What We Do

The Ohio Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons is the non-profit professional association serving the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery, the surgical arm of dentistry.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the only dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association who are surgically trained in a hospital-based residency program for a minimum of four years. They train alongside medical residents in internal medicine, general surgery and anesthesiology, and spend time in otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), plastic surgery, emergency medicine and other specialty areas. This training focuses almost completely on the bone, skin and muscle of the face, mouth and jaw. Oral and facial surgeons have knowledge and expertise that uniquely qualifies them to diagnose and treat a number of functional and esthetic conditions in this anatomical area.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) represents more than 9,000 oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the United States.  The Ohio Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OSOMS) represents more than 300 oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Ohio.  Both organizations support specialized education, research and advocacy. AAOMS and OSOMS fellows and members comply with rigorous continuing education requirements and submit to periodic office anesthesia evaluations to ensure that office procedures and personnel meet stringent national standards.

OSOMS Thoughts on Pain Relievers 

Our members perform many procedures on a daily basis which can require the use of pain relievers.  Each Oral  & Maxillofacial Surgeon carefully weighs the risks and benefits of the pain relievers prescribed for the condition he or she is managing.  Appropriate pain management is essential to recovery from treatment.  If an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon decides that opioid pain relievers are needed, the type and number of this type of medication is selected in a conscientious manner to protect the public and serve the patient.