AO CMF Education

AO CMF's courses and events, online learning tools, educational videos, fellowship opportunities and more—designed for craniomaxillofacial surgeons, residents and orthodontists, to enhance their surgical knowledge and skills.

Face-to-face curriculum-based courses

AO CMF's curriculum-based education ensures consistent, evidence-based learning with clear objectives, structured skill progression, and strong alignment between theory and real-world clinical application.

Dry-lab, Principles level

Management of Facial Trauma

Principles for the treatment of craniomaxillofacial fractures and their complications.

Wet-lab, Advanced level

Advanced Management of Facial Trauma

Hands-on course with human anatomical specimens covers complex facial fractures and posttraumatic deformities.

Wet-lab, Advanced level

Aesthetic and Functional Surgery Face and Neck

Intensive hands-on course with human anatomical specimens for enhancing practical skills in aesthetic and functional surgery. 

Dry-lab, Principles level

Orthognathic Management of Facial Deformities

Comprehensive introduction to the principles and core concepts of orthognathic surgery for dental and skeletal deformities.

Wet-lab, Advanced level

Orthognathic Surgery

Hands-on training and dynamic discussions, guided by world-renowned experts in a state-of-the-art anatomy lab.

Wet-lab, Advanced level

Reconstructive Surgery in Head and Neck with Flap Harvesting

Hands-on course encompassing state-of-the-art reconstructive techniques using a variety of free and pedicled flaps in the head and neck performed on human anatomical specimens.

Wet-lab, Advanced level

Surgical Approaches and Techniques in Facial Surgery

Hands-on course with human anatomical specimens covers complex facial fractures and posttraumatic deformities.

Wet-lab, Advanced level

Temporomandibular Joint Surgery

Learn how to apply the principles of TMJ reconstruction using local and distant autogenous tissues and TMJ prostheses according to AO principles and techniques.

AO CMF Education events by formats

AO CMF Education events are designed in diverse learning formats to meet the needs of cmf residents and cmf surgeons at every stage of their learning journey.

Seminars and symposia

Online events

FACE AHEAD—AO CMF's global summit

FACE AHEAD 2026 is the event where the top names in the CMF field reveal their best kept secrets and give hands-on advice to the next generation of surgeons.

Three action-packed days of knowledge exchange and networking—and having a great time—are at the core of the FACE AHEAD experience.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet up with peers, mingle with some of the biggest names in the craniomaxillofacial (CMF) field, and strengthen their professional network.

Online learning

  • Global Oral Cancer Diploma

    AO CMF in conjunction with the International Academy for Oral Oncology (IAOO) is pleased to announce the Global Oral Cancer Diploma. This interactive, self-directed online program is designed to provide a standardized evidence-based knowledge platform for multiple specialties involved in the treatment and management of oral cancer cases.

    Learn more about the Global Oral Cancer Diploma.

     

  • AO Surgery Reference

    The all-in-one online reference supporting you from patient assessment to aftercare.

    The craniomaxillofacial (CMF) section covers the following topics:

    • Trauma
    • Sequela
    • Orthognathic
    • Reconstruction
    • Congenital deformities

    All CMF trauma sections and the modules on the reconstruction of the facial nerve and nose are accessible to all users. The other specific topic areas are accessible to AO CMF members only.

    Explore AO Surgery Reference modules.

  • Educational videos and webinars

    Digital teaching and learning material, live-webcasts, and event coverage for educational purposes.

    Explore the videos.

  • CTRead

    CTRead is a formal web-based training module that instructs residents in the interpretation of a computed tomography (CT) facial bone scan in a logical, stepwise manner to locate and identify all relevant facial fractures.

    Learn more about CTRead.

  • AO CMF Global Study Clubs

    A dynamic platform for AO CMF members to discuss cases, share experiences, and network effectively.

    The AO CMF Global Study Club offers monthly online events featuring renowned faculty speakers, who delve into a variety of craniomaxillofacial surgical topics. You'll have the opportunity to learn from the best and take your professional skills to the next level.

    Learn more about the AO CMF Global Study Club.

  • AO College

    AO College is a cross-divisional program for highly enthusiastic and motivated young surgeons based in the Middle East and Northern Africa region.

    Learn more about AO College.

  • myAO

    myAO—developed with AO surgeons - gives you access to relevant, trusted sources of knowledge, moderated case discussions, and expertise across the AO's specialties.

    Learn more about myAO.

  • AO Access

    AO Access—driving the AO's diversity, inclusion, and mentorship programs.

    Learn more AO Access.

You might also be interested in:

AO CMF Fellowships

Discover the unique opportunity to advance in your training and deepen your expertise.

AO CMF journals and publications

Explore the variety of journals and publication offered by AO CMF.

AO CMF Membership

Be a part of a dynamic global network of experts and peers.

FAQs

  • Who are AO CMF education programs designed for?
    AO CMF's offers education for craniomaxillofacial surgeons, residents and orthodontists in various formats, such as: courses, events, online learning tools, educational videos, fellowship opportunities and more.
  • Do AO CMF courses offer Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits?
    Yes. Many AO CMF courses provide CME or equivalent credits, depending on the event and local accreditation. Specific credit details are indicated on each course page and course program.
  • Why choose an AO CMF course?
    AO CMF courses are organized since 1974, with the mission of promoting excellence in patient care and outcomes in trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. They provide structured, evidence-based education developed by international world-renowned faculty, ensuring high-quality learning, practical skill acquisition, using state-of-the-art technologies, approaches and teaching methods.
  • How do I choose the right course for my experience level?
    Each AO CMF course specifies its target audience and level of experience, helping you select the event that best matches your current skills and learning objectives. If further information needed, feel free to reach out to the event specialists via the contact information provided on the course pages.
  • Why choose an AO CMF anatomical specimen course?
    AO CMF anatomical specimen courses are the next best thing after working with live patients. Ethically-sourced cadavers are carefully prepared to deliver a 100% realistic training experience as you will experience in the OR, maximizing your learning effort.
  • Why choose a dry-bone AO CMF course?
    Dry-bone courses allow repeated practice of procedures on realistic models, helping you refine technical skills safely before performing them in the clinical setting.
  • Are AO CMF education events offered globally?
    Yes. AO CMF delivers education events worldwide, providing consistent, high-quality training across regions while accommodating local needs.