RECOGNITION OF THE SCOPE OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY BY THE PUBLIC AND HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS

Purpose: A recent British study has reported a lack of awareness among the general public as to the benefits provided by the specialty of or al and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). Medical and dental practitioners surveyed had a greater awareness of OMFS than the general public, yet were deficient in knowledge of the wide range of services provided by them. Therefore, a similar survey was conducted in the Boston area to determine the awareness among the general public and health profession als of the proper providers of treatment for the maxillofacial region and the level of knowledge of the specialty of OMFS. Materials and Met hods: The study incorporated five groups of respondents: dental studen ts, dental practitioners, medical students, medical practitioners, and the general public. The survey was mailed, or distributed, randomly t o persons representing each group in the Boston area, Between 200 and 300 surveys were sent to each group, and data collection was stopped a t 100 responses per group, Surveys from the general public were screen ed to eliminate responders involved in health professions. For each of 20 specific situations or treatments, respondents were asked to choos e a source of treatment from among four categories of specialists: ear nose and throat surgery (ENT), plastic surgery, OMFS, and periodontol ogy. A chi-square analysis was performed for each question to compare the pattern of responses among categories of respondents. Results: The data showed that most of the health professionals, 90% of students, a nd 98% of practitioners had heard of OMFS, whereas only 62% of the pub lic have heard of this specialty. Furthermore, only 22% of the lay res ponders had ever been treated by an OMFS. The results also suggested t hat many health professionals had a lack of understanding about the wi de scope of surgical procedures that OMFSs offer. Conclusion: Despite all the progress that has occurred in OMFS, a large portion oft he Ame rican population is still unaware of the specialty, if patients are to receive the best treatment available, it is essential to educate heal th care consumers and providers about the different specialties availa ble and their role within the health profession.