IADR Abstract Archives
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Training in Malaysia and UK
Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore different training pathways to become an oral and maxillofacial (OMF) surgeon in the UK and in Malaysia.
Methods: In this report, a visit was made to the institute of the University of Malaya (UM) for 2 weeks, in order to gain an overview of available training pathways and teaching available. This information was then compared against career pathways in the UK and also similarities and differences highlighted.
Results: In the UK the pathway begins by gaining both a medical and dental degree followed by training such as dental foundation training (DFT) and foundation jobs (FY1-2). After completing this, the next stages required include: core surgical training (CT1-2) , then OMFS specialist training (ST3-7) followed by a fellowship (2 years). A total of 19 years of training is needed to qualify as an OMFS. At Malaysia, the pathway begins with a dental degree (5 years) with post-graduate clinical training (2 years), which is then followed by a post- graduate surgical qualification (at least 4 years) and fellowships (2 yrs) until OMFS status is achieved. Here a medical degree is not a compulsory requirement to progress. As a result of this the time taken to fully qualify as an OMFS is longer in the UK than in Malaysia(13 yrs). Moreover, a variety of different post graduate qualifications from different countries or institutions are recognized and accepted when applying for OMFS courses in Malaysia, differing from the UK.The scope of procedures carried out in the UK can include: cleft lip and palate, head and neck reconstruction, Dentoalveolar, oral medicine, facial trauma, cancer, orthognathic surgery and salivary gland disorders. These core procedures are also essential topics that are covered in postgraduate training in Malaysia.
Conclusions: Many differences and similarities have been highlighted between countries.
Methods: In this report, a visit was made to the institute of the University of Malaya (UM) for 2 weeks, in order to gain an overview of available training pathways and teaching available. This information was then compared against career pathways in the UK and also similarities and differences highlighted.
Results: In the UK the pathway begins by gaining both a medical and dental degree followed by training such as dental foundation training (DFT) and foundation jobs (FY1-2). After completing this, the next stages required include: core surgical training (CT1-2) , then OMFS specialist training (ST3-7) followed by a fellowship (2 years). A total of 19 years of training is needed to qualify as an OMFS. At Malaysia, the pathway begins with a dental degree (5 years) with post-graduate clinical training (2 years), which is then followed by a post- graduate surgical qualification (at least 4 years) and fellowships (2 yrs) until OMFS status is achieved. Here a medical degree is not a compulsory requirement to progress. As a result of this the time taken to fully qualify as an OMFS is longer in the UK than in Malaysia(13 yrs). Moreover, a variety of different post graduate qualifications from different countries or institutions are recognized and accepted when applying for OMFS courses in Malaysia, differing from the UK.The scope of procedures carried out in the UK can include: cleft lip and palate, head and neck reconstruction, Dentoalveolar, oral medicine, facial trauma, cancer, orthognathic surgery and salivary gland disorders. These core procedures are also essential topics that are covered in postgraduate training in Malaysia.
Conclusions: Many differences and similarities have been highlighted between countries.