R. T. M. Woodwards, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester, England; M. H. Sein, D. W. Ahmed, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom; M. J. Jackson, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

Summary: Maxillofacial surgery has contributed considerably to the development of surgical techniques for the treatment of head and neck tumours. Surgical instruments such as dental drills (burs), surgical knives and saws are essential for resecting tumours from maxilla, mandible, tongue and lower lip. It is common to use surface engineering techniques to enhance performance of these cutting tools. The benefits of using smooth coatings such as polycrystalline and nanocrystalline carbon film i.e. (diamond and DLC), which have properties, include good adhesion, high wear resistance, protection against corrosion, protection against metalosis, high biocompatibility with human tissue and very high mechanical strength.