Text and photos contributed by Robert Robinson, BS, MSA, CCA
Certified Clinical Anaplastologist and Maxillofacial Prosthetist
WST Board of Directors
During the second World War, due to a concern for the decreasing number of raw materials from Germany, the Department of Defense asked the Naval Post Graduate Dental School in Bethesda in MD to research alternative materials to making glass eyes. This pilot study produced refined dental acrylic used for fabricating dentures into the fabrication of today’s ocular prostheses.
The Navy team of facial prosthetic reconstruction professionals is made up of, but not limited to:
Dental department:
Maxillofacial Prosthodontist
Prosthodontist
Anaplastologist
Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon
Orthodontist
Pedodontist
Periodontist
Medical department:
Radiation Oncology
Neurology
Ophthalmology
(ENT) Ear Nose and Throat
Plastic Surgery
Bio Medical Engineer (3D) model specialist
Navy Training Programs
Maxillofacial Prosthetics - 3 years residency Programs
Maxillofacial Prosthetics - 1 year Fellowship Program
Dental Laboratory Maxillofacial "C" - 6 months Program for enlisted service members only
These programs are designed to train aspiring maxillofacial prosthodontists and maxillofacial prosthetists in the rehabilitation of patients with congenital and/or acquired head and neck defects. Patients with disabilities may range from minor cosmetic discrepancies to major functional compromises. Candidates are exposed to all areas of patient care that require management skills and patient sensitivity. The programs provide working relationships in the hospital environment and the team approach to rehabilitative services with other medical specialties.
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