| Popis: |
The specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery is not well known in many countries. In order to assess the knowledge of the public, the dental and the medical practitioners in Nigeria about this specialty, a questionnaire was devised. It comprised of nineteen specific questions and four different specialties , viz.: oral and maxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery, ear, nose and throat surgery and periodontology. These specialisations were used for choices of treating surgeons. The study, which was conducted by simple random sampling among the general public, medical students, dental students, dental and medical practitioners showed very interesting findings. The knowledge of the duties of the oral and maxillofacial surgeon varied from very poor (10%) among the general public to good (76%) among medical students and medical practitioners. Dental students and dental practitioners showed very good (90%) knowledge. It is therefore necessary that more concerted efforts be made to inform the general public and the health care providers of oral and maxillofacial surgery so that this specialty can be better utilised. |
