Wednesday, 13 August 2014

What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Friends and family tend to ask me, what are you specializing in? You mean there are further specialization in dentistry? Yes, and in fact, there are a total of six specialties recognized by Singapore Dental Council.

The different specialties in dentistry were recognized by Ministry of Health and Singapore Dental Council sometime in year 2000. Prior to this, everyone only recognized the term "dentist" no matter what your specialty area is.

What Are The Recognized Specialty Areas in Dentistry Today?
  1.  Prosthodontics (teeth replacement)
  2.  Endodontics (treatment of dental pulp)
  3.  Orthodontics (teeth alignment)
  4.  Periodontics (gum treatment)
  5.  Paedodontics (children's dentistry) 
  6.  Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (treatment of diseases, injuries and abnormalities in the head, neck, face, and jaws of the oral region)
My specialty area falls under Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and in simple words, I specialize in :

1) Dental Implants (tooth replacement which feels, looks, and functions like a real tooth)





2) Wisdom Teeth Surgery


3) Corrective Jaw Surgery (to correct wide range of minor and major misalignment of jaws and teeth)


4) Facial trauma and surgical pathology (cyst and benign tumour removal)



As an oral & maxillofacial surgeon, I work together with other dental specialists for a comprehensive dental treatment for my patients. If I were to choose all over again, I would still choose the same specialty area for my profession. 

Written by : Dr Debbie Hong

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