Is There Uniformity and Satisfaction Among Clinical Practice Models and Faculty Compensation Plans in US Dental School-Based Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Departments?

Purpose: There is a lack of information regarding clinical practice models and faculty compensation plans used by dental school-based departments of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) and their effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to examine 1) the level of uniformity in clinical practice models and faculty compensation plans for US dental school-based OMS departments and 2) the level of satisfaction expressed by faculty with their current compensation plan.

Materials And Methods: A survey was sent to the chairs of the 40 US dental school-based OMS departments asking them specific information regarding their current practice model, the faculty compensation plan, and their satisfaction with their current plan.

Management of mandibular angle fracture.

Fractures through the angle of the mandible are one of the most common facial fractures. The management of such fractures has been controversial, however. This controversy is related to the anatomic relations and complex biomechanical aspects of the mandibular angle.

Narcotic prescribing habits and other methods of pain control by oral and maxillofacial surgeons after impacted third molar removal.

Purpose: It has been suggested that a source of narcotics used for nonmedical purposes by young adults is the unused opioids prescribed for the management of pain after the removal of impacted third molars. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether oral and maxillofacial surgeons routinely prescribe larger amounts of a narcotic than would generally be needed for adequate postoperative pain control. A secondary goal was to determine whether they use methods other than analgesic drugs to minimize postoperative pain and thereby reduce the amount of narcotic that might be needed.

The financial burden of hospitalization associated with odontogenic infections.

Purpose: Although it is generally agreed that there are high costs involved in the management of acute odontogenic infections in hospitalized patients, there are sparse data on the actual amounts involved. The purpose of this study was to examine the costs and charges associated with the treatment of such patients in a university medical center hospital.

Patients And Methods: Hospital records from 2003 through 2010 were reviewed for patients admitted for management of acute odontogenic infections, and 327 patients were identified.

Accuracy of predicting the duration of a surgical operation.

Purpose: The ability to predict how long a particular operation will take is important for maintaining operating room efficiency. The purpose of this study was to determine how accurate oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) can be in making this determination.

Materials And Methods: Three experienced OMSs predicted their operating times for various operations; these predictions were compared with the actual times.

Reducing the burden of dental patients on the busy hospital emergency department.

Purpose: Studies have shown that there is a current trend for many patients with dental problems to seek care in a hospital emergency department (ED). This may contribute to an already overcrowded and overburdened situation. The purpose of this study was to determine the volume and characteristics of the patients seeking care in the ED of a large metropolitan level I trauma center.

Relative Bioavailability of an Emulsion Formulation for Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters Compared to the Commercially Available Formulation: A Randomized, Parallel-Group, Single-Dose Study Followed by Repeat Dosing in Healthy Volunteers.

LOVAZA (omega-3-acid ethyl esters; eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]/docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]), with diet, lowers very high triglycerides (≥500 mg/dL) in adults. This study evaluated whether an emulsion formulation (LEM) increases the bioavailability of EPA/DHA compared to the reference formulation (RF) in healthy volunteers. Following relative bioavailability assessment, LEM, RF, and placebo were dosed for 2 weeks.

Efficacy of pre- and postirradiation hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the prevention of postextraction osteoradionecrosis: a systematic review.

Purpose: There is still considerable controversy regarding whether hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy used preoperatively and postoperatively will prevent osteoradionecrosis in previously irradiated patients undergoing tooth extraction. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the best evidence available in an attempt to find an answer to this question.

Materials And Methods: The literature search on Medline covered the period from January 1948 to March 2008.

Use of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing infection of traumatic injuries.

In managing traumatic wounds, the primary goal is to achieve rapid healing with optimal functional and esthetic results. This is best accomplished by providing an environment that prevents infection of the wound during healing. Despite good wound care, some infections still occur.

Use of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing infection of traumatic injuries.

In managing traumatic wounds, the primary goal is to achieve rapid healing with optimal functional and esthetic results. This is best accomplished by providing an environment that prevents infection of the wound during healing. Despite good wound care, some infections still occur.

Masseteric artery: anatomic location and relationship to the temporomandibular joint area.

Purpose: This study was performed to determine the precise location of the masseteric artery in relation to the temporomandibular joint region to reduce the risk of injury during surgery.

Materials And Methods: A careful dissection of 16 intact human cadaveric head specimens was carried out to determine the course of the masseteric artery. The location of the masseteric artery was then determined in relation to 3 points in the anterior-posterior plane between the mandibular condyle and the coronoid process: 1) the anterior-superior aspect of the condylar neck, 2) the most inferior aspect of the articular tubercle, and 3) the inferior aspect of the sigmoid notch.

Appointment keeping behavior of Medicaid vs non-Medicaid orthodontic patients.

Introduction: State Medicaid programs were established to care for the poor by eliminating financial barriers that otherwise prevent them from being treated in the mainstream health care system. The number of children eligible for Medicaid services is increasing, yet the number of Medicaid providers remains low. Health care providers cited failed appointments as a major problem with Medicaid patients and a great deterrent to participating.

Characterization of poly(ethylene oxide) as a drug carrier in hot-melt extrusion.

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as a drug carrier in hot-melt extrusion was studied by using a model drug, nifedipine, in a twin-screw extruder. Binary mixtures of PEO and nifedipine have been shown to be amenable to hot-melting at a temperature as low as 70 degrees C, well below nifedipine's melting point (172 degrees C). Hot-stage microscopy provided visual evidence that nifedipine can form a miscible dispersion with PEO at 120 degrees C.

The temporalis muscle flap in reconstruction of intraoral defects: an appraisal of the technique.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to review the experience of the authors in the use of the temporalis muscle flap for reconstruction of intraoral defects.

Patients And Methods: This is a retrospective review of the use of the temporalis muscle flap for reconstruction of different types of intraoral defects in 8 patients. All patients in this series previously wore obturators as a nonsurgical treatment of their defects.