Associate Oral Surgeon Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of advanced medical science, the focus on Associate Oral Surgeons has never been more crucial.

Healthcare progresses relentlessly, and with each advancement, the demand for skilled professionals who can perform, refine, and ensure our oral surgical procedures escalates.

But let’s look beyond the surface: What’s truly expected from an Associate Oral Surgeon?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate world of oral surgery,

You’ve landed on the right page.

Today, we reveal a customizable Associate Oral Surgeon job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Associate Oral Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities

Associate Oral Surgeons are medical professionals who specialize in surgical procedures around the oral cavity, jaw, and facial area.

They work alongside senior oral surgeons and other healthcare professionals to treat various conditions, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws, and the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Performing oral surgeries on patients to treat diseases, injuries, and defects in the jaws and face.
• Consulting with patients to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
• Examining patients and interpreting x-rays and diagnostic tests to determine the need for oral surgery.
• Working in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, like orthodontists and prosthodontists, to plan treatment.
• Administering general and local anesthetics to patients.
• Performing surgery to improve function or appearance and to alleviate pain.
• Monitoring patients’ recovery and providing appropriate post-operative care instructions.
• Writing prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medications.
• Keeping up to date with the latest treatment techniques and advancements in the field of oral surgery.
• Maintaining patient records, including their treatment plans and progress.
• Ensure strict compliance with safety standards and hygiene regulations.

 

Associate Oral Surgeon Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Associate Oral Surgeon to join our team.

The successful candidate will provide comprehensive oral surgical care to a diverse patient population and collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

The Associate Oral Surgeon will be responsible for diagnosing and treating a variety of oral health issues, performing complex surgical procedures, and providing patient education on oral health and preventative care.

Our ideal candidate is a highly skilled professional with a passion for delivering excellent patient care.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive patient examinations to diagnose oral health conditions
• Perform complex surgical procedures as necessary, such as tooth extractions and dental implants
• Provide patient education on oral health, preventative care, and post-operative care
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as orthodontists, to plan treatment
• Maintain accurate patient records
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in oral surgery

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree
• Completion of a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery
• Board certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery
• Valid state dental license
• Strong surgical skills and knowledge of oral health conditions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Associate Oral Surgeon
• Work Environment: Dental practice. This position may require weekend and evening hours.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Oral Surgeon or Practice Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $150,000 minimum to $300,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, along with any relevant certifications and licenses, to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Associate Oral Surgeon Do?

An Associate Oral Surgeon is a qualified professional who works under a senior oral surgeon or in a dental practice specializing in oral surgery.

Their main responsibilities involve diagnosing and treating conditions related to the hard and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and jaws.

These may include impacted teeth, oral cancer, dental implants, facial pain or trauma, and correction of jaw deformities.

Associate Oral Surgeons perform various surgical procedures like wisdom teeth extraction, corrective jaw surgeries, and dental implant surgeries.

They may also be involved in the treatment of oral cancer and other diseases involving the mouth.

They work closely with other dental professionals such as orthodontists and prosthodontists to plan treatment for patients requiring oral surgery as part of their overall dental care.

As an associate, they may also assist the senior oral surgeon during complex procedures, learn new surgical techniques, and may take part in patient consultations and follow-ups.

Associate Oral Surgeons also have the role of educating patients about post-surgical care to ensure a successful recovery.

They are also responsible for keeping updated with the latest developments in oral surgery through continuing education.

 

Associate Oral Surgeon Qualifications and Skills

Associate Oral Surgeons need an array of technical skills, interpersonal skills, and medical knowledge to provide quality oral surgical care to their patients, including:

• Extensive knowledge and skill in oral surgery procedures and techniques to provide safe and effective treatment to patients.
• Strong diagnostic abilities to accurately identify dental diseases, injuries, and disorders, and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and precision to perform intricate procedures and operations.
• Exceptional communication skills to effectively explain complex medical information to patients, making sure they understand their treatment options and the expected outcomes.
• Interpersonal skills to build rapport with patients, providing a reassuring and compassionate presence especially in stressful situations.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly react and make decisions during surgical procedures and unexpected situations.
• Ability to stay updated with the latest research, techniques and technologies in oral surgery to provide the most up-to-date care.
• Physical stamina to perform long surgeries and spend long periods on their feet.

 

Associate Oral Surgeon Experience Requirements

The journey to becoming an Associate Oral Surgeon requires substantial education and clinical experience.

It starts with obtaining a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a science-related field, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree from an accredited dental program.

During dental school, candidates gain practical experience through their clinical rotations.

However, to specialize in oral surgery, they need to complete a residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

This can take 4-6 years and provides extensive hands-on experience in all aspects of oral surgery, including anesthesia, trauma surgery, and outpatient care.

After completing their residency, oral surgeons may choose to further specialize in a specific area, such as pediatric oral surgery or craniofacial surgery, which may require additional fellowship training.

Upon completion of their residency or fellowship, oral surgeons are typically ready for entry-level positions.

However, some more specialized or senior roles may require several years of experience as an oral surgeon.

Those with 5 to 10 years of experience may be ready for more advanced roles, such as an Oral Surgery Department Head or Consultant Oral Surgeon.

In addition to clinical experience, these roles may also require experience in management or administrative duties.

Certification is also key in this field.

Even entry-level oral surgeons are expected to be certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, or equivalent body, which requires both written and oral examinations.

 

Associate Oral Surgeon Education and Training Requirements

An Associate Oral Surgeon must have a bachelor’s degree in biology, pre-med, or a related field as a first step.

This is followed by four years of dental school to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) degree.

After dental school, an additional 4 to 6 years of specialized oral and maxillofacial surgery residency training is required.

This training involves hospital-based surgical and anesthesia training.

To practice, all states require oral surgeons to be licensed, which involves passing both written and practical exams.

In addition, board certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) is highly desirable, although not a mandatory requirement.

This involves a thorough oral and written examination process.

Continuing education is critical in this field to keep abreast of the latest surgical techniques, procedures, and technologies.

Many associate oral surgeons also pursue further subspecialty training in areas such as craniofacial surgery or cosmetic facial surgery.

 

Associate Oral Surgeon Salary Expectations

An Associate Oral Surgeon can expect to earn an average salary of $206,879 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, geographical location, and the size of the dental practice where they are employed.

 

Associate Oral Surgeon Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an Associate Oral Surgeon need?

Associate Oral Surgeons must have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) from an accredited dental school.

Additionally, they need to complete an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program, which typically takes four to six years.

They must also be licensed in their state of practice and board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

 

What are the daily duties of an Associate Oral Surgeon?

On a typical day, an Associate Oral Surgeon may consult with patients, diagnose conditions, develop treatment plans, and perform surgeries.

These surgeries can range from simple tooth extractions to more complex procedures such as corrective jaw surgeries or facial injury repair.

They also coordinate with other dental professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients and participate in administrative tasks like updating patient records.

 

What qualities make a good Associate Oral Surgeon?

A good Associate Oral Surgeon must have excellent manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination as oral surgery involves precise and intricate procedures.

They should also have strong communication skills to explain complex procedures to patients and colleagues.

Patience, empathy, and good bedside manner are important as patients may be anxious or in pain.

An ability to work under pressure is also crucial as emergency cases can arise.

 

What should you look for in an Associate Oral Surgeon’s resume?

When reviewing an Associate Oral Surgeon’s resume, check for their medical degree and completion of a certified residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Make sure they are board-certified and have an active license to practice in your state.

Look for any specialization or additional training relevant to your practice.

Experience in a range of procedures, from routine to complex, can be an asset.

Also, any administrative or teaching experience can be a bonus as the role may involve some level of management or mentoring duties.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Associate Oral Surgeon?

Hiring an Associate Oral Surgeon can be challenging due to the high level of training and experience required for the role.

There can be stiff competition among dental practices and hospitals for qualified candidates.

Offering competitive compensation, opportunities for professional development, and a positive work environment can help attract and retain these specialized professionals.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve opened up the world of what it means to be an associate oral surgeon.

Guess what?

It’s not just about extracting teeth.

It’s about shaping beautiful smiles, one oral procedure at a time.

With our comprehensive associate oral surgeon job description template and practical examples, you’re well-equipped to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precision-tailored job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every oral procedure contributes to a patient’s overall well-being.

Let’s create those radiant smiles. Together.

How to Become an Associate Oral Surgeon (Complete Guide)

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