Oral and maxillofacial surgery: Perception of its scope among the medical fraternity and general public

Abstract

Purpose:The study was intended to evaluate the existing perceptions about the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) and to promote its awareness among the medical professionals and the general public. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire listing ten clinical situations was designed. It was given randomly to 100 medical professionals and 500 members of the general public. They were asked to choose the appropriate specialty that they would prefer to approach for undergoing treatment of certain specific conditions related to the head and neck regions. Results: The results were compiled and tabulated and the data analysed. The current status pertaining to the perception about the specialty was not promising. Only 30% of the medical professionals and 7% of the general public had ever approached an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) directly. Conclusion:The specialty of OMFS is critical for addressing several medical and surgical issues. There is a need to promote and increase awareness regarding a large spectrum of work that is being carried out by OMS′s in order to enhance better patient care and outcome.