Oral Surgery Foundation Programme
Many general dentists feel inadequately trained in, and exposed to, oral surgery techniques. This clinical, step-by-step three month modular programme simplifies oral surgical procedures and provides the knowledge needed to perform these procedures with competence in general practice.
This programme is designed for dentists who wish to expand and develop their dentoalveolar surgical skills and encompasses patient care and anatomy to the management of complications. It will equip general dentists with the necessary clinical skills to operate on patients effectively and safely, as well as ensuring that they can provide pre-operative and post-operative care and manage emergency situations.
Teaching is normally delivered by means of a mixture of lectures and interactive sessions run in conjunction with practical training sessions in a clinical setting monitored by experienced practitioners. The programme also includes the theoretical aspects of procedures carried out by consultant maxillofacial surgeons.
Module One
During the first month students are introduced to basic surgical sciences, infection control, pharmacology and anatomy. The principles of effective safe tooth extraction are taught along with minor oral surgery techniques for the removal of retained roots. The associated pathology together with the management of associated complications including oro-antral fistul are also explained. In addition this module includes the management of impacted teeth together with odontogenic and other oral infections with possible complications. Also covered is peri-radicular surgery, dentoalveolar surgery in relation to orthodontic treatment and intraoral and labial biopsy techniques.
Module Two
In the second month appropriate pain and anxiety control techniques, including the administration of standard conscious sedation techniques will be explained. The module covers the insertion of dental implants including basic bone augmentation and soft tissue management. Lectures will include the management of dentoalveolar trauma and familiarity with the diagnosis and treatment of fractures of the jaws and facial skeleton. The diagnosis and management of oral mucosal diseases and appropriate referral is considered. In addition to the above competencies, students obtain instruction in the management of the emergency patient.
Module Three
In the final month of the programme hands-on practical sessions will introduce advanced bone augmenting techniques used in implantology and bone oral rehabilitation. Lectures will cover the diagnosis and treatment of anomalies and diseases of the TMJ. Also covered will be the management of oro-facial pain including temporomandibular joint disorders. The clinical diagnosis of oral cancer and potentially malignant diseases, familiarity with their management and appropriate referral are also explained.
