Maxillofacial Prosthesis Courses

Maxillofacial prosthesis courses are designed to provide clinicians and technicians with an in-depth understanding of the design and fabrication of prosthetic facial prostheses. These courses typically cover topics such as the anatomy of the face, facial prosthesis materials, skin tone matching, modifications for facial asymmetry, and speech and articulation issues. In general, maxillofacial prosthesis courses are taught in a classroom setting and include lecture, case study, and hands-on lab components. Lecture topics may include the basics of facial anatomy, clinical and theoretical approaches to facial prosthetics, and the design, fabrication and fitting of maxillofacial prostheses. Case studies and hands-on labs often utilize patient photos and pre-fabricated facial prostheses, and the culmination of the course may include the participant fabricating and fitting a prosthetic appliance to a live model or patient. Course objectives vary depending on the institution, but may include helping participants gain an understanding of facial anatomy, dental and surgical treatment for maxillofacial defects and disfigurement, and geriatric principles as they apply to facial prosthetic care in addition to the principles, steps and techniques required to design, fabricate and fit custom facial prostheses. Maxillofacial prosthesis courses are typically designed for dental, maxillofacial and craniofacial professionals and technicians, though other healthcare practitioners, particularly those who work in medically related fields, may benefit from learning about facial prosthetics as well.