Are Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residents Trained Adequately in Alloplastic Total Temporomandibular Joint Replacement?

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the current level of experience and training that oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) residents receive in alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) total joint replacement (TJR) at OMS training programs in the United States.

Materials and methods: A questionnaire was developed using REDCap (Chicago, IL), and an on-line link was emailed to the program directors of all 101 OMS training programs in the United States accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The questionnaire included 20 questions related to the program's alloplastic TMJ TJR curriculum and clinical experience. In addition, a Likert scale was used to assess the respondents' opinions on resident training and the future of alloplastic TMJ TJR education and its clinical effect and usage.

Results: The study sample included 53 respondents (52.5%). Of the 53 responding OMS programs, 94% provide TMJ TJR didactic lectures presented by OMS faculty. The alloplastic TMJ TJR procedures averaged 0 to 6 annually per program; however, 25% of the programs reported more than 10 cases annually. Infection and continued pain were reported as the most common reasons for alloplastic TMJ TJR device replacement.

Conclusions: It appears that adequate didactic and clinical training is being provided to OMS residents in alloplastic TMJ TJR during their training. Additional studies might elucidate the actual geographic distribution of OMS surgeons who perform alloplastic TMJ TJR procedures.