GLOBAL ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY TRAINING: ANALYSIS AND PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Introduction: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (CBMF) combines dental and medical expertise to treat complex craniofacial pathologies, but its training varies markedly among countries worldwide.
Objective: To characterize CBMF training programs, describing their entry routes, duration, degree of graduation and training/rotational areas.
Methods: Observational and descriptive study of programs in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania, with official data (2020-2025) compiled in a spreadsheet for comparative analysis.
Results: Of the 40 programs analyzed, 30 admit only dental surgeons, predominantly in America, Asia and Africa with a duration of 3 to 4 years, 5 require a medical degree and 5 require a double degree, the latter two predominantly in Europe and Oceania with a duration of 5 to 6 years. It was identified that the training/rotational areas were designed mainly to fill gaps in training in specific fields.
Conclusion: The differences in training models respond to regulatory traditions and levels of investment in health.
Countries with lower spending tend to have single access to dentistry, and those with greater resources adopt dual degrees.
This panorama highlights the need for a minimum global curriculum that favors homologation and professional mobility.