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300 cases of non-melanoma cutaneous lesion procedures carried out by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dermatology departments in a North West London hospital over a 6 month period between September 2011 and February 2012 were included in a retrospective case control study. The results from each speciality were compared. The mean age of the OMFS group was 75.8 years compared to 69.9 years in the dermatology group. There was no statistically significant difference in gender between the 2 groups. The OMFS group treated a higher proportion of atypical (17%) and malignant (64.9%) cases compared to the dermatology group (11.3% and 50.5% respectively). This could also account for the fact that the OMFS group carried out a higher number of full excisions compared to dermatology. Both groups had a similar number of false positives (a benign lesion initially diagnosed as malignant) and a similar proportion of false negatives (a malignant lesion initially diagnosed as benign). Overall, the results show that both specialities had similar outcomes when managing non-melanoma cutaneous lesions. Both groups adhere to the guidelines set out by the British Association of Dermatologists and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence when managing such lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims This study surveyed members of the Oral Surgery (OS) register and requested a self assessment of their surgical competencies with regard to both core and extended procedures, as defined by the OS curriculum. Details of education, training backgrounds and working patterns were also requested. Methods Members of the OS register were identified on the General Dental Council website and mailed a questionnaire. Replies were anonymous. Results Three hundred and seventy-three valid replies were received. Seventy-five percent of respondents were on the OS specialist list only (single registrants) and 25% of respondents were on both the OS and oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) specialist lists (dual-registrants). Sixty-two percent of single registrants did not feel comfortable performing all core procedures compared to 13% of dual-registrants. Fifty-one percent of OS single registrants felt comfortable performing some extended procedures, as did 99% of dual-registrants. Fifty percent of single registrants and 100% of dual-registrants had a higher qualification. Thirty-seven percent of single registrants had undergone some formally-approved registrar-level training; 98% of dual-registrants had done likewise. Twenty-one percent of single registrants practised exclusively in the private sector compared to 8% of dual-registrants. Conclusion Extended competencies are being practised by members of the OS register with wide-ranging educational and training backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]