Magister Scientiae Dentium - MSc(Dent) / Over the last few decades, and throughout the world, there would seem to have been an increase in the number and severity of infections affecting the maxillofacial region. In the South African setting this seems to be especially evident in the state health system. Maxillofacial infection of odontogenic origin is largely preventable. If treated appropriately and early in the pathological process, the progression of the disease process is generally prevented and complications avoided. Management of maxillofacial infections once established has serious implications for patients and an already stressed health system. The reasons for this perceived increase in infections are likely multifactorial and it is hoped that this study may aid in understanding factors contributing to this burden.