Commentary after thirty years of private practice in oral surgery

Complexity and rapid development make oral and maxillofacial surgery the most unique specialty. From the perspective of thirty years of private practice, the author reflects on the necessity to blend science, practice, and business to meet patient needs. The special role of pain management is described. The change to oral and maxillofacial surgery that occurred roughly twenty years ago reflects the rapid expansion of knowledge, complexity of cases, and use of technology. Some of the issues that must to addressed in the future of the specialty include managing costs of education and practice with reimbursement trends, defining the scope of practice, and promoting research and technology and incorporating it in practice.