About OMFS in Europe

In Europe there are two medical specialties, single degree Maxillo-facial Surgery (basic medical training) and Dental Oro-Maxillo-Facial Surgery (basic medical and dental training).

Summary of OMFS including changes from MF to DOMFS

There has been a trend for nations to move from single degree to dual degree OMFS. Until now, only Norway has moved from dual degree DOMFS to single medical degree MF and they continue to recognised DOMFS specialists without restrictions. The countries who have moved from MF to OMFS include Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia and Luxemburg. These nations have both MF and DOMFS in Annex V, to allow MF specialists to continue practicing. Those talking about moving toward DOMFS include France, Spain and Italy.

Originally, OMFS in Greece was not recognised under either dentistry or medicine in the Directive, but are now recognised under DOMF dual degree. In May 2024 Latvia moved from single degree to dual degree OMFS.

The below table summarises the current situation on Annex V as updated 31/05/2024
A single page PDF is available here and the updated Annex V here.

* Not in EU but has links to EU defined in Treaties as members of the European Economic Area (EEA) or European Free Trade Area (EFTA).
** Dual degree OMFS but recognised within the dental directives
+ Oral surgery specialty listed in Annex V
# UK No longer listed in Annex V but remains full member of UEMS

EACMFS is the European scientific society for our specialty. The OMFS Section has strong links foster by a shared liaison officer. EACMFS was established in 1970 by a group of innovative European surgeons who were keen to advance the specialty. The objectives of the Association are to promote cranio-maxillo-facial surgery in theory and practice and attempt to establish uniform training requirements for the specialty in Europe and encourage these worldwide.

Visit EACMFS

Each year, the national UEMS delegates update information about their nation. For an interactive map and list of reports click here.

Directive 2005/36/EC - defines the recognition of professional qualifications and enables the free movement of professionals such as doctors or architects within the EU.

2013/55/EU updates 2005/36/EC including information around professional development.

Switzerland has a Treaty with the EU  which covers the same areas of recognition and free travel as it is not a member of the EU or EAA.

Annex V of Directive 2005/36/EU contains the list of qualifications and the nations which recognised them. You can download PDF files of the DOMFS and MF elements which are the most recent of which we are aware. The Oral Surgery element of Annex V is here.

The below table lists the name of DOMFS and MF specialties in each nation - also as a PDF.