Cervical spine training in first on-call trainees in oral and maxillofacial surgery

Aim: This study aims to determine the training and confidence in the management of cervical spine (c-spine) injuries amongst first on-call trainees in oral & maxillofacial surgery(OMFS) units working in the UK. The dental training curricula pertaining to these trainees shall be reviewed to determine the relevant knowledge and skills currently deemed appropriate. Materials & Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 100 UK OMFS first on call trainees. This determined their primary qualification(s), previous experience in OMFS, prior training and confidence in the management of C-spine injuries. Dental training curricula were analysed for sections relating to cervical spine injuries. Results: Sixty-six questionnaires were returned. 70% were from singly qualified dental graduates. The mean experience in OMFS was 16.3 months. 59% of respondents had no cervical spine training. Of those who had received training, 66.7% received this by an advanced trauma life support (ATLS) course. 63% of oral & maxillofacial trainees were not confident in assessing and managing potential cervical spine injuries. 95% stated that training in the assessment and management of cervical spine injuries would be useful. Dental training curricula do not mention the initial assessment and management of patients with cervical spine injury. Conclusion: There is a knowledge and confidence deficit in OMFS first on call trainees in management of cervical spine injury. Dental foundation curricula do not specifically mention the management of patients with cervical spine injury. Most (95%) first on call trainees in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery felt that cervical spine teaching would be useful to them.