Background <p>Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) is a specialized field of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the face, jaw, mouth, and head. Despite its critical role in healthcare, awareness about OMFS among the general public remains limited. This issue is especially concerning in semi-urban and smaller administrative regions like Mahe, where data specific to the population’s awareness is lacking, unlike in other parts of India.</p> Aim <p>This study aims to assess the awareness and perception of OMFS as a specialty among the general public in the Mahe region. Specifically, it seeks to: (1) Evaluate the level of public knowledge about OMFS, (2) Identify common misconceptions, (3) Analyze demographic factors influencing awareness, and (4) Determine the main sources of information. Research Question: Is the general public in Mahe sufficiently aware of the scope of OMFS, and how do demographic factors affect their perception of the specialty?</p> Materials and Methods <p>A cross-sectional institutional study was conducted using a structured, validated questionnaire. Participants were from various demographic backgrounds visiting a teaching hospital in Mahe. To reduce selection bias, exclusion criteria were strictly followed, and participants were randomly selected from OPD visitors. Data were analyzed to assess knowledge regarding OMFS and associated influencing factors. Bar charts and pie charts were used alongside tabulated data to present the findings more visually.</p> Results <p>The findings revealed that a significant portion of the population had limited knowledge of OMFS, with many respondents associating the specialty primarily with dental procedures. Lack of awareness about the broader scope of OMFS, including trauma management, orthognathic surgery, and oral cancer treatment, was evident. Differences in awareness were observed across gender, education levels, and previous healthcare exposure.</p> Conclusion <p>The study highlights the need for targeted public awareness programs to bridge the knowledge gap regarding OMFS. Socio-cultural barriers, such as limited healthcare literacy, gender-based access differences, and trust in non-specialist providers, may contribute to under-recognition of OMFS in Mahe. Improving education through digital media, community outreach, and collaboration with primary healthcare providers can enhance timely access to care</p>