Oral and Maxillofacial surgery deals with the treatment of facial and jaw joint diseases, jaw and other deformities such as clefts of the lip and palate, trauma through road accidents, sporting injuries and acts of violence along with diseases such as cancer. The specialty also has a significant role in the management of chronic facial pain.

A range of surgical dental problems is also managed, from the removal of troublesome wisdom teeth to the management of a range of conditions such as cysts, tumours and some diseases affecting the jaws and salivary glands.

The specialty involves an interplay with other surgical specialities such as ear, nose and throat and plastic surgery. Such combined thinking and management is not only beneficial for patients but is also essential for determining appropriate ongoing treatment.