Basic and Advanced Skills in Oral Surgery

The removal of teeth and the surgical manipulation of the dentoalveolar complex remains the keystone to a successful dental practice. These tasks are singularly responsible for the most difficult and challenging situations as well producing the most significant morbidity. Anxiety levels from both patient and practitioner can be exhausting and troublesome. Successful surgical outcomes are based on many variables and is not strictly related to surgical skill (technique). These other variables include proper case selection, accurate diagnosis, knowledge of wound healing, educating patients about risks and sequalae, monitoring post-operative developments, and managing complications.

The spectrum that involves contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery practice is now well established and recognized: facial trauma, facial deformity correction, cancer surgery, reconstructive facial surgery, cosmetic facial surgery, temporomandibular joint surgery, arthroscopy and reconstruction and surgery, head and neck infections and the management of other pathologies. The greatest challenge at times even for specialists remains that of basic oral surgery practice: extracting teeth, draining abscesses, removing roots, performing biopsies as well as harvesting tissues (bone and connective) and grafting these for small to major defects, and complicated implant placement.

Some cases that present to the general dentist’s office do require a more involved level of care. Particular situations where the procedure may be appear difficult or the patient has higher levels of anxiety and anesthesia is required, or the patient may have medical comorbidities will all require specialized care. Oftentimes practitioners do not have the proper setting or instruments to perform some of the simplest tasks.

This course is designed for general dentists to re-familiarize themselves with basic surgical skills and to introduce them to advanced oral surgery techniques. Basic principles are reviewed and then expanded upon to involve step-by-step processes to manage cases that you should feel comfortable performing in your office. This course is comprised of lectures and hands-on sessions. The high ratio of instructors to participants in this course will allow for increased individual attention and guidance.