Oral and maxillofacial surgery: outcomes and attitudes

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Surgical Education
• Professional Practice

Background:

• Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) is a demanding surgical specialty.
• Residency training is crucial for developing surgical proficiency.
• Post-residency career satisfaction and professional development are key areas of interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the perceptions of former OMFS residents regarding their training and practice.
• To identify perceived deficiencies in business skills and knowledge among OMFS graduates.
• To understand reasons for not pursuing American Board certification in OMFS.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 56 former oral and maxillofacial surgery residents from a single institution.
• The survey assessed satisfaction with the specialty, training adequacy, business acumen, and reasons for board examination decisions.
• The impact of personal life stressors, such as divorce, on residency and practice was also investigated.

Main Results:

• Respondents generally found oral and maxillofacial surgery satisfying and rewarding, with training perceived as adequate for practice.
• A significant lack of business skills and knowledge was reported by a majority of participants.
• Lack of perceived advantages was the primary reason cited by those who did not pursue American Board examination.
• Personal life stressors like divorce were not major factors influencing residency or practice decisions.

Conclusions:

• Oral and maxillofacial surgery residency provides a strong foundation for practice, but curriculum enhancement in business management is warranted.
• The value proposition of American Board certification needs re-evaluation to encourage wider participation.
• Factors beyond professional demands, such as business competency, significantly influence career trajectories in OMFS.