Active learning in head and neck trauma: outcomes after an innovative educational course.

Excellence in teaching and learning is fundamental to the provision of quality training for doctors and for this a sound knowledge of the principles of adult learning theory is important. We present an educational course in head and neck trauma skills for emergency medicine (EM) registrars, using the pedagogical principle of active learning. Our aim was to provide trainees with skills in the evaluation and management of hard and soft tissue injuries to the head, neck, and mouth.

The 'R' word - do dental core trainees possess it?

Resilience is the process of 'bouncing back' from stresses in life. High resilience is associated with less anxiety and psychological distress, and is therefore an important trait for health professionals. We know of no work to date on the resilience of dental core trainees (DCT) as they make the unique transition from dental practice to a hospital-based setting.

Oromandibular dystonia: a diagnosis not to miss.

Oromandibular dystonia (OMD) is characterised by sustained or repetitive involuntary movements of the jaw, face, and tongue. People with the condition may present to their dentist, general practitioner, or a secondary care specialist with non-specific symptoms including jaw or facial pain, bruxism, subluxations or dislocations of the jaw; fractured teeth or dental restorations, or both; or jaw tremor. Many clinicians are not aware of the disorder and this can lead to delayed diagnoses, unnecessary complications, and inappropriate treatment.

Aggression directed towards members of the oral and maxillofacial surgical team.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) is an acute surgical specialty, and members of the surgical team may be exposed to challenging incidents. We have evaluated the experiences of members of OMFS teams and their experiences of aggressive and abusive behaviour. Education and training in the resolution of such conflicts should be offered to all members of the team to allow a safe and secure working environment.

Dog bites and maxillofacial surgery: what can we do?

The number of injuries caused by dog bites is increasing in the United Kingdom. We review patients admitted with dog bites to a single maxillofacial department in a district general hospital over a 21-month period. Data include patients' characteristics, and the site and severity of injury.