What is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS)?

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a unique field requiring qualifications in both medicine and dentistry. OMS deal with the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of the human jaws and associated structures.

OMS surgeons collaborate with a range of healthcare professionals, including orthodontists, prosthodontists, radiologists, oncologists, ENT surgeons, neurosurgeons, and plastic surgeons, to provide comprehensive care for patients.

Scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons perform a wide range of procedures, including but not limited to:

  • Dentoalveolar Surgery
  • Implants and Prosthetic Surgery
  • Oral Pathology
  • Mucosal Disease
  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disease
  • Facial Pain, Headache, and Sinus Disease
  • Salivary Gland Disease and Surgery
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma
  • Orthognathic and Deformity Surgery
  • Paediatric Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Oncology
  • Maxillofacial Reconstruction
  • Head and Neck Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Surgery
  • Skin Diseases and Surgery of Head and Neck
  • Airway and Sleep Surgery

OMS Accredited Training Program

The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) is the principal body for the training and education of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Accredited by the Australian Medical Council, Medical Council of New Zealand, Australian Dental Council, and Dental Council of New Zealand, the program equips trainees with advanced clinical skills, surgical expertise, and professional competencies to deliver the highest standard of care. Interested in becoming an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon? Learn more about the OMS Training Program.

recognised as the arbiter of training standards in OMS

Subspecialty

RACDS offers subspeciality for OMS specialists in advanced areas of practice. Micro-credentialing are specific areas of OMS surgery that fall within the currently recognised scope of OMS but for which individuals need to demonstrate that specific and advanced training, education and assessment has been undertaken. Eligible surgeons can apply for credentials in:

  • Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Head and Neck Surgery

For more details, refer to the Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery Guidelines and Head and Neck Surgery Guidelines.

If you would like to speak with someone for more information or advice, please contact [email protected].

Reconsideration, Review and Appeal

The College recognises its responsibility in making decisions affecting international medical graduates, trainees, Members, and Fellows. Where an affected party or candidate believes that they have been adversely or unfairly affected by the decision of the College, the College provides a transparent and robust avenue for the resolution of the disagreement.

In order to assist all parties, procedures have been developed to indicate what is meant by Reconsideration and Review and the connection between these processes and a formal Appeal.

    • The Reconsideration phase enables the original decision maker(s) to reconsider their original decision. The affected party or candidate is allowed to provide any information that may assist with this process. If, following this phase, the affected party or candidate is not satisfied with the outcome, they may request a Review within 30 days of receiving advice on the outcome.

    • The Review phase enables a College body with oversight of the original decision maker(s) to review the original decision and all associated supporting documentation to ascertain whether the original decision should be upheld or overturned. If, following this phase, the affected party or candidate is not satisfied with the outcome, they may Appeal within 30 days of receiving advice on the outcome.

    • The Appeals phase requires a formal application with strict procedures to ensure it is conducted following procedural fairness and transparency. This phase involves the constitution of an Appeals Committee and therefore imposes an associated fee.

The following decisions by the committees and Board of Studies in OMS are subject to these processes:

    • Accreditation of regional training centres and training posts within institutions

    • Selection of trainees for the OMS Training Program

    • Examination result

    • Midterm and six-monthly assessment outcomes

    • Trainee progression, including recognition of training or dismissal from training

    • Final assessment decision for specialist assessment in Australia

    • Applications for admission to Fellowship

    • Participation and compliance in the CPD programs

    • Financial status of Fellows, trainees, or other members

Please refer to the RACDS Reconsideration, Review and Appeals Policy for the application process and further information.