using SPSS (version 24). After the computation of descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations were used to identify differences in proportions (with those tested for statistical significance using Chi-squared tests), and analysis of variance was used to examine differences in means. RESULTS: All 39 OMS took part. There were 17 medically qualified surgeons who also held a surgical fellowship, comprising just under half of the workforce. Overall, one in eight surgeons worked solely in the public sector, while just under one-quarter worked solely in private; the remainder worked in both sectors. Dentoalveolar procedures were by far the most common undertaken (with considerably more done by older surgeons than younger ones), followed by implants, the treatment of facial trauma, skin lesions and surgery for malignancy. Orthognathic surgery and dentoalveolar trauma procedures were the least commonly reported. Only two-thirds of surgeons participated in public on-call work. While 95% of surgeons were indeed satisfied with their work, the lowest rate was observed among those working solely in the public sector, where it was 80%; among those working exclusively in private, it was 100%. Between 2001 and 2017-18, the proportion of medically qualified surgeons rose from just over one-quarter to more than two-thirds. The proportion of surgeons working solely in private practice rose from one in seven to almost one-quarter. There were marked increases in the mean number of malignancies dealt with and implants provided. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight a number of problems-some long-standing, others emerging-in New Zealand's OMS system. Fewer surgeons are participating in public sector provision and there is stress on those who remain. Workforce planners should be aware that more resources need to be put into training surgeons who will take up hospital appointments and provide essential after-hours emergency services.

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort and Injury in Craniofacial and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: Long, complex surgical procedures with non-ergonomic postures, headlights, loupe magnification, and microscope use may put craniofacial and maxillofacial surgeons at an increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (WRMD). Identifying the prevalence and impact of WRMD may guide preventive strategies to prolong well-being, job satisfaction, and career duration. METHODS: A 31-question survey was designed to evaluate WRMD. The survey was sent to American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons and American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons members. The survey was created and distributed electronically through a private survey research center (Qualtrics Survey Software). RESULTS: There were 95 respondents (23.75% response rate): 75% male, 56% aged 31 to 50 years old, and 73% in academic practice. On a scale of 0 to 10 (0 no pain, 10 worst pain), WRMD for surgery without loupes/microscope had a median of 3, with loupes 4, and with microscope 5. Pain was most common in the neck. Pain within 4 hours of surgery was present in 55% and 38% feared pain would influence future surgical performance. Surgeon discomfort affects posture (72%), stamina (32%), sleep (28%), surgical speed (24%), relationships (18%), and concentration (17%). Medical treatment for discomfort was sought by 22%. Time off work for treatment occurred in 9%. CONCLUSION: The WRMD can affect many aspects of a craniofacial or maxillofacial surgeon's life and has the potential to shorten or end a career. Occupational health and surgical ergonomics should be emphasized during surgical training and in surgical practice.

Analysis of the supply of specialized oral health care services in the Brazilian National Health System: Brazil, 2014. / Análise da oferta de serviços na atenção especializada em saúde bucal no Sistema Único de Saúde, Brasil, 2014.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the availability of public specialized dental care services at Dental Specialties Centers (CEO) in Brazil in 2014. METHODS: secondary data on the CEO ratio and dental surgeon ratio were analyzed by population as well as the adequacy of the quantity of complete dental consulting rooms per CEO type, the adequacy of the ratio between the working hours of dental auxiliaries /technicians and those of dental surgeons and the adequacy of the availability of recommended minimum specialties. Possible statistical differences between macro-regions were verified. RESULTS: we found a ratio of one CEO per 217,797 inhabitants and one dental surgeon per 26,811 inhabitants; 97% of CEOs had the recommended number of dental consulting rooms; 26% had equivalent working hours between dental auxiliaries /technicians and dental surgeons; 60% offered the recommended minimum specialties. CONCLUSION: there were limitations in the provision of National Health System specialized oral health care services as well as regional differences.

See-Through Type 3D Head-Mounted Display-Based Surgical Microscope System for Microsurgery: A Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: The surgical microscope is used primarily for microsurgeries, which are more complicated than other surgical procedures and require delicate tasks for a long time. Therefore, during these surgical procedures, surgeons experience back and neck pain. To solve this problem, new technology, such as wearable displays, is required to help surgeons maintain comfortable postures and enjoy advanced functionality during microsurgery. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop a surgical microscope system that would work with wearable devices. It would include a head-mounted display (HMD) that can offer 3D surgical images and allow a flexible and comfortable posture instead of fixed eyepieces of surgical microscope and can also provide peripheral visual field with its optical see-through function. METHODS: We designed and fabricated a surgical microscope system that incorporates a see-through type 3D HMD, and we developed an image processing software to provide better image quality. The usability of the proposed system was confirmed with preclinical examination. Seven ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgical specialists and 8 residents performed a mock surgery-axillary lymph node dissection on a rat. They alternated between looking through the eyepieces of the surgical microscope and viewing a 3D HMD screen connected to the surgical microscope. We examined the success of the surgery and asked the specialists and residents to grade eye fatigue on a scale of 0 (none) to 6 (severe) and posture discomfort on a scale of 1 (none) to 5 (severe). Furthermore, a statistical comparison was performed using 2-tailed paired t test, and P=.00083 was considered significant. RESULTS: Although 3D HMD case showed a slightly better result regarding visual discomfort (P=.097), the average eye fatigue was not significantly different between eyepiece and 3D HMD cases (P=.79). However, the average posture discomfort, especially in neck and shoulder, was lower with 3D HMD display use than with eyepiece use (P=.00083). CONCLUSIONS: We developed a see-through type 3D HMD-based surgical microscope system and showed through preclinical testing that the system could help reduce posture discomfort. The proposed system, with its advanced functions, could be a promising new technique for microsurgery.

Trends in the dental surgeon workforce in Brazil 2007-2014: a time series study using data from the National Registry of Health Services. / Tendências da força de trabalho de cirurgiões-dentistas no Brasil, no período de 2007 a 2014: estudo de séries temporais com dados do Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde.

OBJECTIVE: the objective was to analyze trends in the dental surgeon workforce in Brazil between 2007 and 2014. METHODS: this is a time series study using data from the Brazilian National Register of Health Establishments and the Brazilian National Institute of Geography and Statistics. Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression was used to estimate time trends and to calculate the annual percent change in the dental surgeon workforce over the period. RESULTS: the number of dental surgeons working as general practitioners and as specialists grew on average by 12.7% and 17.3% per annum, respectively; dental surgeon workforce expansion in relation to general practitioners (0.5%) and specialists (11.6%) was lower in the public sector, compared to the private sector (24.5% and 30.3%, respectively). CONCLUSION: the number of dental surgeons in Brazil is high, although they are not equally distributed between both sectors. This may imply barriers to dental care access in Brazil.

Management of the Maxillary Diastema by Various Dental Specialties.

PURPOSE: There is considerable controversy in the literature concerning the indications for frenectomy for treating a maxillary diastema and for timing of the procedure. The purpose of this study was to survey pediatric dentists, orthodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons on their opinion of this matter to develop a consensus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymous 7-item electronic questionnaire was sent to members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, the American Association of Orthodontists, and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons asking about the etiology of the maxillary diastema, its diagnosis, and treatment. RESULTS: Although there was no agreement among the oral and maxillofacial surgeons for the timing of frenectomy and when the diastema should be closed, the pediatric dentists and orthodontists generally agreed that frenectomy should not be performed before the permanent canines are erupted and that the operation should follow orthodontic closure of the space. CONCLUSION: Although there was no complete consensus among the 3 groups, a logical treatment approach for the maxillary diastema is proposed.

Long-term Evaluation of Treatment Planning Decisions for Nonhealing Endodontic Cases by Different Groups of Practitioners.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in treatment planning decisions among different practitioner groups over 7 years for teeth with apical periodontitis and a history of endodontic treatment. METHODS: A Web-based survey was sent to dentists in Pennsylvania in 2009 consisting of 14 cases with nonhealing periapical lesions and intact restorations without evidence of recurrent caries. Participants selected among 5 treatment options: wait and observe, nonsurgical retreatment (NSRTX), surgical retreatment (SRTX), extraction and fixed partial denture, or extraction and implant (EXIMP). In 2016, the identical survey was resent to the original 2009 participants. RESULTS: In 2009, 262 dentists participated in the survey. Two hundred one participants were general practitioners (GPs: 76.7%), 26 endodontists (ENDOs: 9.9%), and 35 other specialists (prosthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery [SPECs]: 13.4%) (n = 262). EXIMP, NSRTX, and SRTX were fairly equally selected but with great variation between practitioner groups (χ2 = 173.49, P < .05). A subset group of 104 participants (SUB) (39.7% of the original participants) retook the survey in 2016 (69 GPs [66.3%], 15 ENDOs [14.0%], and 20 SPECs [19.7%]). Comparisons among practitioner groups were significantly different in SUB (n = 104) for 2009 (χ2 = 95.536, P < .05) and 2016 (χ2 = 109.8889, P < .05). Intragroup reliability between 2009 and 2016 revealed no significant differences between the overall treatment planning choices for all practitioners (GPs, ENDOs, or SPECs). Intrapractitioner reliability showed many treatment planning decision changes on an individual level. Chances that individuals changed their original decision were 47.8% (95% confidence interval, 45.2%-50.4%) and were significantly different among the 3 practitioner groups (GPs > SPECs > ENDOs [χ2 = 11.2792, P < .05]). No significant changes were observed in the decision for tooth saving versus replacement treatment options (P = .520). CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were noted between current and past treatment planning decisions in regard to tooth preservation by endodontic retreatment versus tooth extraction and replacement. However, individual practitioners lacked consistency in their decision making over time.

African Americans in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Factors Affecting Career Choice, Satisfaction, and Practice Patterns.

PURPOSE: There are few data available on the experience of minority surgeons in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to 1) explore factors that contribute to African Americans choosing OMS as a career, 2) examine satisfaction among minority oral and maxillofacial surgeons with the residency application and training process, 3) report on practice patterns among minority oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and 4) identify perceived bias for or against minority oral and maxillofacial surgeons in an attempt to aid the efforts of OMS residency organizations to foster diversity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 19-item survey was sent to 80 OMS practitioners by use of information from the mailing list of the National Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, an American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons-affiliated organization. All surveys were sent by mail and were followed by a reminder mailing after 8 weeks. Responses returned within 16 weeks were accepted for analysis. RESULTS: Of the 80 mailed surveys, 41 were returned within the 16-week parameter, representing a return rate of 51%. Most of the minority surgeon respondents were married men with a mean age of 60 years who worked as private practitioners. Most respondents practiced on the eastern and western coasts of the United States. Exposure in dental school was the most important factor in selecting OMS as a specialty. Location and prestige were the most important factors in selecting a residency program. Most respondents reported that race did not affect the success of their application to a residency program and did not currently affect the success of their practice. However, 25 to 46% of participants experienced race-related harassment, and 48 to 55% of participants believed there was a bias against African Americans in OMS. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that a substantial number of minority oral and maxillofacial surgeons subjectively perceive race-based bias in their career, although it does not appear to affect professional success.

Influence of Cone-beam Computed Tomography in Clinical Decision Making among Specialists.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical information and diagnostic imaging are essential components of preoperative diagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging on clinical decision-making choices among different specialists (prosthodontists, endodontists, oral surgeons, and periodontists) in endodontic treatment planning. A secondary objective was to assess the self-reported level of difficulty in making a treatment choice before and after viewing a preoperative CBCT scan. METHODS: In accordance with the endodontic case difficulty guidelines of the American Association of Endodontists, 30 endodontic cases with varying degrees of complexity were selected. Each case included clinical photographs, digital periapical radiographs, and a small-volume CBCT scan. In the first evaluation, examiners were given all the information of each case, except the CBCT scan. Examiners were asked to select one of the proposed treatment alternatives and assess the difficulty of making a decision. One month later, the examiners reviewed randomly the same 30 cases with the additional information from the CBCT data. RESULTS: The CBCT scans only had a significant influence on the treatment plan when the endodontic case was classified as high difficulty (P < .05). The level of difficulty in choosing a treatment choice was significantly more difficult after viewing a preoperative CBCT scan (P < .05), with the exception of the endodontists (P = .033). After viewing the CBCT scan, the extraction option increased significantly (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: CBCT imaging has a substantial impact on endodontic decision making among specialists, particularly in high difficulty cases.

Career and Professional Satisfaction of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residents, Academic Surgeons, and Private Practitioners: Does Gender Matter?

The aims of this study were to determine whether male vs. female oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) residents, academic surgeons (i.e., faculty members), and private practitioners in the U.S. differed in their general career satisfaction and job/professional satisfaction. Survey data were collected in 2011-12 from 267 OMS residents (response rate 55%), 271 OMS academic surgeons (response rate 31%), and 417 OMS private practitioners (response rates 13% web-based survey and 29% postal mail survey). The results showed that while the male vs. female OMS private practitioners and academic surgeons did not differ in their career satisfaction, the female residents had a lower career satisfaction than the male residents (on four-point scale with 4=most satisfied: 3.03 vs. 3.65; p<0.01). The male vs. female OMS private practitioners and academic surgeons also did not differ in their job satisfaction. However, the female residents agreed on average less that they were able to practice OMS in the way they want, felt less proud to be an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, were less satisfied with their career, and were more likely to consider a career change in the next five years than the male residents. While these male and female oral and maxillofacial surgeons in private practice and academia did not differ in their career and job satisfaction, the male and female residents differed significantly, with female residents reporting a significantly poorer career and job satisfaction than male residents. Future research needs to explore ways to improve career and professional satisfaction of female OMS residents.

Correlation of radiographic analysis during initial planning and tactile perception during the placement of implants.

Most of the decisions made in planning treatment with implants rely on the clinician's assessment of the density of the jawbone. However, we know of only a few studies that have evaluated the clinicians' subjectivity and the objective quantitative methods. Our aim was to assess whether the characteristics of the bone seen on preoperative imaging are similar to the features faced during the operation. We collected data about 32 implant procedures done during the Specialisation Course for Implant Dentistry, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, San Paulo. First, the clinicians evaluated the panoramic radiograph and computed tomographic scans preoperatively, classified the bone density according to the Lekholm and Zarb classification, and marked their subjective evaluation on a visual analogue scale. Postoperatively the surgeons filled out a questionnaire based on their subjective perceptions obtained during the insertion of the implants. Another examiner answered the same questionnaire after looking at the patient's images but without knowing the surgeon's results. There was a good correlation between the surgeons' preoperative classification of the type of bone and their tactile perception (p=0.000), and a good correlation between the surgeon's preoperative classification of the bone and the examiner's findings (p=0.000). We conclude that imaging is an important part of preoperative planning and can predict the quality of the bone when coupled with the opinion of a trained clinician, objective analysis, and standard classification of the bone.

[National survey: Avulsion of included wisdom teeth in mandibular orthognathic surgery]. / Enquête nationale : avulsion des dents de sagesse incluses en chirurgie orthognathique mandibulaire.

INTRODUCTION: There is no recommendation concerning wisdom teeth (WT) extraction in mandibular orthognathic surgery. We carried out an investigation among the members of the French Society of Stomatology and Oro-maxillofacial Surgery (SFSCMFCO), in order to evaluate the practices and habits of maxillofacial surgeons in this field. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We emailed the 424 members of the SFSCMFCO with a questionnaire. RESULTS: We obtained 143 feedbacks that could be exploited. In total, 72.5% of practitioners prefer WT to be extracted before performing a bilateral sagittal spilt osteotomy (BSSO). In this case, a period of 6 months between the two surgeries was considered as desirable by more than 70% of the surgeons. In total, 74.6% of the surgeons thought that the presence of WT could make a BSSO more complicated. However, 73.9% of the surgeons would not postpone the BBSO in a patient ready for surgery but with remaining impacted WT. DISCUSSION: A majority of surgeons think that the presence of impacted WT may complicate a BSSO and increases the risk of bad split. Most of the authors recommend extracting the impacted WT 6 months before BSSO at least. However, these potential complications are easy to overcome and don't compromise the final result. Therefore, we think that impacted WT should not delay a BSSO if the orthodontic preparation makes the patient ready for surgery.

Does Training Background Influence Decision-Making in the Management of Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures?

PURPOSE: Management of zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures should be based on injury patterns and not on training background. This study assessed management decisions for ZMC injuries among surgeons with different training backgrounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of surgeons who evaluated 5 ZMC injury cases. The primary predictor variable was training background: plastic and reconstructive surgeons (PRSs), craniofacial PRSs (c-PRSs), and oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs). Other variables were years in practice, fellowship training, practice scope, and comfort with managing facial injuries. The primary outcome variable was management of the ZMC and orbital floor (operative vs nonoperative). Secondary outcome measurements were related to surgical approaches and fixation. Descriptive, bivariate, and regression statistics were computed. RESULTS: Twenty-one surgeons (7 PRSs, 7 c-PRSs, and 7 OMSs) with an average of 14.4 ± 12.6 years of experience provided a total of 105 treatment plans. There was significant agreement between c-PRSs and OMSs for management of ZMC and orbital floor injuries (rs = 0.70 and 0.76, respectively; P ≤ .001). PRSs did not have substantial agreement with c-PRSs or OMSs with regard to ZMC fractures (rs = 0.39 and 0.49, respectively; P ≤ .06), but significant agreement with regard to orbital floor injuries (rs = 0.70 and 0.76, respectively; P < .001). In a regression model, injury pattern was the only factor associated with operative management (P ≤ .001). CONCLUSIONS: There is substantial agreement between OMSs and c-PRSs regarding the management of ZMC fractures and associated orbital floor injuries.

The Use of Telemedicine in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine the perceived utility and demand for the application of telemedicine for improved patient care between nonsurgical dental practitioners (GPs) and oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two distinct questionnaires were made, one for GPs and one for OMSs. The GP questionnaire was sent to practicing Virginia Dental Association members on an e-mail list (approximately 2,200). The OMS questionnaire was sent by the Virginia Society of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery to members on an e-mail list (approximately 213). Questionnaires included questions about access to care, benefits of telemedicine consultations, reliability of telemedicine consultations, and perceived barriers against and opportunities for the implementation of telemedicine. The questionnaire was completed by 226 GP and 41 OMS respondents. RESULTS: There was a significant difference among responses of GPs based on practice location: rural patients had a longer average time from referral to OMS consultation (P = .003), rural patients traveled longer distances (P < .0001), rural practitioners referred more patients (P = .0038), and rural GPs referred more single-tooth implant cases (P = .0039). GP respondents moderately agreed to statements about the benefits of telemedicine, whereas OMS respondents were more neutral. GPs responded they would refer more patients (4.4) if consultations could be performed by telemedicine. OMSs agreed that more referrals would influence their decision to provide telemedicine consultations (51%). Practitioners had neutral perceptions about the reliability of telemedicine. OMS respondents agreed they would implement telemedicine in their practice if it provided equally good consultations as in-office visits. CONCLUSION: According to the present findings, telemedicine could be an important step in the right direction for overcoming current issues with patient access to care and increasing health care costs. The benefits of telemedicine technology have been documented and will continue to be seen with wider application of its use in other areas of health care such as oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Participation of Canadian Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in Oral, Lip, and Oropharyngeal Cancer Care.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the participation of Canadian oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) in the various phases of oral, lip, and oropharyngeal cancer care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted to quantify participation in oral, lip, and oropharyngeal cancer care and assess participation ranging from screening for malignancy to active treatment and rehabilitation of those with late-stage disease. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-one surgeons were contacted and 206 (52.7%) responded to the online survey. The survey showed 98.1% of respondents were involved with cancer screening and 97.1% were involved in prevention and early intervention (monitoring and treatment) of premalignant lesions. In addition, 95.1% of respondents participated in diagnosis and staging of tumors. Early-stage cancer was managed surgically by 49.5% of respondents, whereas 11.2% of respondents managed late-stage disease. Management of oral rehabilitation was performed by 79.0% of respondents. CONCLUSION: OMSs are an integral part of all phases of oral and oropharyngeal cancer care, including primary surgical oncology, in Canada. Although OMSs in Canada participate widely in integral prevention and survivor rehabilitation programs, few members participate in late-stage disease management and regional multidisciplinary care teams.

Learning Curve of a Minimally Invasive Technique for Transcrestal Sinus Floor Elevation: A Split-Group Analysis in a Prospective Case Series With Multiple Clinicians.

AIMS: To assess the learning curve of a minimally invasive procedure for maxillary sinus floor elevation with a transcrestal approach (tSFE) and evaluate the influence of clinician's experience in implant surgery on its outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were treated by clinicians with different levels of experience in implant surgery and inexperienced with respect to the investigated tSFE technique. The initial (n = 13) and final (n = 13) groups treated by the expert clinician were compared for tSFE outcomes. Additionally, the high, moderate, and low groups (n = 20 each) treated by the expert, moderately experienced, and low experienced clinician, respectively, were compared. RESULTS: (1) No significant differences in clinical and radiographic outcomes were observed between initial and final groups; (2) high, moderate, and low groups showed substantial vertical augmentation in limited operation time with treatment outcomes being influenced by the level of experience in implant surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The investigated technique allows for a substantial vertical augmentation at limited operation times when used by different clinicians. The extent of sinus lift (as radiographically assessed) seems to be influenced by the clinician's level of experience in implant dentistry.