Kathy A. Banks, DMD...........................................26

Medical Professionals Meet Oral Surgeon, Dr. Kathy Banks

Dr. Kathy Banks is considered a valued leader in her field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery among her peers. In 2017, she took the helm of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation Board of Trustees, the nation’s only foundation strictly dedicated to funding research, innovation, and educational endeavors limited to improving patient care within the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The Foundation raises funds and grants an average of $750,000 per year to worthy programs. Dr. Banks serves on many boards and continues to educate herself in this constantly evolving field. She remains enthusiastic about continuing education and also teaches comprehensive courses for dental hygienists and assistants.

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

conditions involving the face, mouth, teeth and jaws on patients of all ages. I am also trained and licensed to provide sedation and general anesthesia. I provide surgical care in my office as well as in the hospital setting. Because of this wide scope of practice, every day presents unique challenges in patient care. This is especially rewarding for me and one of the many reasons I love what I do.

CW: What does a typical day look like for you?

Dr. Banks: There are no “typical days” but we schedule surgery and consultations in the office Monday through Friday. Most patients come to our office for the special care and concern we Kathy A. Banks, DMD have for our patients. I am also on-call for two hospitals, so things can be hectic at times.

CW: How has the pandemic changed the way you work and your office protocols?

Dr. Banks: As for our infection control and PPE procedures, what we already were doing superseded the official recommendations. We added n-95 mask protection to our PPE, instituted practices that would allow for social distancing; and included air purification systems to our units. We included temperature and travel screening 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