Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Perform surgery and related procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions to treat diseases, injuries, or defects. May diagnose problems of the oral and maxillofacial regions. May perform surgery to improve function or appearance.
Common Job Titles
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Oral Surgeon
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS)
- Surgeon
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onPerform complex surgical procedures on oral and maxillofacial hard and soft tissues using specialized surgical instruments, laser systems, and imaging technology to treat diseases, injuries, and defects.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate diagnostic imaging, patient histories, and clinical findings to determine surgical treatment plans for maxillofacial pathology independently.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate innovative surgical approaches and treatment modifications for patients with complex craniofacial deformities, trauma, or pathology requiring individualized care.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize knowledge of medicine, dentistry, biology, and psychology to provide comprehensive treatment for functional and aesthetic maxillofacial conditions.Advanced
- MindsetChampion interdisciplinary collaboration and continuing education by training residents, mentoring staff, and leading surgical quality improvement initiatives.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze complex anatomical relationships and surgical risk factors using cone beam CT and panoramic imaging to plan reconstructive and corrective procedures.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate anesthesia machines, sedation equipment, and monitoring systems to ensure patient safety during oral surgical procedures following regulatory protocols.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with evidence-based surgical protocols when counseling patients on treatment options, risks, and expected outcomes.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute precisely bone grafting, implant placement, and reconstructive techniques using periosteal elevators, osteotomes, and high-speed handpieces with microscopic visualization.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess intraoperative complications and physiological responses using multiparameter vital sign monitors and capnography while making real-time surgical adjustments.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate ethical surgical decision-making and informed consent standards when navigating conflicts between patient preferences, clinical indications, and practice regulations.Proficient
- Hands-onCoordinate multiple surgical instruments and techniques during complex procedures while maintaining sterile fields and adapting to unexpected anatomical variations.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
5,330
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $82,960. 25th percentile: U.S. $236,780. 50th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 75th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 90th percentile: U.S. $239,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $82,960 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $239,200+ |
| Workers on average earn | $360,240 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Medicine and Dentistry5.0/5
- Biology4.4/5
- English Language4.4/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
- Psychology3.8/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
Technology Skills
- Ada
- Apteryx Imaging Suite
- DSN Software Oral Surgery-Exec
- DecisionBase TiME for OMS
- DentalEye
- Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions Dolphin Management
- Gendex Dental Systems VixWin PRO
- Kodak Dental Systems Kodak Cosmetic Imaging Module
Tools & Equipment
- Alveolar forceps
- Anesthesia machines
- Anesthetic injectors
- Angled scalpels
- Anterior periotomes
- Apexo elevators
- Apical forceps
- Articulating paper forceps