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Daniel J. Meara, M.D., DMD, FACS
Chair, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery & Hospital Dentistry
Expertise & Research Interests
- Jaw and Mouth Pathology
- Facial Injury / Trauma
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Oral Surgery
- Maxillofacial Surgery
- Dentofacial Disorders
- Corrective Jaw Surgery / Dentofacial Deformities
- Pediatric Oral-Facial Disorders
Education
- B.A., University of Notre Dame
- M.S., Michigan State University
- D.M.D., University of Alabama
- M.D., Wayne State University
- M.H.C.D.S, Dartmouth College
Daniel J. Meara, M.D., DMD, FACS
Chair, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery & Hospital Dentistry
Dr. Dan Meara is chair of ChristianaCare’s Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Hospital Dentistry, which performs advanced diagnosis and treatment of disease, injuries, defects, and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region.
Dr. Meara holds both a medical and dental license in Delaware and is routinely interviewed on topics and legislative policies that impact patients with dental needs.
Multimedia
of 09
Experience
Downloadable Images and Links
Media Appearances
My doctor is back in the office. Is it safe to reschedule my appointment?
2020-07-06 , WHYY
Getting back on schedule
Elective surgeries and procedures resumed in Pennsylvania at the end of April, and in New Jersey and Delaware in May. Rescheduling them is largely being based on the severity of patients’ symptoms.
It will take a while to work through the backlog the delays caused — social distancing requirements mean cutting back on normal capacity at many hospitals and offices. But several health care professionals said patients whose procedures were postponed are eager to get on track again.
“I’m a little surprised at the interest of patients wanting to get back in the mix,” said Dr. Dan Meara, chair of the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery at ChristianaCare.
Elective surgeries and procedures resumed in Pennsylvania at the end of April, and in New Jersey and Delaware in May. Rescheduling them is largely being based on the severity of patients’ symptoms.
It will take a while to work through the backlog the delays caused — social distancing requirements mean cutting back on normal capacity at many hospitals and offices. But several health care professionals said patients whose procedures were postponed are eager to get on track again.
“I’m a little surprised at the interest of patients wanting to get back in the mix,” said Dr. Dan Meara, chair of the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery at ChristianaCare.
Dental Dilemma: Emergency help can be hard to find
2018-07-05 , Dover Post
Faced with a broken or knocked-out tooth, severe toothache or other serious dental problem, most of us make a beeline for our family dentist.
But that’s not always easy in Delaware. While many dentists set aside time every day to handle emergencies, finding treatment when your dentist’s office is closed -- after hours, weekends or holidays -- can be incredibly difficult. Although walk-in or urgent care clinics for treatment of sprains or similar physical ills are almost everywhere, Delaware’s only 24/7 emergency dental clinic is in New Castle County.
But that’s not always easy in Delaware. While many dentists set aside time every day to handle emergencies, finding treatment when your dentist’s office is closed -- after hours, weekends or holidays -- can be incredibly difficult. Although walk-in or urgent care clinics for treatment of sprains or similar physical ills are almost everywhere, Delaware’s only 24/7 emergency dental clinic is in New Castle County.
Expansion of low income dental services takes first legislative step
2019-05-15 , Delaware Public Media
A bill expanding access to dental services for low-income adults on Medicaid sailed through a Senate committee Wednesday.
Delaware is one of just three states that do not offer dental benefits to Medicaid recipients over 21 years old. Under State Sen. Bryan Townsend’s (D-Newark) legislation, that group would have a $3 copay and would be limited to $1,000 worth of dental services annually. The Department of Health and Social Services could approve an additional $1,500 in emergency care.
Delaware Public Media recently dove into the issue of access of dental care for low-income adults. Dan Meara, who chairs Christiana Care’s Department of Oral and Maxillofacial & Hospital Dentistry, said untreated dental problems can cause infections and abscesses in the face, the neck and jaw areas. Some patients can spend days in intensive care or even die.
Delaware is one of just three states that do not offer dental benefits to Medicaid recipients over 21 years old. Under State Sen. Bryan Townsend’s (D-Newark) legislation, that group would have a $3 copay and would be limited to $1,000 worth of dental services annually. The Department of Health and Social Services could approve an additional $1,500 in emergency care.
Delaware Public Media recently dove into the issue of access of dental care for low-income adults. Dan Meara, who chairs Christiana Care’s Department of Oral and Maxillofacial & Hospital Dentistry, said untreated dental problems can cause infections and abscesses in the face, the neck and jaw areas. Some patients can spend days in intensive care or even die.
Selected Papers and Publications
Subjective Changes in Mood and Chronic Pain Status-Post Intravenous Ketamine for Oral and Facial Surgery
2019
Purpose The aim of this study was to determine whether subjects who received intravenous ketamine for outpatient procedures, under intravenous sedation (IVS), show changes in mood and chronic pain. Methods Inclusion criteria were oral-maxillofacial surgery subjects age >18 years; presence of chronic pain and/or depression; eligibility for IVS. Exclusion criteria included age less than 18 years. Eligible subjects were educated about the purpose and potential risks and benefits of the study; consent was obtained if they chose to participate.
Purpose The aim of this study was to determine whether subjects who received intravenous ketamine for outpatient procedures, under intravenous sedation (IVS), show changes in mood and chronic pain. Methods Inclusion criteria were oral-maxillofacial surgery subjects age >18 years; presence of chronic pain and/or depression; eligibility for IVS. Exclusion criteria included age less than 18 years. Eligible subjects were educated about the purpose and potential risks and benefits of the study; consent was obtained if they chose to participate.
Orthodontic and Surgical Considerations for Treating Impacted Teeth
2019
Impacted teeth occur in a significant number of patients. Their management requires coordinated efforts of orthodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Specifically, optimal results require a prompt orthodontic diagnosis and treatment plan with execution of either closed or open exposure of impacted teeth by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Failure to consider orthodontic mechanics and proper surgical technique can lead to suboptimal results.
Impacted teeth occur in a significant number of patients. Their management requires coordinated efforts of orthodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Specifically, optimal results require a prompt orthodontic diagnosis and treatment plan with execution of either closed or open exposure of impacted teeth by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Failure to consider orthodontic mechanics and proper surgical technique can lead to suboptimal results.
Controversies in Maxillofacial Trauma
2017
Controversies in craniomaxillofacial trauma still exist despite advances in technology,
surgical techniques, and peer-reviewed literature. The purpose of this article is to highlight
current areas of controversy in facial trauma management and to review the most applicable
Controversies in craniomaxillofacial trauma still exist despite advances in technology,
surgical techniques, and peer-reviewed literature. The purpose of this article is to highlight
current areas of controversy in facial trauma management and to review the most applicable
Myositis Ossificans of the Temporalis Muscle: Case Report and Review of the Literature
2013
Myositis ossificans, also known as traumatic myositis ossificans or myositis ossificans circumscripta, is the product of an unusual reactive process of mesenchymal stem cells within the muscle produced secondary to a traumatic insult or inflammatory process.
Myositis ossificans, also known as traumatic myositis ossificans or myositis ossificans circumscripta, is the product of an unusual reactive process of mesenchymal stem cells within the muscle produced secondary to a traumatic insult or inflammatory process.
Sinonasal Disease and Orbital Cellulitis in Children
2012
Sinonasal disease is common in all age groups but is particularly common in children and
can be a manifestation of many disease entities. However, the symptoms are often
nonspecific and the differential diagnosis must initially include both infectious and
Sinonasal disease is common in all age groups but is particularly common in children and
can be a manifestation of many disease entities. However, the symptoms are often
nonspecific and the differential diagnosis must initially include both infectious and
Fixation of Le Fort I Osteotomies With Poly-dl-Lactic Acid Mesh and Ultrasonic Welding—A New Technique
2012
This report describes a technique for use of resorbable mesh (Resorb-X) and an ultrasonic sonotrode unit (SonicWeld Rx) to bond a pin (SonicPin Rx) to the mesh and underlying bone for Le Fort I osteotomy fixation, precluding the need to tap, shortening the time needed for fixation, and eliminating many disadvantages of titanium.
This report describes a technique for use of resorbable mesh (Resorb-X) and an ultrasonic sonotrode unit (SonicWeld Rx) to bond a pin (SonicPin Rx) to the mesh and underlying bone for Le Fort I osteotomy fixation, precluding the need to tap, shortening the time needed for fixation, and eliminating many disadvantages of titanium.
Diagnostic Imaging of the Maxillofacial Trauma Patient
Diagnostic imaging is an essential component for the optimal management of maxillofacial trauma.
Simulation in craniomaxillofacial training
Purpose of review: Simulation in healthcare is no longer a novel idea. Simulation continues to rapidly permeate and transform both clinical practice and medical education. Craniomaxillofacial surgery is comprised of multiple surgical disciplines, including neurosurgery, plastic surgery, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Acquired defects of the nose and naso-orbitoethmoid (NOE) region
Nasal injuries coupled with midface fractures of the orbit and ethmoids constitute a nasoorbitoethmoid (NOE) fracture pattern, which is typically the most challenging facial fracture to repair. Hard and soft tissue defects of this region may require advanced reconstruction techniques, including local rotational flaps, free tissue transfer, and even prosthetics.
External Service and Affiliations
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons : Fellow
- American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons : Fellow
- American College of Surgeons : Fellow
- American Academy of Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons : Fellow
- American Cleft Palate—Craniofacial Association : Member
- AO CMF North American : Faculty
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Daniel J. Meara, M.D., DMD, FACS
Chair, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery & Hospital Dentistry
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