The training and surgical scope of oral and maxillofacial surgeons: The international survey 1994

Abstract

In 1992, the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (IAOMS) published its training guidelines document. The following survey was conducted to determine the current status of the training and scope of practice of oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS) worldwide. Currently, 55% of OMS practice with a single degree, predominantly a dental degree (DDS), while only 16% of the responding countries require dual qualification (MD, DDS). There is a trend toward the dual degree (MD, DDS) in the remaining 29%. In general, in those countries where dual qualification is mandatory, the scope is broadest; however, the scope in a number of countries in which surgeons practice with only the DDS degree - for example, Japan - is equally broad. This baseline information will be used to monitor the growth and development of the speciality in the future.