Patients' perception of the otolaryngologist

A study of patients' perceptions regarding the scope of services provided by selected head-and-neck and other health specialists was completed. Data were collected by having 403 patients complete a questionnaire during their first visit to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The findings suggest that the public's knowledge of the scope of services provided by otolaryngologists may be limited. If the participants in the study are somewhat representative of the general population, then the hypothesis of the public's limited knowledge should be examined in more details. Attention should be given to the possibility of providing educational opportunities for the enhancement of the public's knowledge of the service provided by otolaryngologist.