Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) is a specialty of dentistry dealing with the surgical aspects of head and neck. It is considered to be a bridge between medical and dental specialties. However, little is known regarding this field among the medical practitioners. Method: A survey was conducted among 200 health care professionals in KANPUR to check for awareness regarding the field of OMFS, and its scope in the medical field. Result: Most of the dental professionals were found to be more aware of range of work done in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, in contrast to medical professionals. The difference in perceived knowledge was not significant for nose fractures, cleft lip and/or palate, removal of wisdom tooth and temporomandibular joint problems. Most of the respondents referred cases to OMFS for mandibular, maxillary and zygoma fractures. OMFS was also preferred for dento-alveolar trauma, maxillary cysts, benign mandibular tumors, removal of wisdom tooth, orthognathic surgeries, TMJ problems and maxillofacial infections. There was a difference of opinion for others. Dental professionals preferred OMFS for biopsy of oral lesions, lump in the mouth, mandibular reconstruction and bone graft in mandible, while medical professionals referred less number of cases for these conditions. There were more referrals to OMFS from medical professionals’ side for dental implants, as compared to dental professionals. There were overall less number of referrals to OMFS for cancer of the mouth, removal of salivary glands, cleft lip and/or palate, and problems with facial appearance. Conclusion: The knowledge of health care professionals regarding specialty referrals in oro-facial conditions is average. Many health care professionals still associate our specialty mostly with intraoral conditions and tooth removal only. Health care professionals still lack information regarding the advances and new procedures being done in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental Practitioners were more aware about the range of work done and referrals to OMFS than Medical Practitioners of all specialties

Keywords : Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental Personnel, Medical Practitioners, Awareness.