Photo by Ray Bryant, Bryant Studios
cover feature
In Good Hands
Oral Surgery Associates of North Texas
by Tina Cauller
I
The OSANT team of oral surgeons practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery. From left: Dr. Philip Newton, Dr. Colin Bell, Dr. Maxwell Finn,
Dr. Douglas Dingwerth and Dr. William Walstad.
n this age of instant access to information, patients are more
informed than ever and they expect the best care. They understand that technology is only as good as the hands of the professional who delivers it. In many cases, experience plays a crucial
role in the overall outcome. Particularly in the arena of oral surgery,
diagnostic skill and expertise benefit tremendously from cumulative experience accrued over years of practice.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery requires up to six additional years
of hospital-based surgical and anesthesia training. As oral and
maxillofacial surgeons, the doctors at Oral Surgery Associates of
North Texas (OSANT) manage a wide variety of problems relating
to the mouth, teeth and facial regions. They practice a full scope of
oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from
advanced and minor dental implant surgery to corrective jaw surgery and wisdom tooth removal. They can also diagnose and treat
pathology, TMJ disorders and facial injuries, and perform a full
range of reconstructive procedures.
6 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com
OSANT surgeons are trained in anesthesia techniques to ensure
optimum safety in a monitored clinic setting, and systems are
re-evaluated and checked on a daily basis. The surgical staff at
OSANT are experienced, oral and maxillofacial surgical assistants
who assist in administration of I.V. sedation and surgery and are
Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Exam (DAANCE)
certified. All staff are informed administrative personnel who are
well-versed in health and insurance policies and CPR certified. All
eligible OSANT surgeons are board certified by the American Board
of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Of course, patient confidence begins with the assurance of expertise, but the OSANT team recognizes that the prospect of an oral
surgery procedure still provokes emotions ranging from anxiety to
outright fear in many patients. From the first moment of referral,
OSANT works to earn each patient’s trust and to put them at ease.
Sometimes, patients are plagued by misconceptions that can be
eliminated with open, honest communication and education.