Oral and maxillofacial surgery: defining our present; shaping our future

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Dental Research

Background:

• The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) comprises 6,800 practicing and 1,000 resident members.
• AAOMS is committed to upholding the highest standards in diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries, and defects of the oral and maxillofacial region, encompassing both functional and esthetic aspects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the scope and standards of practice within oral and maxillofacial surgery as represented by the AAOMS.
• To highlight the AAOMS's role in developing practice guidelines and incorporating current research into standards of care.
• To indicate emerging research areas with potential to advance oral healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Development of guidelines, such as the Parameters of Care, for surgical procedures.
• Continuous collection and integration of current research into practice standards.
• Provision of anesthesia training for office teams.

Main Results:

• Established practice standards in areas including third molar extraction and bisphosphonate therapy management.
• Ongoing anesthesia training programs for comprehensive office team certification.
• Identification of promising research frontiers including nanostructures, molecular therapy, and tissue engineering.

Conclusions:

• AAOMS actively shapes practice standards through guideline development and research integration.
• Anesthesia training is a key focus for ensuring patient safety and comprehensive care.
• Nanotechnology, molecular therapy, and tissue engineering are poised to drive significant advancements in oral health.