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 maxillofacial surgery amongst the public and both general medical and dental practitioners, a questionnaire was devised. 200 members of the public were selected at random in one district, 50 local dentists and general medical practitioners were selected and all were telephoned to obtain their 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 practitioners have not been kept up to date with recent developments in our specialty and may refer to other specialties, 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 interests and activities.