OMFS: Is there a better name? (Poll Inside)

For better or for worse, “oral and maxillofacial surgery” has been the namesake of the specialty since 1975. The change from simply, “oral surgery,” occurred because practitioners felt that a name change was necessary to adequately represent the expanded scope of the profession to the public. Fast-forward to today, and there still seems to be some confusion. Although most dental students and dentists understand what an oral and maxillofacial surgeon does, the majority of the population has a limited view of the specialty. To add to the confusion, there are many acronyms and names used to refer to oral and maxillofacial surgery. Whether it is OMFS (oral and maxillofacial surgery), OMS (oral and maxillofacial surgery), OS (oral surgery), or the relatively newer OFS (oral and facial surgery), the lack of consensus only adds to the confusion. 

Curiosity about this led to some research into the subject. Apparently others share the same concerns. There have been several papers (posted below) that address the subject. Without getting into too much detail, the overall theme is that despite the change to “oral and maxillofacial surgery” from “oral surgery,” there is concern that the brand still does not convey the true scope of the specialty to the public in a brand that is easily explained and remembered. Because of otolaryngology’s successful move to ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat), there is a movement by some to change OMS (current official terminology; i.e. AAOMS) to Oral and Facial Surgery, or OFS. One of the pros of this includes capturing the large scope of the specialty in an easy to remember acronym and terminology. The average layperson does not know what “maxillofacial” means. However, everyone and their mother know the term “face.” However, a major con would be that a name change could continue to add to the confusion.

Overall, I think the move to OFS would be a good one. The change itself would create a good opportunity for a newly branded AAOFS to begin an advertising campaign for the specialty. I’m sure there are many that think a change is unnecessary and that the problem lies with inadequate education of the current name. Despite where your loyalties may lie, what remains constant is that oral and maxillofacial surgery as a whole is relatively unknown to the public. So how do you feel about it? I encourage everyone to weigh-in below, as I’m interested to see how the upcoming generation of practitioners feel. After all, a name is a powerful thing.

Gijn, D. R. van. “Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |[Ndash]| a Case of Mistaken Identity?” British Dental Journal 210.1 (2011): 9-11. Print.

Guerrero, A. V., et al. “What Is in a Name? Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Versus Oral Surgeon.” J Oral Maxillofac Surg 72.1 (2014): 8-18. Print.

Guerrero, Elo, et al.”What Name Best Represents Our Specialty? Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Versus Oral and Facial Surgeon.” J Oral Maxillofac Surg  (2016). Print.

A Historical Overview of the AAOMS. AAOMS. 2013. http://www.aaoms.org/images/uploads/pdfs/historical_overview_aaoms.pd

Do you think a name change for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery would be beneficial?

Yes, change it back to Oral Surgery (OS) (1 vote)
(1 votes)
5%
Yes, change it to Oral and Facial Surgery (OFS)
(11 votes)
55%
No, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS/OMFS) is fine
(8 votes)
50%