Eponyms in Dentistry – Oral Surgery

The development of oral and maxillofacial surgery advanced rapidly following the introduction of general anesthesia in 1846, evolving from simple tooth extractions to complex procedures involving the jaws and facial skeleton. Initially driven by general surgeons in Europe and later refined by specialists in the U.S. and elsewhere, this progress is reflected in enduring surgical eponyms. This paper highlights 23 pioneers associated with 21 foundational eponyms—procedures, instruments, and classifications—that remain central to oral surgical practice. These eponyms honor the innovators whose work shaped the field and continue to connect modern surgery to its historical roots.