Surgical scope

Orthognathics
Full-scope orthognathic surgery is performed in all teaching hospitals, with 75-100 cases performed annually. A surgical-orthodontics seminar in conjunction with the Department of Orthodontics occurs on a monthly basis for treatment planning, case presentation, etc. In addition, residents benefit from the involvement of Dr. Joseph Piecuch, currently the section editor of Orthognathic Surgery/Trauma/TMJ for the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Trauma
The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery covers all oral, maxillofacial and craniofacial trauma for the University of Connecticut, New Britain General Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital, Hartford Hospital, and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. A monthly trauma conference is held at Hartford Hospital for discussion of recent trauma cases.

TMJ
Full-scope diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the Temporomandibular Joints is performed throughout the residency. Treatment ranges from arthrocentesis to arthrotomy/condylectomy and reconstruction with autogenous or prosthetic sources.

Pathology
Extensive exposure to pathology of the head and neck occurs throughout the residency program, both while on the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery service, and while rotating though General Surgery / ENT. Experience in the management of both benign and malignant disease of the head and neck is gained, including their preoperative and postoperative management. In addition, residents benefit from the teaching of Dr. Ellen Eisenberg, currently the section editor of Pathology for the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Reconstruction
Maxillofacial reconstruction is performed in all teaching institutions for post-ablative or post-traumatic injuries. Treatment ranges from simple autogenous bone grafts to autogenous free-flaps, done in conjunction with the Plastic Surgery Department.

Cosmetics
Full-scope facial cosmetic surgery procedures are performed with Attendings from both the Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the Plastic Surgery Department.

Craniofacial
Residents are an integral member of the Craniofacial Team at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and act as the only surgical resident assigned to cover the Craniofacial Cases. Exposure includes surgical repair of cleft lip, cleft palate, alveolar cleft repair, orthognathic surgery, distraction osteogenesis, cranioplasty for craniosynostosis, and secondary soft tissue refinements in the maxillofacial region. Surgical procedures occur every Friday, with cases by Attendings from both Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Plastic Surgery.
Residents are encouraged to participate in short overseas surgical programs, which are regularly organized by Dr. Topazianand Dr. Martin. Surgical scope on such trips includes dentoalveolar, cleft lip/palate and head/neck pathology. In the past, resident have been involved in programs in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Peru and Ecuador.

Osseointegrated Implants
Residents are extensively involved in treatment planning / surgical placement of osseointegrated implants, and all adjunctive surgical procedures, at the University of Connecticut Health Center and Hartford Hospital. In addition, a monthly Implant Conference is held at the University of Connecticut Health Center in conjunction with the Departments of Periodontics and Prosthodontics.

Anesthesia/Sedation
Residents are comprehensively trained in the administration of deep sedation / general anesthesia, including 4 months rotating on the University of Connecticut Anesthesia Service , acting as an Anesthesia Resident at the respective teaching institutions. Residents administer approximately 600 deep sedation/general anesthetics annually.

Dentoalveolar
Extensive, comprehensive exposure to the diagnosis, preoperative planning, and performance of surgical extractions / preprosthetic surgery occurs on a daily basis in each teaching institution.