The idea of forming a Malaysian association of oral surgeons began with discussions among colleagues at the Ministry of Health and the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. It was deemed necessary to establish such an association so as to promote its development and progress. The formal meeting to approve the idea was held in December 1995, although the official registration did not take place until March 1996.

 

The first general assembly and scientific meeting took place in December 1996 in Kuala Lumpur. At this meeting, the constitution was drafted and later approved. At that time, some 15 members were present. Since that first meeting, scientific meetings were held each year along with general assemblies. Speakers from the region, Europe and USA were invited to present newest developments.

 

The training of new specialists was traditionally based on sending them overseas, notably to the UK. This has now largely been replaced by national training centres, one at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur and one at the University of Science in Kelantan. An important event took place in 2001 when the Malaysian Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery was launched. It is the aim of the association to elevate the quality of patient care and to promote the advancement of practice and education by this publication.

 

The MAOMS hosted the 9th Asian Conference on Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at the end of 2010. This was the second time this honor was granted to the MAOMS. As our membership gradually increased, some members became actively involved in charity work not only within the country but also overseas, notably Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The growth and success of the association has largely been due to the initiatives, self sacrifice and dedication of the successive executive committee headed by the presidents Sharifah Fauziah, Micheal Ong, Wan Mahadzir, Kelvin Lim, Ong Siew Tin and Zainal Ariff.

 

by Wan Mahadzir Mustafa (Presented at the MAOMS ASM Kuantan 2019)