Knowledge of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery among students and practitioners in Medicine and Dentistry: A Morrocan national survey.
Introduction: This study aims to establish the knowledge of the Morrocan Medical and Dental audience regarding Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery OMFS. Methods: A form was randomly sent to more than 5000 doctors, dentists and students in Medicine and Dentistry. Results: The authors retained 416 filled forms. 98% of the participants declared they know what OMFS is. Less than half of them have received theoretical training in OMFS and less than a quarter have received practical training. Three quarters of the respondents who are involved in patients' daily care don't feel confident in managing OMFS emergencies. Comparison made between groups of trained versus non trained respondents showed that the participants who received theoretical plus practical training were the most confident in their abilities, whereas there was no difference between the respondents who received no training at all and those who received a practical training only. Conclusion: OMFS specialists have to deploy efforts in promoting their specialty and in increasing the awareness among Medical and Dental professionals and students who clearly identify a lack of training in this field. The way we teach OMFS to Medicine and Dentistry students has to change.