The WhatsApp Application as a Teledentistry Tool in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Cameroon

Introduction: Technological advances have greatly influenced the healthcare sector. The ability to transmit information and deliver services using telecommunication tools continues to transform the way healthcare is delivered around the world. The aim of this study was to highlight the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic profile of oral and maxillofacial surgery patients consulted using the WhatsApp application. Methodology: This was a three-year descriptive study with a retrospective data collection, from 2021 to 2023, of WhatsApp communications between our team and oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Cameroon. In this study, the type/content of messages received, the epidemiological data of practitioners and patients, the various pathologies diagnosed and the procedures performed were evaluated. Results: 319 communications were received for a total of 146 cases. Written messages associated with images (photographs and/or X-rays) were the most frequently received, at 85.62%. Hospitals in urban areas were the most represented at 93.84%. Oral health professionals in the private sector sent more messages (65.75%). In terms of diagnoses, tumour and cystic pathologies were the most common (28.08%), followed by impacted/retained teeth (22.6%). Patients were referred to our hospital for treatment in 62.33% of cases. Conclusion: The WhatsApp application is an easy-to-use telecommunications tool. It facilitates exchanges between practitioners and improves patient care in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

中国口腔颌面外科专科医师培训和教育指南

中华口腔医学会口腔颌面外科专业委员会(Chinese Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,简称CSOMS)是国际口腔颌面外科医师协会(IAOMS)和亚洲口腔颌面外科医师协会(AsianAOMS)成员。本培训和教育指南的制定,是为了提高患者在接受口腔颌面部疾病诊治过程中的医疗水平和条件。对于直接参与这些医疗工作的口腔颌面外科医师来讲,他们的专业水平和所接受的专业培训教育水平是其所提供医疗服务水平高低的决定性因素。

3D printing materials and 3D printed surgical devices in oral and maxillofacial surgery:design,workflow and effectiveness

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialized surgical field devoted to diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the oral cavity,jaws,face and related structures.In recent years,the integra-tion of 3D printing technology has revolutionized this field,offering a range of innovative surgical devices such as patient-specific implants,surgical guides,splints,bone models and regenerative scaffolds.In this comprehensive review,we pri-marily focus on examining the utility of 3D-printed surgical devices in the context of oral and maxillofacial surgery and evaluating their efficiency.Initially,we provide an insightful overview of commonly utilized 3D-printed surgical devices,dis-cussing their innovations and clinical applications.Recognizing the pivotal role of materials,we give consideration to suitable biomaterials and printing technology of each device,while also intro-ducing the emerging fields of regenerative scaffolds and bioprinting.Furthermore,we delve into the transformative impact of 3D-printed surgical devices within specific subdivisions of oral and maxillofacial surgery,placing particular emphasis on their reju-venating effects in bone reconstruction,orthognathic surgery,temporomandibular joint treatment and other applications.Additionally,we elucidate how the integration of 3D printing technology has reshaped clinical workflows and influenced treatment outcomes in oral and maxillofacial surgery,providing updates on advancements in ensuring accuracy and cost-effectiveness in 3D printing-based procedures.