Membership in the American Society of TMJ Surgeons (ASTMJS) is by invitation. A candidate must be nominated by an active member of the Society and receive a second letter in writing to the nomination again by an active member.
Membership Categories
Active Membership. Candidates will be generated from among the Membership or by the Membership or Executive Committees, based upon their active interest or demonstrated competency in the diagnosis and management of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), TMJ surgery, and/or unique, imaginative or pioneering clinical or research endeavors within the general field of temporomandibular disorders. Additionally, Candidates should have a national reputation in the field of temporomandibular joint disorders and have published and/or contributed to the advancement of the subspecialty.
Surgeons applying for Active Membership must submit a list of at least 25 TMJ surgery cases (surgical arthroscopy, arthrotomy, etc.) verified by the medical records librarian where the surgeries were performed and followed post-operatively for at least two years, using the form sent to the applicant with his/her membership application.
Candidates approved by the Membership Committee and the Board of Directors are then invited to present at the Annual Meeting. During the Annual Business Session of that Annual Meeting, the Candidate will be presented for election to membership by the Voting Membership. If approved by a majority vote, the Candidate will be admitted to the ASTMJS and receive a Certificate of Membership.
Associate Membership. Associate Membership is a time-limited status offered to persons practicing Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery or Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery who possess current certification and are in good standing with their respective Specialty Board, who are not yet candidates for Active Membership but who meet the following qualifications:
- Adequate early experience in the diagnosis and management of temporomandibular disorders and/or temporomandibular joint surgery as established by the ASTMJS.
- Verification of competence in the diagnosis and management of temporomandibular disorders and/or temporomandibular joint surgery by the Membership Committee, which shall make recommendations on all applicants to the Executive Committee.
Final determination of a Candidate’s suitability for Associate Membership shall be made by the Executive Committee. If approved, the Executive Committee will present the Candidate for election to Associate Membership by the Voting Membership at the next Annual Business Session.
Surgeons approved for Associate Membership will have a 5-year time frame to accumulate at least 25 TMJ surgical cases (surgical arthroscopy, arthrotomy, etc.) verified by the medical records librarian at which the surgeries were performed and followed post-operatively for at least two years, using the form sent to the applicant with his/her membership application. This is required to advance to Active Membership.
International Members. International Membership is offered to individuals who do not reside and practice in the United States but who would otherwise qualify for Active Membership. International Members will be required to pay an annual fee for administrative costs in lieu of annual dues.
Affiliate Membership. Affiliate Membership may be conferred by the Executive Committee on non-surgeon members of the medical and dental profession, basic sciences or allied services whose interests and contributions are related to the advancement of surgical treatment of TMJ disorders.
Emeritus Membership. Emeritus Membership may be conferred upon any classification of membership upon written request and/or upon recommendation of the Executive Committee. The member must have reached age 65 years and be retired from active clinical practice, or present health or other reasons acceptable to the Executive Committee.
Honorary Membership. The Executive Committee may confer honorary membership upon any person who has gained professional prominence by his or her contributions to the advancement of surgical treatment of TMJ disorders.