PERCEPTION OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY AMONG HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS IN LAHORE

Objective: To find out the perception of Oral and maxillofacial surgery among health care professionals in Lahore. This study also aims to establish the level of knowledge about oral and maxillofacial surgery among dental, medical and paramedical professionals. Method: This cross sectional survey study was conducted at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital. The medical and dental students were selected from Allama Iqbal medical College, De’montmorency College of dentistry / Punjab dental hospital, Lahore Medical and Dental College. Results: The result showed that 94% participants think OMFS can treat jaw fracture. Almost 72% participants have opinion that Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) treats oral cancer.60% think TMJ could be treated by OMFS. About cleft lip and palate 53% par-ticipant opt for OMFS. For dental implants however 80% think OMFS deal with it.31% think OMFS can deal with cosmetic surgeries of the face. For cranio-facial anomalies 32% participants think OMFS treat it. 69% would prefer OMFS for lump in mouth. Among 100 about 45% think OMFS treat lump in neck. 36% will refer patient of nasal fracture to this specialty. 70% think specialty can deal with maxillary deficiency. 71% consider OMFS for mandibular deficiency treatment. 59% think OMFS can manage mandibular reconstruction. Conclusion: Dental practitioners know oral and maxillofacial surgery to a larger extent, medical students, general practitioners, paramedical staff and even the dental students are not fully aware about the expertise of this specialty.