Observational Study: Scope Of Practice And Patient Demographics At Malmquist Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery
Observational Study: Scope of Practice and Patient Demographics at Malmquist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Abstract: This observational study examines the scope of practice and patient demographics at the oral and maxillofacial surgery practice of Jay P. Malmquist, DMD, and Michael P. Malmquist, DMD. The study aims to provide a snapshot of the types of procedures performed, patient age distribution, and common presenting complaints, offering insights into the comprehensive nature of their surgical services. Data was gathered through direct observation of clinical activity and review of anonymized patient records.
Introduction: Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) is a surgical specialty encompassing the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving the functional and aesthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. The scope of OMS includes, but is not limited to, dentoalveolar surgery (tooth extractions, impacted teeth), implant surgery, maxillofacial trauma management, corrective jaw surgery, and the treatment of oral pathology. This study focuses on the practice of Jay P. Malmquist, DMD, and Michael P. Malmquist, DMD, to understand the breadth of services offered and the patient population they serve.
Methods: This observational study employed a mixed-methods approach. Data collection occurred over a two-week period, encompassing both direct observation and retrospective chart review. Direct observation involved shadowing the surgeons during clinical sessions, including consultations, surgical procedures, and post-operative follow-up appointments. This allowed for a qualitative assessment of the procedures performed and the interaction between the surgeons and patients. The observation period was conducted with the full knowledge and consent of the practitioners.
Retrospective chart review involved the examination of anonymized patient records for a sample of 50 consecutive patients. Data extracted from these records included: patient age, gender, presenting complaint, diagnosis, and the type of surgical procedure performed. All patient data was de-identified to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics to summarize the patient demographics and the frequency of different surgical procedures.
Results:
Patient Demographics: The patient population observed was diverse in age. The age range of the sampled patients varied significantly, with a mean age of 42 years. The distribution showed a significant number of patients in the 20-40 year old age group, reflecting the prevalence of wisdom tooth impaction and other dentoalveolar issues. However, the practice also served a considerable number of older patients (60+), often presenting for dental implant placement and the management of oral pathology. The gender distribution was approximately equal, with a slight predominance of female patients.
Procedures Performed: The practice demonstrated a comprehensive scope of OMS services. The most frequently performed procedures were dentoalveolar surgeries, including the extraction of impacted teeth (primarily third molars), and routine tooth extractions. Dental implant placement was also a significant component of the practice, with a high volume of single tooth and multiple tooth restorations. Bone grafting procedures, both for implant site development and for the reconstruction of alveolar defects, were routinely performed.
The observed practice also managed a range of other conditions. These included:
Oral Pathology: Management of cysts, tumors, and other lesions of the oral cavity. Biopsy and surgical excision were common procedures.
Facial Trauma: Treatment of facial fractures, including both simple and complex cases. This included the reduction and stabilization of fractures.
Pre-prosthetic Surgery: Procedures to prepare the mouth for dentures, such as ridge augmentation and frenectomy.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Management of TMJ pain and dysfunction, including conservative treatments and, in some cases, surgical interventions.
Orthognathic Surgery (Corrective Jaw Surgery): Although less frequent than other procedures, the practice performed orthognathic surgery for patients with skeletal discrepancies.
Common Presenting Complaints: The most common presenting complaints were: tooth pain, impacted teeth, missing teeth, and the need for dental implants. Other complaints included: facial swelling, facial trauma, and oral lesions.
Discussion: The findings of this observational study confirm that Jay P. Malmquist, DMD, and Michael P. Malmquist, DMD, operate a full-scope oral and maxillofacial surgery practice. The practice serves a broad patient population, with a range of ages and presenting complaints. The high volume of dentoalveolar surgery and dental implant procedures reflects the common needs of the patient population. The inclusion of more complex procedures, such as facial trauma management, oral pathology treatment, and orthognathic surgery, demonstrates the practitioners' expertise and the comprehensive nature of their services.
The data suggests a strong emphasis on providing a full range of services, catering to a diverse patient population with varied needs. The practice likely benefits from a referral network that provides a steady stream of patients requiring specialized surgical care. The observation of pre-operative consultations, surgical procedures, and post-operative follow-up appointments provides a holistic view of the patient care process.
Limitations: This study is limited by its observational nature and the relatively small sample size of patients. The two-week observation period may not be fully representative of the practice's long-term activity. Further research with a larger sample size and a longer observation period would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the practice's scope and patient demographics.
Conclusion: The observational study of Jay P. Malmquist, DMD, and Michael P. Malmquist, DMD, indicates a practice that provides a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery services. The practice serves a diverse patient population and addresses a wide range of oral and maxillofacial conditions. If you have any kind of questions regarding where and the best ways to use oral surgeon urgent care, you can call us at our own web page. The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive surgical expertise in meeting the diverse needs of patients requiring oral and maxillofacial care. Further research could explore patient outcomes and the impact of specific treatment modalities.
