Professor Darryl Tong is a distinguished academic in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Otago. He specializes in military and civilian trauma with a particular focus on ballistic injuries to the head, face, and neck. His research encompasses systematic reviews and clinical aspects of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including dentoalveolar surgery, pathology, trauma, and dental implantology. Additionally, he has a significant interest in sports-related concussion and subconcussive impact force research. Professor Tong’s expertise is not limited to clinical practice; he also plays an instrumental role in training undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as specialist trainees in oral maxillofacial surgery. His academic background includes a PhD that explored war injuries to the face and jaws through an integrated historical and surgical perspective. He serves as a Clinical Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon at Southern DHB and holds the position of Associate Dean (Pacific) in the Faculty of Dentistry at the university.