In the past, the dental surgeon was allowed to enter the theater, only, to do simple extractions. As a result of the disastrous surgical procedures taken by the general surgeons on the facial skeleton (especially lower and upper jaws), causing gross disfigurement of the facial bones harmony, disturbance to the dental occlusion and appearance of the patient, the importance of the role of the oral surgeon started to be acknowledged since 40 years ago. It became clear that the dentist, with the development of his dental educational programs, had more knowledge on the dentition, jaws growth, function and relationship. Also, the nature of the lesions involving the bony and soft tissue of the oral cavity, the facial skeleton trauma are better understood by the dentally qualified surgeon.

With my full respect to our colleagues, the general surgeons used to treat, e.g., large dentigerous cyst by hemimandibulectomy, where it can be treated by the oral surgeon, simply by marsupialization. The oral surgeon, with his broad knowledge on the relation of the jaws, function of the masticatory apparatus and the importance of appearance to the patient, can carry out surgical procedures on the facial skeleton and oral cavity lesions with the maximum damage. Again, in the last two decades and with the development of science, research and technology, orthognathic surgery emerged to tackle facial deformities with new techniques and surgical approaches to the benefit of the patient. Accordingly, a graduate program in oral and maxillofacial surgery was one of the leading programs considered as necessary, by the College of Dentistry, King Saud University, and I hope it will be offered soon when the needed requirements efor such a program are available to cover the demand of this specialty in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.