Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Overview
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are medical specialists who perform complex surgeries on the mouth, jaw, face, and neck to treat injuries, diseases, and defects. They handle everything from removing wisdom teeth and treating facial trauma to reconstructing jaws and removing tumors using advanced surgical tools and techniques. These surgeons work closely with dental teams and other medical professionals, often in hospital settings or specialized surgical centers. This career requires both medical school and dental school training, making it one of the most comprehensive healthcare specialties.
Did you know?
Becoming an oral surgeon requires completing dental school followed by a 4-6 year oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program, plus obtaining state licensing.
At a Glance
Fast Growing
Growth
Quality Control Analysis
Top Skill
Key Responsibilities
- Evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth to determine whether problems exist currently or might occur in the future.
- Perform minor facial rejuvenation procedures, including the use of Botox and laser technology.
- Remove impacted, damaged, and non-restorable teeth.
- Treat snoring problems, using laser surgery.
- Provide emergency treatment of facial injuries including facial lacerations, intra-oral lacerations, and fractured facial bones.
- Treat infections of the oral cavity, salivary glands, jaws, and neck.
- Remove tumors and other abnormal growths of the oral and facial regions, using surgical instruments.
- Perform surgery on the mouth and jaws to treat conditions such as cleft lip, cleft palate, and jaw growth problems.
- Administer general and local anesthetics.
- Collaborate with other professionals, such as restorative dentists and orthodontists, to plan treatment.
- Restore form and function by moving skin, bone, nerves, and other tissues from other parts of the body to reconstruct the jaws and face.
- Perform surgery to prepare the mouth for dental implants and to aid in the regeneration of deficient bone and gum tissues.
- Treat problems affecting the oral mucosa, such as mouth ulcers and infections.
- Perform minor cosmetic procedures, such as chin and cheekbone enhancements.
Career Considerations
Extensive Educational Requirements
Becoming an oral surgeon requires completing dental school followed by a 4-6 year oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program, plus obtaining state licensing.
High Financial Investment with Strong Earning Potential
The profession demands significant educational debt but offers substantial compensation, with median salaries often exceeding $300,000 annually in the U.S.
Professional Liability and Malpractice Insurance
Oral surgeons face higher malpractice insurance costs and liability risks due to the complex surgical nature of their procedures.