Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are surgical specialists with expertise in treating conditions of the mouth, teeth, jaws and associated structures. Many surgeons in this specialty have dual qualifications, medicine and dentistry. They often complete post-fellowship training to focus on sub-specialties such as head and neck cancer; cosmetic facial surgery; craniofacial surgery; cranio-maxillofacial trauma; and pediatric maxillofacial surgery.
In 2006, there were 56 specialists in Australia working in oral maxillo facial surgery as their main specialty of practice. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2008. Medical labour force 2006. National health labour force series no. 41. Cat. no. HWL 42. Canberra: AIHW. p. 26.) Specialists work in oral and maxillofacial surgery units in larger public hospitals and in private practice.
The Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ANZAOMS) represents surgeons in this specialty in Australia and New Zealand. The association has approximately 200 members.