History of ANZAOMS

The development of the Specialty

Surgery of the mouth and jaws was part of general dentistry and general surgery until the 1950’s when the first oral surgery specialty was formed in Australia and New Zealand. From this base, the specialty of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) has evolved. Since the 1990s fully trained specialists with full Dental, Medical and extensive surgical training, leading to the qualification of FRACDS(OMS), form the specialist group.

ANZAOMS has the leadership role in the Specialty, in association with the Board of Studies for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS). ANZAOMS was a foundation member of the International Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and is responsible for the Oceania Region.  The full history of the development of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Australia & New Zealand has been published in the book “Extractions to Reconstruction” by Alastair Goss & Rob Linn.

What is ANZAOMS?

The Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ANZAOMS) is the professional representative organisation for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS).

Our focus is on the advancement, advocacy for, and continuing education of OMS, through engagement with all levels of government, regulators, key public and private stakeholders and the general public.

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ANZAOMS acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work, and all Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ continuing connection to land, place, waters and community. We pay our respects to their cultures, country and elders past present and emerging.

ANZAOMS recognises the unique role of Māori as Tangata Whenua and embraces Te Tiriti o Waitangi recognising Māori as tino rangitiratanga of Aotearoa/New Zealand while embracing the three guiding principles of the Treaty – Partnership Participation and Protection. We will endeavour to implement bicultural policies and practices that incorporate and value Māori cultural concepts, values and practices.