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These are interesting times if you live in the Arab world; there is a fine line between the call for democratic change and destruction! The first and second world wars helped change the face of dental surgery in Europe, leading to the rebirth of the specialty as oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). Almost four decades ago, this specialty was born in the Arab countries. However, the past decade witnessed rapid evolution in the legislation, training and practice governing OMFS. In this article, we discuss the current situation for OMFS and look to the future in view of the changes taking place in the region.

A maxillofacial fracture is a serious clinical problem because of its functional and aesthetic signifi cance. If these injuries are treated improperly may ultimately result in a patient's low quality of life. Diagnosis and treatment of these fractures remain a challenge for oral and maxillofacial surgeons, demanding a high level of profi ciency. Result: Total of 437 patients obtained 752 maxillofacial fractures. Male were mostly affected comprising 83%, with the majority occurring in individuals 21-30 year age range. Road traffi c accident was the most common cause of maxillofacial fractures with a total of 63.84%. Mandible fracture was mostly affected consisting 59.18% of all maxillofacial fractures. The most fractured anatomical part of the mandible is parasymphysis containing 23% of all mandible fractures. Open reduction and internal fi xation was the most common treatment modality. Thirteen percent of patients had associated injuries, and four percent had complications. Conclusion:According to the World Health Organization established in May 2014, Libya is the leading country of traffi c deaths per capita. This retrospective study of maxillofacial fracture is congruent to the research that road traffi c accident in the country was the most common incident. It is capturing to both government offi cials to implement legislation and healthcare providers to develop programs to educate the public and reduce such injuries.

, we treated 326 facial fractures in 187 patients. Findings: The patients consisted of 161 (86.10%) males and 26 (13.90%) females; ratio 7:1. Most fractures were in the 21-30years age group (73 patients, 39.04%). Road traffic accident was the main cause 109 patients (58.29%) with assault accounting for 32 (17.11%) and gunshot wounds 21 (11.23%) patients. Fractures due to missile and gunshot all in males were highest in 2011 during the country's uprising/revolution yet only accounted for 19 patients (10.16%). In developed western countries interpersonal violence and assault is the main cause accounting up to 40.2%. Alcohol abuse reported in United Kingdom, Finland and Sweden. It is noteworthy to mention that in this study alcohol was not reported as cause in any of the injured cases as alcohol consumption is not allowed in Islamic states. Conclusion: Road traffic accidents remain a major cause in Western Libya and this may be accounted for by the lack of seat belt legislation and implementation of traffic laws. In comparison with the developed western countries interpersonal violence and assault is increasing. What is clear is that National collection of data is necessary in planning prevention, legislation and resource allocation in the treatment of facial fractures.