A survey of self-assessed surgical competencies with respect to qualifications, training and working patterns of members on the oral surgery register.

Aims: This study surveyed members of the Oral Surgery (OS) register and requested a self assessment of their surgical competencies with regard to both core and extended procedures, as defined by the OS curriculum. Details of education, training backgrounds and working patterns were also requested.

Methods: Members of the OS register were identified on the General Dental Council website and mailed a questionnaire. Replies were anonymous.

Results: Three hundred and seventy-three valid replies were received. Seventy-five percent of respondents were on the OS specialist list only (single registrants) and 25% of respondents were on both the OS and oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) specialist lists (dual-registrants). Sixty-two percent of single registrants did not feel comfortable performing all core procedures compared to 13% of dual-registrants. Fifty-one percent of OS single registrants felt comfortable performing some extended procedures, as did 99% of dual-registrants. Fifty percent of single registrants and 100% of dual-registrants had a higher qualification. Thirty-seven percent of single registrants had undergone some formally-approved registrar-level training; 98% of dual-registrants had done likewise. Twenty-one percent of single registrants practised exclusively in the private sector compared to 8% of dual-registrants.

Conclusion: Extended competencies are being practised by members of the OS register with wide-ranging educational and training backgrounds.