Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Duties and Responsibilities

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons perform many kinds of reconstructive surgeries, such as grafts and bone repair. They are also qualified to treat oral and maxillofacial trauma, as well as treat infections and diseases of the mouth and jaw, including tooth extractions.

Education and Training

To become an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, it's necessary to first earn a bachelor's degree. After graduating, you'll need to attend dental school. Once you have your DDS or DMD, you'll need to complete an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency. During your residency, you will receive training in surgical procedures, as well as in the diagnosis and management of oral and maxillofacial conditions.

Skills

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons often have extensive knowledge of the following:

• Anatomy of the head and neck
• Surgical techniques
• Patient care
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills

Tools and Equipment

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons use a variety of tools and equipment, including scalpels, forceps, drills, and lasers. They also use imaging technologies, such as X-rays and CT scans, to diagnose and treat patients.

Career Growth

There are many opportunities for career growth for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. With experience, they can become more specialized in particular areas of surgery, such as orthognathic surgery or facial trauma surgery. They can also move into leadership roles, such as becoming a department head or a medical director.