Medical Professionals
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Meet Oral Surgeon, Dr. Kathy Banks conditions involving the face, mouth, teeth and Dr. Kathy Banks is considered jaws on patients of all ages. I am also trained a valued leader in her field of and licensed to provide sedation and general Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery anesthesia. I provide surgical care in my office among her peers. In 2017, she as well as in the hospital setting. Because of took the helm of the Oral and this wide scope of practice, every day presents unique challenges in patient care. This is Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation especially rewarding for me and one of the Board of Trustees, the nation’s only many reasons I love what I do. foundation strictly dedicated to funding research, innovation, and CW: What does a typical day look like for you? educational endeavors limited to Dr. Banks: There are no “typical days” but we improving patient care within the schedule surgery and consultations in the office specialty of oral and maxillofacial Monday through Friday. Most patients come to surgery. The Foundation raises our office for the special care and concern we have for our patients. I am also on-call for two funds and grants an average Kathy A. Banks, DMD hospitals, so things can be hectic at times. of $750,000 per year to worthy programs. Dr. Banks serves on CW: How has the pandemic changed many boards and continues to the way you work and your office protocols? educate herself in this constantly evolving field. Dr. Banks: As for our infection control and PPE procedures, what we already were doing superseded the official recommendations. She remains enthusiastic about continuing We added n-95 mask protection to our PPE, instituted practices education and also teaches comprehensive that would allow for social distancing; and included air purification courses for dental hygienists and assistants. systems to our units. We included temperature and travel screening Her expertise ranges from dental implant surgery, wisdom tooth removal, soft tissue and bone injuries to the facial and jaw region, and TMJ conditions and pathology. However, she says the best feature of her office is the staff. “Our friendly, competent and knowledgeable staff make our patients feel extremely comfortable upon their arrival,” she adds. They actively try and make each visit as positive as possible under the circumstances. She says, “We understand that the prospect of needing surgery often evokes unpleasant feelings of anxiety but we make every effort to try and alleviate your fears. CW: What attracted you to this line of work, specifically oral surgery? Dr. Banks: The dental specialty of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery bridges the gap between medicine and dentistry; treating most
for staff and patients, as well as encourage vaccination.
CW: How do you calm a nervous patient? Dr. Banks: We understand the prospect of needing oral surgery can evoke unpleasant feelings of anxiety and trepidation. My well trained and friendly staff will put you or your loved one at ease, and we also offer sedation and general anesthesia for patients of all ages, in a safe and clean setting. CW: What is the most satisfying part of your job? Dr. Banks: I love every challenge that comes my way, whether it’s a frightened child needing teeth removed, or a patient in pain with a jaw or facial fracture. Sometimes our patients who need implant surgery or wisdom teeth removed can be quite anxious as well. My reward comes when my patient is happy, healthy, and healed.
249 S. Main Street •Barnegat , NJ • Specialty Lic #4070
609-488-2325 • www.drbanksoms.com
The County Woman Magazine www.TheCountyWoman.com
September/October 2021
