Sir, we write further to the debate on OMFS training.1 In Algeria, the admission process for medical residency comprises only one test with 120 multiple-choice questions, which has generated great insecurity as to the competence of selected candidates. Furthermore, candidates who pass the residency exam generally accept to fill the vacancies available in the OMFS specialty even if it is not their desired choice, either because of fear of failure for admission to another medical specialty in the next exam attempt or due to fear of unemployment.

The number of residency training positions available each year is minimal, being offered in only five hospitals in Algeria, leading to a very obvious lack of this service in different regions which may result in a high burden of untreated disease. The subspecialty approach does not yet exist in Algeria. This, in turn, should constitute a glaring deficiency in the professional training of Algerian OMFS surgeons compared to other countries, given that in this case the surgeon must perform all related medical and surgical procedures without the opportunity for more specific training.

Another challenge of the de-inclusion of the OMFS specialty as an exclusively medical specialty is that most medical students in Algeria seem to have little interest in this field. In addition, the academic curriculum of medicine in the country strongly limits students' interaction with the specialty. In contrast, it is widely known that OMFS is one of the most desirable specialties among dental students,2 who spend several months of their undergraduate curriculum learning and/or working in this field.

Considering that OMFS research is highly scarce in Algeria, it is essential that Algerian universities and research centres consider the implementation of measures that enable the full development of science in this scope, so that further improvements in healthcare are achieved for the community as a whole.

In short, rapid action is needed in Algeria to save the uncertain future of the OMFS specialty. Governments, health and education authorities must correct existing problems in order not only to recover what is already missing, but also to deal with great advances in the field. Making OMFS a medical or dental specialty in the country together with greater integration between medicine and dentistry should be a promising initial step towards this.1