The Evolution of Oral Surgery: President’s Address. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. Section of Odontology. Vol. 44, pp. 139–143. February 1951

Wartime injuries to the maxillofacial complex during WWI provided the basis for advancements in both maxillofacial and plastic surgery. Sir William Kelsey Fry served in many capacities to the British armed forces; however, his role in the treatment of traumatic fractures was most critical in that the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery was born and recognized in Europe, although across the Atlantic the Americans had already done so through the likes of Simon Hullihen and James Garretson. Sir William’s 1951 Presidential Address “The Evolution of Oral Surgery” is discussed and his accomplishments relating to oral and maxillofacial surgery presented in the context of WWI and II.