4-Year CAGS Program

How to Apply

Richard D’Innocenzo, DMD, MD, Program Director

Andrew Henry, DMD, MD , Associate Program Director

Overview

The Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Program Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study is a 4-year integrated curriculum of clinical training, basic science study, and research, all within hospital and dental school environments. The program is ONLY open to graduates of US and Canadian dental schools accredited by the Commision on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Selection into the program is extremely competitive and preference is given to applicants with high academic achievement and an aptitude for oral and maxillofacial surgery.

The program is designed to provide the resident with sufficient didactic and clinical education to meet the requirements of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and to become a proficient practitioner. All residents are extremely well prepared for careers in clinical practice, both in academic and private practice settings. Residents are encouraged to develop skills in teaching and clinical research in preparation for an academic career.

Goals

The goal of the oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program is to provide residents with excellent didactic and clinical experience. On completion, graduates will possess sufficient professional knowledge, skills, and ability to practice competently and independently. In addition, residents are prepared to meet the requirement of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Clinical Rotations

Year	On-Service Rotations	Off-Service Rotations*
1	OMFS	· Medicine
2	OMFS	· Anesthesia · General Surgery · Pediatric anesthesia
3	OMFS
4	OMFS	· Cleft Lip/Palate & Craniofacial

*These rotations are subject to modification at the Program Director’s discretion.

The resident is allowed increasing responsibility for patient evaluation and management as clinical and surgical skills are acquired. The resident is supervised for the entire residency, but the amount of supervision may vary with the level of resident’s training and degree of competence.

Curriculum and Courses

Objective:

To provide the resident with an advanced level of knowledge in the basic sciences that pertains to the broad specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Goals:

To accomplish the objective the following goals must be met:
Completion of the Following Courses/Lecture Series/Conferences/Seminars

First Year:

Physical Diagnosis, Dr. Worcester
Basic Life Support
Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Second Year:

Entire Department of General Surgery Didactic Curriculum

Third Year:

Basic Life Support
Advanced Trauma Life Support
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Pediatric Advanced Life Support

Years 1, 3 and 4

Orthognathic Surgery Conference, Drs. Chigurupati and Henry
Surgical Implantology, Dr. Batal
Journal Club, Dr. Bhagania
Anesthesia Seminars, Dr. D’Innocenzo
Grand Rounds, Dr. D’Innocenzo
Principles of Surgery, Dr. D’Innocenzo
Surgical Anatomy Seminars, Dr. Couey
External Courses, Dr. Mehra
Maxillofacial Trauma Conference, Dr. Henry
Combined BU-Tufts-Harvard Grand Rounds, Dr. Sayre
Quarterly Case review/M & M, Lectures within Grand Rounds, Dr. Chigurupati
Head and Neck Cancer Pathology conference, Dr Sayre and Couey
Surgical Airway Conference, Dr. Sayre and Couey

The GSDM Bulletin contains archived information from each academic calendar year on our curriculum, courses, and programs.

Courses

SDM OS 770, 772, 773 Journal Club

An ongoing review of the classic and current literature in oral and maxillofacial surgery and related disciplines. This conference is held every month and is an interactive discussion forum. Dr. Bhagania and faculty

SDM OS 825, 826, 827 Anesthesia Seminars

A lecture and discussion series for residents in years 1, 3, and 4 of the program covering the physiology, anatomy, and practical aspects of the administration of general anesthesia as well as inhalational and intravenous sedation techniques for adult and pediatric patients. Dr. D’Innocenzo and faculty

SDM OS 850 Implantology

The implantology curriculum plan is a comprehensive approach to educating Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in the appropriate surgical and prosthetic treatment planning of the implant patient. The course is designed to serve as a didactic foundation to supplement the clinical experience provided at Boston University, Boston Medical Center, and the VA hospital. Dr. Batal and faculty

SDM OS 860, 862, 863 Principles of Surgery

The entire spectrum of oral and maxillofacial surgery, emphasizing proper diagnosis and treatment. Management of the medically compromised patient is included with proper respect for the application of basic science knowledge to patient care. Includes lectures by attending and guest faculty from the departments of Plastic Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, and OMFS. Dr. D’Innocenzo and faculty

SDM OS 812, 813, 814 Surgical Anatomy

A series of seminars and/or dissection of human specimens with demonstrations of surgical and clinical approaches and surgical techniques presented by the residents and/or attendings. Dr. Couey.

SDM OS 864 Physical Diagnosis

An extensive course in the principles and practice of physical diagnosis and laboratory diagnosis. Consists of short lectures, discussion seminars, and clinical patient evaluation including lectures, discussions, and in-patient rounds. Dr. Worcester

SDM OS 866, 868, 869 Orthodontics-Orthognathic Surgery Conference

Combined conference between orthodontic and OMFS departments designed to familiarize residents with the problems associated with the diagnosis and treatment of dentofacial deformities. Stresses orthodontic principles and surgical techniques, and team evaluation. Drs. Chigurupati, Henry and Will

SDM OS 873 General Surgery

The second year of the program consists of didactic teachings and clinical rotations on the general surgery service of Boston Medical Center Surgical Residency Program. Examples of rotations include: Emergency Room, Critical Care Unit, Neurosurgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Plastic Surgery, ENT, and Orthopedic Surgery. There is also a rotation in the Anesthesiology service of Boston Medical Center. Dr. Hess and faculty

SDM OS 876 Advanced Cardiac Life Support

This is the standardized course in advanced cardiac life support. Includes diagnosis and advanced management of cardiovascular emergencies, ECG interpretation, management algorithms, and megacode management. ACLS staff

SDM OS 877 Advanced Trauma Life Support

This is the standardized course in advanced trauma life support. Includes diagnosis and acute management of the trauma victim. ATLS staff

SDM OS Pediatric Advanced Life Support

This is the standardized course in pediatric advanced cardiac life support. Includes diagnosis and advanced management of cardiovascular emergencies, ECG interpretation, management algorithms, and megacode management. PALS staff

SDM OS 881, 883, 884 Clinical Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

A four-year continuum consisting of clinical rotations on the oral and maxillofacial surgery services of Boston Medical Center and its affiliated training sites including the Boston Veterans Administration Hospital and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Faculty

SDM OS 890, 891 Mock Board Examinations

This course is designed to prepare the resident for the certification examination of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. D’Innocenzo

SDM OS 991, 992, 993, 994 Research: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

The OMFS program requires at least one research project be completed during the training program. The research is guided by faculty and entails a critical review of the literature, developing a hypothesis, statistical analysis, and interpretation of data. A written research paper and oral presentation are mandatory requirements for graduation. Dr. Rivera

SDM OS BMC Maxillofacial Trauma Conference

Combined conference between the Departments of OMFS and OTO/HNS to discuss recent developments in the management of facial trauma patients. Includes case presentations and discussions. Dr. Henry

SDM OS Combined BU-Tufts-Harvard OMFS Grand Rounds

Inter-university conferences held 3 times a year. These lectures and presentations include local and/or guest speakers presenting clinical and research developments in OMFS and its related disciplines. Dr. Sayre

SDM OS 774, 776, 777 Grand Rounds/Morbidity and Mortality Conference –

These courses include a review of surgical cases, treatment outcomes and discussions on diagnosis and treatment planning. Additionally, there is a detailed review on one selected medical or surgical topics. Dr. Henry and Chigurupati

SDM OS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery In-Service Training Examination (OMSITE)

OMFS residents are required to take this annual, nationwide examination sponsored by the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery three times during their four year training program. OMSITE is an assessment tool developed to permit residents, interns, and practicing surgeons an opportunity to assess their knowledge of the breadth and scope of the oral and maxillofacial surgery specialty.

SDM OS External Continuing Education Courses

These courses are aimed to send OMFS residents to national continuing education courses and meetings once annually for presentation of scientific material. Dr. Mehra

SDM OS Clinical Cleft Lip/Palate and Craniofacial Surgery

Each resident is given the opportunity to travel internationally with selected faculty to gain experience in cleft lip/palate and craniofacial surgery. Participation in this program is optional. These trips are sponsored by missionary and social organizations with the intent of providing surgical treatment in under-served countries. Dr. Rivera

SDM OS 867 Internal Medicine

This total eight-week rotation on the Internal Medicine services of the Boston Veterans Affairs Medical Center exposes first-year residents to all aspects of internal medicine and infectious disease medicine. Dr. Ruopp and VAMC/BMC faculty

SDM OS 873 General Surgery

SDM OS 829 Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation

A discussion of topics in the use of nitrous oxide as a sedative, including the physiology and pharmacology of the drug, patient management, and sedative techniques. This course includes 8 hours of practical training in the administration of nitrous oxide/ oxygen sedation. Dr. D’Innocenzo and staff. ½ cr, 2nd sem

Case Material

An adequate volume and diversity of clinical exposure is available to provide a complete and effective educational experience. This includes an appropriate number of cases in the following areas:

Facial trauma surgery
Orthognathic surgery
TMJ surgery
Dental implant surgery
Head and neck pathology
Complex maxillofacial reconstructive surgery
Outpatient anesthesia
Cosmetic surgery
Sleep apnea surgery
Presprosthetic surgery
Dentoalveolar surgery
Nerve repair
Cleft lip/palate and craniofacial surgery
Head & neck cancer surgery

Patient Care Experience

Residents participate in the entire process of patient care from initial visit to final discharge and are involved in the decision making process under appropriate faculty supervision. Supervision and instruction at all levels of the surgical graduate training program are provided by full- and part-time members of the surgical attending staff. Supervision includes problem-oriented conferences on surgical floors, bedside rounds, and direct assistance in the operating room. Although independent decision-making is encouraged, no operation is performed without faculty participation.

Cleft Lip/Palate and Craniofacial Surgery Programs

Each year, the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery sponsors a cleft lip and palate surgical team that provides care to patients in South America. Working through an organization called “Healing the Children”, third year oral and maxillofacial surgery residents and faculty accompany a group of health care professionals to South America. The BUSDM Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery covers all professional trip expenses.

Additionally, Boston University periodically works with the “Smiles International Foundation” . Smiles International Foundation was formed in 1987 to provide surgical care to patients with dentofacial deformities, clefts, and craniofacial deformities all around the world. Some of the areas served by the Foundation include Mexico, the Ukraine, and Costa Rica. The Foundation has been the subject of articles in many national and international publications as well as book chapters and journal articles in our professional literature.

Annual Openings

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Residency: 3 annual openings

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study Application Information

The 4-year OMFS Residency training program application is ONLY open to graduates of CODA-accredited US and Canadian dental schools. Internationally-trained dentists may apply for the one-year Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Internship Program. For more information on how to apply and on application requirements, please click here.

Housing

Housing for the incoming residents is available in Boston and its surrounding neighborhoods. The BMC House Officers Association prepares information about the neighborhood and transportation most accessible to the core hospitals, and maintains a list of apartments and houses that will be vacated by current house officers in June. This list is available to new residents in late April. In addition, BUMC’s Office of Off-Campus Services provides valuable information on housing and transportation.

Housestaff Benefits and Perks

Boston Medical Center provides a comprehensive benefits package to all of its employees. Information regarding the benefits, perks and financial and wellness programs available to Housestaff officers can be found here. Boston Medical Center Housestaff are part of the SEIU Union; information on the benefits provided by the SEIU for our Housestaff officers can be found here.

All Housestaff officers of Boston Medical Center are eligible for an annual $1000 educational stipend to be used towards educational expenses.

We strongly encourage all applicants to the residency program to review the Boston Medical Center “Information for Applicants” page which can be found here. This page not only reiterates the benefits, not limited to salary, parking, life insurance, flexible spending accounts and many more, but also provides you with a sample contract and sample offer of appointment for your review.

Hospital and Associated Facilities

Boston Medical Center (BMC)

Boston Medical Center is a multispecialty referral institution that is the principal teaching hospital of the Boston University School of Medicine and the Goldman School of Dental Medicine. The hospital has two separate campuses and receives approximately 420,000 patient visits annually. BMC is the region’s busiest Level I trauma center and the emergency department capably meets the demands of 84,000 visits per year. Boston Medical Center is a founder of Boston HealthNet, which is a partnership between the medical center, Boston University School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, and 13 community health centers in neighborhoods throughout the greater Boston area. BMC is committed to excellence in patient care, advanced clinical research, and health care education. Although the hospital’s primary service area includes greater Boston and eastern Massachusetts, it receives referrals from throughout New England and the world. The Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic at Boston Medical Center’s Menino Pavilion is a five-operatory, state-of-the-art clinic. It is one of the busiest clinics in the hospital, and treats 17,000 patients annually.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC)

The Boston University Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Service is responsible for providing the full range of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Services at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). The BIDMC is a 621-bed hospital and a Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital. The BIDMC has a state-of-the-art trauma center, as well as innovative training and technology to ensure the highest level of patient safety and quality of care and is the official hospital of the Boston Red Sox.

Boston Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC)

The Veterans Affairs HealthCare System, Boston (VA) is a tertiary referral center and one of the largest Veterans Affairs hospitals in the United States. It is the only VAHS in northern New England that provides oral and maxillofacial surgery services. The Boston VAHS receives referrals from all the regional VA facilities. Great emphasis is placed on diagnosis and treatment planning of dental implants , bone grafting, and treatment of medically compromised patients. Inpatient facilities are provided at VA Boston Hospital in West Roxbury, while the outpatient clinics and day surgery are located at the VA Hospital (Boston) in Jamaica Plain.

Franciscan Hospital for Children

The Franciscan Hospital for Children is a specialty pediatric hospital that is nationally and internationally known as a leader in the care of children with special needs. There are a variety of inpatient and outpatient programs dedicated to the total health of children and adolescents. The oral and maxillofacial surgery residents, along with members of the faculty occasionally provide oral and maxillofacial surgery care to their patients. The children treated at Franciscan Hospital may include those with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and craniofacial syndromes. The oral surgery residents and faculty rotate for Pediatric Anesthesia.

Lemuel Shattuck Hospital

The Lemuel Shattuck Hospital is the primary provider for ambulatory and inpatient services for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in the metro Boston area. They provide services and medical to those patients who are truly disadvantaged and needy. The oral and maxillofacial surgery residents, along with faculty, treat patients on a weekly basis. Our participation at the facility is a unique melding of public and private resources in the Boston area.