In the world of oral surgery, few procedures have as profound an impact on patients' lives as orthognathic surgery. Also known as corrective jaw surgery, this complex operation can transform the way people eat, speak, and interact with the world around them.
For one military oral surgeon Maj. Andrew Jenzer, Program Director, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency, Womack Army Medical Center, this procedure is more than just a technical exercise it's a calling. With years of experience and hundreds of cases under his belt Jenzer has seen firsthand the transformative power of orthognathic surgery.
"It’s a beautiful surgery, we're not just fixing teeth or jaws," Jenzer explains. "We're changing lives. We're restoring them with the confidence to smile, the ability to function and chew. Not only alleviating some pain and conditions, but in one surgery you get to fix somebody’s life and that’s why I love it.”
Jenzer and his team performs several of these surgeries every week, making them one of the most experienced and skilled teams in the military. Their expertise has earned them a reputation as leaders in the field, and their patients reap the benefits of their dedication and passion.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this surgeon's work is the impact it has on patients' self-esteem. For people born with dental or facial deformities, the constant scrutiny and self-consciousness can be overwhelming. After surgery, they're able to look in the mirror and see a new person - one who can smile, laugh, and live without fear of judgment.
“People are very appreciative that they're getting this treatment that fixes those issues that they've thought about, or focused on self-consciously their whole life,” Jenzer commented. “I find it incredibly gratifying to hear from them when they come back to see us once they're finally done and their braces are off. They have a beautiful smile, and their faces are normal.”
As Jenzer and his team transform lives though orthognathic surgery, they are also shaping the future of Army medicine by training the next generation of skilled surgeons.
“They have fostered a learning environment that is conducive to our training which has helped me grow and has made me more confident in my abilities as a future surgeon,” said fourth year resident Capt. John McKelvey. “Working with Jenzer and other staff have helped prepare me to not only effectively treat more routine cases, but also more complex cases including orthognathic surgery.”
Womack’s Oral and Maxillofacial Residency Program’s mission is to transform residents into exceptionally skilled, thoughtful, and compassionate surgeons prepared to excel in any environment worldwide in support of Department of Defense forces.
“Usually in these surgeries I have a couple of residents in the operating room and I’m walking them through the procedure, but a lot of it is developing a sense of touch and understanding how to perform this technically difficult procedure.”
Jenzer said it’s not just about following steps but anticipating potential complications.
“There are two hundred steps involved in the surgery and something can go wrong at any point. So, how do you prepare for and adapt to those situations?”
Through their work, these surgeons are making a real difference in the lives of Soldiers and their families. They're proof that, with skill, compassion, and dedication, even the most complex challenges can be overcome, and the impact of orthognathic surgery can be truly life changing.
In their pursuit of excellence, Jenzer has also contributed to the development of educational resources, including a comprehensive textbook on orthognathic surgery. This resource reflects their commitment to sharing knowledge and advancing the field, ensuring that future generations of surgeons can continue to transform lives through this powerful procedure.
The Womack Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program is a fully accredited, four-year training program. The doctors are specialists in surgical procedures for the mouth. jaws and face. They treat injuries, correct jaw problems, perform cosmetic surgeries and more. They have the expertise to handle complex cases and help patients achieve optimal health and experience.
To find out more about this program visit Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program (tricare.mil)