SO YOU THINK THEY KNOW WHAT WE DO - THE PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL PERCEPTION OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

In order to assess knowledge about the specialty of oral and maxillofa cial surgery amongst the public and both general medical and dental pr actitioners, a questionnaire was devised. 200 members of the public we re selected al random in one district, 50 local dentists and general m edical practitioners were selected and all were telephoned to obtain t heir answers. The results reveal that the majority of the public need more information about the benefits that our specialty can offer them or their patients. Medical practitioners are better informed but lack information about where our major activity lies. Even dental practitio ners have not been kept up to date with recent developments in our spe ciality and may refer to other specialities, patients with conditions which members of our Association routinely manage. If patients are to receive the best treatment available, it is essential that we educate the public (and especially the Purchasers) about our clinical interest s and activities.