PERCEPTION OF ORAL SURGERY AS A SPECIALTY AMONGST STUDENTS OF MANIPAL UNIVERSITY

Purpose: The specialty of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a branch of dentistry that acts as a bridge between medicine and dentistry. It encompasses the diagnosis, and management of a variety of pathologic, functional, and aesthetic conditions [1]. Although the specialty of Oral surgery is having a very prominent stature, the awareness about the specialty is still lacking in the common public. This study analyses the awareness about oral surgery amongst the students of Manipal University who are not exposed to clinical setup. Material and Methods: A questionnaire containing various conditions with the option of specialty treating them was given to the students. The students were asked to mark the most appropriate option according to them for each condition. 500 students were given the questionnaire and their response was noted. Results: The results were statically analyzed and graphs about the data were subjected to statistical analysis and the results were tabulated. Conclusion: An awareness about Oral Surgery is very necessary for the common public if the population is aware of the various treatment rendered by the oral surgeon, the patients can approach the oral surgeon for the management of the same. Knowledge about the specialty is of utmost importance for the student population so that they can get adequate information about the specialty and manage the patients appropriately.