From: Henri Thuau
To: [email protected]
Cc: EACMFS Secretariat
Sent: Saturday, December 03, 2011 11:38 AM
Subject: Re: Harmonisation under the medical directives
Dear Dr. Rallis,
Thank you for your email.
I do not see any potential source of conflict regarding harmonisation of the Specialty under the Medical Directives which could originate from the proposed definition (“a Specialty of the medical and dental science”).
The specialty of Oral & Maxillo-Facial Surgery, as clearly stipulated in the Constitution of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery (Article 3), is a specialty of Surgery (therefore a specialty of Medicine) which ideally requires qualifications in medicine and dentistry.
May I also refer you to the definition of the Specialty by the British Association of Oral & Maxillo-Facial Surgeons:”The specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery is unique in requiring a dual qualification in medicine and dentistry and is a recognised international specialty which within Europe is defined under the medical directives.
The scope of the specialty is extensive and includes the diagnosis and management of facial injuries, head and neck cancers, salivary gland diseases, facial disproportion, facial pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, impacted teeth, cysts and tumours of the jaws as well as numerous problems affecting the oral mucosa such as mouth ulcers and infections.”
“The specialty is unique in requiring a dual qualification in medicine and dentistry and is a recognised international specialty which within Europe is defined under the medical directives. The scope of the specialty is very large with important linkages with many other disciplines in medicine and dentistry and will be described under the following sections which are continually being developed within the United Kingdom.
European Law highlights the difference between Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and the other surgical specialities, a difference based on its unique association with dentistry. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (surgery of the mouth, jaws and face) is therefore defined under the Medical Directives as a speciality requiring both medical and dental qualification.”
I hope this clarifies the matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need more information.
With best wishes and kind regards,
Henri Thuau
Secretary General EACMFS
Secretariat EACMFS
PO Box 85
Midhurst
West Sussex GU29 9WS
United Kingdom
Tele + 44 1730 810951/813700
Fax + 44 1730 812042