Book excerpt: This handbook details the nursing care of patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery. It deals with diseases, disorders and injuries of the mouth, jaw and face and provides information on the full spectrum of patient care from pre-admission to discharge planning. It is jointly written by nurses and consultants in the area of maxillofacial surgery, and combines elements of nursing care with medical and surgical information. It provides an attractive alternative to the heavier medical tomes that nurses have come to rely upon.