Navigating the Divide: A Provincial Assessment of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery Awareness Among Clinicians and the Citizenry in Hunan, China

Authors : Peng Zhi, Li Wei, Ma Jun, Guo Bin

Pages : 48-61

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Publication Date : 2025-08-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :OBJECTIVE: The discipline of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) has undergone significant evolution within the People’s Republic of China, yet its scope remains ambiguously understood by both healthcare providers and the public. This study aimed to chart the landscape of knowledge, perception, and awareness of OMS in Changsha, a major urban center in Hunan province. MATERIALS and METHODS: Employing a cross-sectional survey design, we engaged five distinct cohorts: dental interns, general dental practitioners, medical interns, general medical practitioners, and the lay public. A target sample of approximately 250 individuals per cohort was established, predicated on a 5% significance level and 90% statistical power. Surveys were disseminated from September to December 2023. Respondents were tasked with selecting the most appropriate specialty -from a choice including OMS, plastic surgery, and otolaryngology (ENT)- for 15 distinct clinical scenarios. RESULTS: A total of 1,288 complete responses were analyzed. The findings reveal a significant information gap. While dental professionals demonstrated a competent understanding of OMS, medical professionals and the public frequently misattributed core OMS procedures, particularly in trauma and reconstructive domains, often favoring plastic surgery or ENT. Notably, a considerable portion of the public was unfamiliar with the specialty\\\'s name, and many professionals underestimated its breadth. CONCLUSION: This investigation underscores a critical necessity for targeted educational initiatives to bolster the visibility of OMS, thereby optimizing referral pathways and enhancing patient care outcomes throughout the region.
Keywords : Ağız, diş ve çene cerrahisi, farkındalık, algı, tıp eğitimi, halk sağlığı, sevk modelleri, Çin

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