The Advanced Education program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a four year program and provides the resident with a broad academic background in biomedical sciences and surgical principles, in the diagnosis and management of medically compromised patients, and the fundamental knowledge, principles and surgical skills in the treatment of major and minor Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery problems.

The academic and clinical aspects of this program complement each other and fulfill all the requirements established by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association.

During the four years of training, residents are exposed to the basic and applied sciences?in particular pathology, laboratory medicine, physical diagnosis, medical sciences, pharmacology, surgical anatomy, experimental oral surgery, general surgery, and anesthesiology. Special emphasis is placed on major and minor oral surgery, as well as broad experience in out- and in-patient general anesthesia. The residents are required to attend lectures, seminars, conferences, and clinics at the University and affiliated hospitals. The resident participates actively as a member of the oncology team at Tufts Medical Center in the management of head and neck tumors. The second year of the program is entirely devoted to general surgery, general anesthesia, and surgical specialties including otolaryngology. The major teaching hospital of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine is Tufts Medical Center Hospital.

The student is required to participate in basic and/or clinical research, leading to publication and presentation of their research. Academic credits received during the four years may be directed toward an M.S. degree, but time beyond the four years will be necessary to complete the requirements for the MS degree.

Emphasis is placed upon training the residents to the standards for Board certification. Thus, residents are well prepared for Board examination and it is expected that they successfully achieve Board certification.

Other rotations

To broaden the scope of the trainee’s experience and maximize education experience, there are off-service rotations that the resident usually participates in. There are annual rotations to Columbia, Honduras and India. While on these rotations, the resident participates fully in the evaluation, treatment planning and treatment of cleft lip and palate patients, trauma, and pathologic entities. Participation in these rotations is offered to senior residents in good standing with their academic and clinical requirements.

One Year Internship in Oral Surgery

The department also offers a one-year pre-residency internship in Oral Surgery. This program offers extensive clinical experience in patient management, outpatient oral surgical procedures, intravenous sedation and general anesthesia techniques. The student is fully integrated in the residency program and their responsibilities are the same as the first year intern in the 4 year program. The student is required to attend all lectures, seminars, and conferences, along with the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residents.

Pre-Doctoral Clinical Externship

The department also offers a 2 to 4 week pre-doctoral externship for dental students to gain in-depth experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery beyond the dental school curriculum.

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