Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery encompasses the art and science of diagnosis, surgical and related treatment of diseases, injuries, defects and esthetic aspects of the oral and maxillofacial area.

     The word, "maxillofacial" refers to the jaws and face.

     Doctor Dachowski has graduated from an accredited dental school, The University of Pennsylvania in 1985 and is licensed in the state of Pennsylvania . In 1985-86, Doctor Dachowski completed a one year residency in anesthesiology at Medical College of Pennsylvania.

     In addition, Doctor Dachowski has completed an approved oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program at Duke University Medical Center (1986-89) approved by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation.

     During his/her oral and maxillofacial surgery residency, Doctor Dachowski received graduate training in other disciplines such as general surgery, plastic surgery, medicine, anesthesia and pathology. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to treat patients in the hospital, outpatient facilities, surgery centers and in private offices.

     The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is recognized by the American Dental Association as the specialty board for oral and maxillofacial surgery. The Board is responsible for reviewing all applicants for board certification as well as administering the examinations involved in the certification process.

     In order to become board certified, Dr. Dachowski completed an intensive application and examination process. Applicants for board certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery must provide verified written evidence of their educational and training qualifications. In addition, these individuals must provide evidence of their experience in all aspects of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Letters of recommendation from board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons attesting to an applicant's acceptable ethical and moral standing in the profession and community are also required as part of the certification procedure. The applications of all candidates for board certification are reviewed by the Board's Credentials Committee. Finally, Doctor Dachowski was required to pass both a thorough written qualifying examination and a rigorous oral certifying examination to become board certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Diplomates are encouraged to maintain current competence by ongoing continuing education.

     Continuing education is an important tool keeping oral and maxillofacial surgeons updated on new developments in the field. This is accomplished through national meetings, seminars, lectures, special courses, panels and symposia. Doctor Dachowski has a demonstrated commitment To continual professional development. The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery encourages its Diplomates to continue their professional development through various continuing education experiences.

     Dr. Dachowski's position on continuing education is that it represents an essential part of contemporary practice in any and all areas of health care. It is not just a matter of "casually keeping up on the latest". As our technology in dentistry, medicine, and surgery advances, it is essential for the practitioner in any discipline to maintain current standards and offer them to patients in everyday practice.

     Today we are able to provide care better than just a few years ago. Dr. Dachowski is committed to providing this level of advanced care.

     The oral and maxillofacial surgeon cares for trauma patients by repairing facial fractures, facial lacerations, and other injuries.

     The oral and maxillofacial surgeon treats patients with cleft lip and palate and can surgically correct birth defects of the jaws, and clefts of the lip and palate. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon Is well-trained In the reconstruction of malformed faces caused by with disturbances of the jaws.

     The oral and maxillofacial surgeon removes impacted, damaged, or decayed teeth.

     The oral and maxillofacial surgeon manages patients with cancer of the oral and maxillofacial areas and reconstructs those individuals following surgery to remove cancerous growth. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon treats severe infections of the oral cavity, salivary glands, jaw and facial bones, and adjacent regions of the head and neck.

     The oral and maxillofacial surgeon corrects and repairs bones and soft tissues damaged by trauma or pathologic conditions. The reconstruction may require specialized surgical techniques such as skin or bone grafts and the construction and placement of implants. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon may perform reconstructive surgery in the facial region for cosmetic purposes.

     The oral and maxillofacial surgeon prepares the gums and ridges to enable dentures to fit better. This might involve the placement of dental implants.

     The oral and maxillofacial surgeon can correct temporomandibular joint problems that cause facial and oral pain.

     The American Board of Oral Surgery was incorporated in 1946. In 1978, the name was changed to the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to reflect more accurately scope of surgery practiced by the Diplomates. The Board conducts the written qualifying and oral certifying examinations on an annual basis.