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Mike Fo #125713 12-05-2010 12:50 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 96
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Supporting Member (50+ posts)

Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 96
Yes, he has a lot more experience. My thing about doctors and dentists is how I ultimately feel when I am there. If I don't feel good about them I go try someone else. Might take you changing three times but to me I don't settle. This is someone you will see pretty regularly for cleanings and stuff but they should also be checking for oral cancer too.


31 at dx 9/06
SCC T4N0M0 with bone invasion upper maxillary
Surgery 10/06
CT's clear for 2 years
2nd recurrence - Laser surgery 1/09 dx
Tumor board - No surgery to invasive for QOL
35 IMRT 3/30/09 Completed 5/15/09
8 tx Erbitux 3/24/09 Completed 5/6/09
HBO for ORN March & April 2010
Fibula flap 5/10
BrandyK #125739 12-05-2010 06:37 PM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,219
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Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,219
Some facts for clarification.

An Oral Surgeon and a Maxilofacial Surgeon are the same thing.

Both are dentists.

A Surgeon has continued his dental education past the 4 years that he/she did to become a general dentist. Obviously this time is spent learning in more detail, what they learned in dental school. However, it is all about things related to oral surgery.

A general dentist is allowed by law to provide any treatment that a specialist can provide, but would have less expertise and experience in that area. For example, a general dentist can do root canlas, orhtodontics, periodontal (gum) treatment and do any kind of surgery. They can do biopsies, too. However, as in any profession, specialists have more training and many people feel more comfortable going to a specialist.

Also, a surgeon will probably have been exposed to more patients with oral cancer than a general dentist because patients are referred to them for diagnosis and treatment. This doesn't mean that a general dentist can't find or diagnose oral cancer. Most however, will probably choose not to treat it, though.


Jerry

Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.

"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
wilckdds #125746 12-05-2010 09:59 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 16
Mike Fo Offline OP
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Thanks for the info, regardless since the get go I wasnt to fond of my dentist and how he treated the issue I will be looking for a new one. He just wasnt very helpful with the questions I had for him just kind stood silent.

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