The perception of society in relation to the role of oral and maxillofacil surgeon.

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate the perception of society regarding the responsibility of
diagnosis and treatment of several alterations of oral and craniofacial structure, evaluating their knowledge
about the specialty of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS). The study was carried out through the
application of a questionnaire, evaluating a sample of dental students, medical students, dental surgeons,
physicians and patients about the level of knowledge of each other in the specialty area of activity and what
is the preference of those in relation to cases of abnormalities that can be treated by both Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgeon and other medical and dental specialties. It was found that in the majority of trauma
conditions and functionality, the Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon was not chosen having ambiguity in the choice
of the specialties. This fact was also observed in cases of pathologies, but it turns out that dental students
and professionals prefer OMF surgeon or Oral Stomatologist for the treatment of conditions, while medical
students and professionals indicate the Head and Neck surgeon, preferably. In the cases of aesthetic, all
groups refer to the plastic surgeon as the most suitable in the treatment of the conditions. It is understood
that the knowledge about the role of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon by the studied groups is
unsatisfactory, and there is no clarity on its definition and on its area of activity, and how it is important within the health area.