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Open access (OA) publication has become an increasingly common route for dissemination of scientific research findings. However, it remains a contentious issue with continued debate as to its impact on the peer-review process and a potential change in the quality of subsequent evidence published. There is little research that looks into OA in oral and maxillofacial surgery.We investigated the OA policy in the 30 relevant journals listed in the Institute for Scientific Information Web of Knowledge journal citation report, comparing bibliometric data and quality of evidence produced in journals offering OA and those with subscription-only policies.3474 articles were graded for evidence level and the results correlated to journal OA status. 76.7 % of journals offered authors OA services. There was no difference between impact factor, self-citation rate, total citations or quality of evidence between OA and subscription journals.These findings should send clear messages to both clinicians and researchers and should re- assure readers that scientific findings that are disseminated in open access form do not differ in quality to those in subscription-only format. It should reinforce that open access formats are a credible way to display research findings in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a chronic condition of the oral cavity resulting in mucosal ulceration and exposure of underlying necrotic bone, and the ensuing secondary complications. As a relatively newly recognised condition, the epidemiology of BRONJ is poorly described. In a 2012 position statement by the UK Faculty of General Dental Practice, an estimated incidence of 10 patients per year per million population was stated.1 This would indeed classify it as a rare condition, with a GP expecting to see only a handful of cases in their career. However, with increased numbers of patients on bisphosphonate (BP) therapy, all GPs should be aware of the risk factors for BRONJ and the pre-assessment advice they give to patients commencing BP therapy. BPs inhibit the action of osteoclast cells, decreasing bone turnover and increasing bone density.2 The mechanism by which BPs cause osteonecrosis is not proven but is probably due to a combination of decreased bone remodelling, poor wound healing, and an antiangiogenic effect leading to ischaemic changes and subsequent necrosis in response to a local traumatic insult.2 The main indications for the use of BPs are for the treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis, steroid-induced osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, and the complications of metastatic bone lesions and multiple myeloma, namely, hypercalcaemia and bony pain. It is outside the scope of this article to discuss BP …

Oral and maxillofacial surgery has the longest training pathway of any medical specialty in the UK. Peter Brennan and colleagues look at ways to shorten this

Introduction Professional identity is becoming increasingly important in medical education in terms of developing appropriately trained and safely practising doctors. Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) is a unique surgical speciality that requires dual qualification in medicine and dentistry. Its junior trainees move between the various roles of student, doctor and dentist, and at certain times these roles may overlap. This heterogeneous early training may raise significant barriers for them in terms of understanding their professional identity and developing their own sustainable sense of belonging. This study looks to understand current trainees’ perceptions of the professional identity of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Method A qualitative research methodology based on a grounded theory approach was used in this study. Data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with OMFS specialist trainees. Subsequent theories were constructed after thematic analysis. Results A model of the professional identity of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is proposed. Discussion This study represents the first attempt to understand professional identity in OMFS trainees. It will provide insight into what trainees understand by the term in this speciality, as well as outlining what trainees feel are important elements to develop a sense of belonging within the speciality.