First degree hotspots for OMFS recruitment 1967–2010: dental and medical schools where OMFS specialists and trainees were more likely to start their careers

UK OMFS consultants and trainees strongly support the recommendations of the 2008 Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB) Review of Training in OMFS. The time for delivering them is now

When the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board's (PMETB) Review of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) Training was published in 2008 it contained five recommendations about OMFS training. As yet, none of these recommendations has been delivered. An online survey was designed to assess awareness of the PMETB review and the current views of OMFS trainees and consultants about its recommendations. Replies were invited using email and social media (WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook). As a result of using social media no denominator for the response rate was possible. A total of 304 responses were received, eight of which were anonymous. There was strong support for all the OMFS-specific recommendations: 1: the OMFS specialty should remain a dual medical and dental degree specialty (255, 84%); 2: OMFS training should be shortened (283, 93%); 3: OMFS training should start at the beginning of the second degree (203, 67%); 4: there should be a single medical regulator (General Medical Council) for OMFS (258, 85%); and 6: the need for a second Foundation Year should be removed (260, 86%). Other suggestions about improving OMFS training were also made by participants in the survey. There remains strong support within the specialty for the recommendations of the review. This support is present across consultants, specialty trainees, and those aiming for OMFS specialty training. Some of the original legislative obstructions to delivery of the recommendations have been removed by Brexit creating a unique opportunity for them to be delivered.

Can we support second degree students by incorporating non-surgical facial aesthetics into undergraduate dentistry during the first degree?

Non-surgical facial aesthetics (NSFA) are cosmetic procedures intended to reduce signs of ageing and provide facial rejuvenation. There is currently no recommendation for NSFA to be included in the undergraduate dental curriculum globally. This study aims to gain the views of final year dental students about pursuing a career in NSFA. An online survey was completed by 114 final year dental students across two English Universities. A total of 67% (77/114) of students would pursue a career in NSFA. A total of 76% (87/114) and 75% (86/114) of students were not aware of the complications associated with the administration of dermal fillers and Botox injections, respectively. Most students considered NSFA upon graduation. NSFA provides a transferable skillset and useful anatomical knowledge. Incorporation of NSFA in undergraduate education could financially support oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) trainees within their second degree. This may in turn promote retention within the speciality with high financial costs associated with OMFS training.

The UK Mentoring and Support Programme (MSP) for those considering a career in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS). A review of a 'Register Interest in OMFS' website and the MSP as two key resources created by the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to promote recruitment and retention (2008-2020)

In 2008, to create a rapid route for information transfer in relation training and recruitment for OMFS trainees, the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) created a website to "Register Your Interest in OMFS" (RYIO). From 2011 a Mentoring and Support Programme (MSP) was created to provide focussed guidance for trainees aiming for specialty training. This paper reviews the effectiveness and cost of these programmes. Between 2008 and 2020, 1744 individuals used RYIO on 2715 occasions. Of these registrations, 1772 were by dentists, 193 dental students, 589 doctors and 161 medical students. 2354 were from UK and Ireland and 351 from the rest of the world. 188 registrants subsequently became UK OMFS trainees or specialists. All registrants valued the information provided. In response to RYIO trainee feedback the new 'Taste of OMFS 2020' programme was created. The MSP was originally called the Junior Trainee Programme (JTP). The MSP scheme provides a layer of mentorship/support which runs parallel to the medical/dental training post or period of study. Of 180 members of MSP, 72 have obtained specialty training posts in OMFS. There are 88 current members. Full information is available on the BAOMS website www.baoms.org.uk. Reviewing both programmes, participant feedback is excellent with tangible results whilst cost effectiveness is high.