Maxillofacial prosthetics in the dental school curriculum

A survey was sent to all dental schools in the United States to ascertain what type of training in maxillofacial prosthetics was included as a separate course or included within other courses. Eighty-six percent of the questionnaires were returned. The results indicated that, while only 31% of the respondents offered a specific course in maxillofacial prosthetics, much of this information was offered in several other dental school courses. Specific information should be included in the curriculum on subjects such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. However, the emphasis should be aimed at familiarizing the dental student with the objective and scope of maxillofacial rehabilitation without providing details regarding the fabrication of the infinite variety of maxillofacial prostheses. This general information is essential so that dental students realize that appropriate treatment of carcinoma patients includes prosthetic rehabilitation and they can counsel and refer their patients appropriately.