Reporting on ICOMS 2025: International Conference on Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Author: Muskan Nafis
The 26th International Conference on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ICOMS 2025) was held from 22–25 May 2025 in Singapore, at the impressive Sands Expo & Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands. I had the pleasure of attending the event following the acceptance of my oral poster presentation.
The conference provided an exceptional opportunity to connect with clinicians, trainees, educators, researchers, and industry partners from around the world. As this was my first conference, attending and presenting at such a large international meeting initially felt intimidating. However, the environment was extremely welcoming, and it was especially rewarding to reconnect with senior clinicians I had previously worked with and to spend time engaging in discussions about the various talks and presentations.
The event was held on the 4th floor of the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre with a warm reception upon entry, registration was incredibly fast, and any questions were rapidly answered. Within the floor, there were multiple meeting rooms which hosted the Free Paper oral presentation sessions. This consisted of:
Cleft and craniofacial anomalies
Orthognathic and aesthetic surgery
Craniomaxillofacial trauma
Dentoalveolar surgery
Dental Implantology
Reconstructive surgery
New technologies
Oral and maxillofacial pathology
Head & Neck Oncology
Sleep Apnoea
TMJ Surgery and Disorders
Other relevant topics
I also spent time in the main exhibition hall, which quickly became a central hub throughout the meeting. In addition to an impressive selection of refreshments and generous lunch options between sessions, the hall hosted numerous industry stands showcasing innovative technologies, surgical tools, and digital solutions. It was easy to browse, network, and refuel between talks!
Presenters were also invited to attend a designated preparation room to ensure their slides were correctly formatted and ready for presentation from the first day.
Over the following two days, I attended several Free Paper sessions focusing on TMJ surgery, emerging technologies, and aesthetics. I was struck by the diversity of cases and research presented, many involving rare conditions and novel approaches from professionals across the globe. The sessions encouraged discussion, and there were plenty of opportunities to ask questions and engage directly with presenters.
Beyond the scientific programme, ICOMS offered numerous opportunities for networking and cultural exchange. While there were organised events such as gala dinners and cultural evenings, I chose a more independent approach to my experience, allowing flexibility based on how I felt each day. That said, in hindsight, I would strongly encourage junior attendees and first-time conference-goers to make the most of the networking and social opportunities on offer.
During the evenings, I explored several areas of Singapore, including Chinatown, the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck, and Gardens by the Bay. I also had the opportunity to experience authentic Singaporean cuisine, showcasing the country’s rich and diverse culinary influences.
Some of my peers attended the masterclasses led by internationally recognised experts throughout the conference which included worldwide experts teaching on aesthetics, reconstruction and emerging technologies. Feedback from these sessions was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the high calibre of teaching throughout the conference.
On the final day, I delivered my oral presentation. This followed a deeply moving presentation on global surgery, which initially made my own research as a junior feel far less significant. I felt nervous at first, but the supportive atmosphere in the room quickly put me at ease. Senior clinicians asked thoughtful questions and encouraged discussion, making the experience feel collaborative rather than intimidating. It was an incredibly positive introduction to delivering my first oral presentation at an international meeting.
The conference concluded with a closing session in the main lecture hall, featuring inspiring talks and the promotional video for ICOMS 2027 in Berlin. I would strongly encourage juniors and trainees interested in OMFS to consider submitting an abstract for future ICOMS meetings. The experience was truly memorable and offered a warm, supportive environment to showcase work, receive constructive feedback, and build confidence early in your career.
