Foundations of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Anatomy, Pathology, and Patient Assessment

Oral and maxillofacial surgery covers a range of procedures from routine extractions to complex jaw surgery. Sound practice begins with an accurate understanding of the relevant anatomy, common pathology, and the principles of patient assessment. This foundational course gives you that base. By the end of this course you will be able to describe the surgical anatomy of the oral cavity and adjacent structures, recognize common pathology that brings patients to oral surgery, apply structured preoperative assessment, and identify medical considerations that affect surgical planning. What you will learn: - The surgical anatomy of the maxilla, mandible, sinuses, nerves, and vasculature - The common pathological conditions managed in oral surgery including impactions, cysts, and benign lesions - The principles of medical history taking relevant to surgical risk assessment - The role of imaging including panoramic, periapical, and cone-beam imaging in preoperative planning - The basics of pharmacological risk including anticoagulants, bisphosphonates, and immunosuppressants - The principles of informed consent in surgical contexts - The structure of preoperative planning notes and risk discussion documentation The course uses readings, anatomy walkthroughs, case examples, and reflection prompts. Each module ends with applied questions you work through using the frameworks presented. This course is written for dental students, residents, general dentists strengthening surgical understanding, and dental auxiliary professionals supporting oral surgery. By the end you will have replaced scattered knowledge of oral surgery with a structured foundation in the anatomy, pathology, and patient assessment that underlies sound surgical decisions.