our History
Mission of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation
The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation is dedicated to advancing the long-term development, health and well-being of the specialty and the public it serves through financial support of research and education consistent with the goals of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation (OMSF) was originally incorporated in 1959 as a not-for-profit corporation in the State of Illinois and is exempt from the payment of federal income tax pursuant to §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, it is characterized as a charitable organization with an obligation to serve the public good.
Today, as the only national foundation which supports the oral and maxillofacial surgery specialty, the OMSF continues to succeed because of the support from members of The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), corporations and friends of the specialty.
History
The history of oral and maxillofacial surgery originates with the Civil War. During this time revolutionary advancements were made in the treatment of facial fractures for the Union and Confederacy. In the early 20th century, oral and maxillofacial surgeons were pioneering cleft palate and other facial reconstructive surgery. Their innovations continued through the 1920s, when they pioneered many of the procedures that serve as the foundation for cosmetic surgery today. As the 20th century progressed, OMSs developed many current trauma techniques through their experiences with the dire injuries of soldiers in World War II, Korea, Viet Nam and the Gulf War.
Early on a Society was established to create structure, guidance and recognition for the oral surgery specialty. In the 1920s the Society of Exodontists was established. In 1944, the Society changed its name to the American Society of Oral Surgeons, and in 1979 it became the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS).
In 1959, the Educational Foundation (ERFOMS) established was by action of the General Assembly of the ASOS with the purpose of “establishing an educational program for members of the Society. Dr. Fred Henny became the first Chairman.
In 1965, the ERFOMS raised $40,000 in a fund-raising drive that helped underwrite several projects which included: the first meeting of training program directors in 1971 and the conference on facial pain held before the 1967 annual meeting.
In 1975, Dr. Philip J. Boyne was the recipient of the first OMSF Research Recognition Award.
In 1983, the Fred A. Henny Fellowship was established to provide funding for research. The Foundation Torch Award was also initiated.
In 1984, the AAOMS Board of Trustees voted to establish an Endowed Research Fund under the auspices of the Foundation, in which support would be sought from membership and allied industry. The name PEER (Professional Excellence Enabled by Research) was the acronym adopted for the fund drive. Over $2.2 million was pledged by the membership, state societies, and industry in 3 years.
In 1990, a mission statement for the Foundation was created. The Board officially changed the name of the Foundation to the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation (OMSF). It was also determined that as of 1992 the Foundation would be the fundraising and fund-granting agency for research in the specialty. The first issue of the Torch newsletter was published.
In 1993, the OMSF Alliance organization was established. Ms. Madelyn B. Donoff is the first Alliance Chair. She also wins the OMSF Torch Award in 1998.
In 1996, the Robert V. Walker Estate and Planned Giving Society was created. The OMSF Daniel M. Laskin Award was established for the best paper published annually in the JOMS.
In 1998, the OMSF supports the landmark Third Molar Study, along with AAOMS and the OMSF Alliance.
In 2001, the OMSF initiated the Major Gifts Campaign, in which $4.1 million was raised for research and education by donations from oral surgeons and corporations.
In 2005, the OMSF created the Annual Fund REAP -- Research and Education Advance Patient care. Since its inception, REAP has raised millions to support research and education in the specialty.
In 2009, the OMSF celebrated its 50th Anniversary and continues to be a primary source for funding of research, education, and priority specialty-related programs. The AAOMS 91st Annual Meeting was dedicated to OMSF on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary.
In 2013, the Alliance celebrates its 20th Annivnersary as a group of spouses and friends of the specialty, and as an organization that supports the efforts of the OMS Foundaiton.