Maxillofacial Surgeon Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-advancing healthcare industry, the importance of maxillofacial surgeons is continuously escalating.

Medical science continues to evolve, and with each advancement, the demand for highly skilled individuals who can navigate the intricacies of maxillofacial surgery increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a maxillofacial surgeon?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the core of this role,
• A healthcare recruiter defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complex world of maxillofacial surgery,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable maxillofacial surgeon job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or healthcare career sites.

Let’s jump right into it.

Maxillofacial Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities

Maxillofacial Surgeons specialize in treating a variety of conditions related to the face, mouth, and jaw, including trauma and deformities.

They require a high level of expertise and precision in surgical procedures and patient care.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating patients’ oral and maxillofacial health through examinations and medical history assessment
• Diagnosing diseases, injuries, or malformations of the teeth, gums, or jaws
• Planning and executing surgical procedures such as removing impacted teeth, correcting jaw fractures, and performing reconstructive surgery
• Administering general and local anesthetics to patients
• Collaborating with other medical professionals such as orthodontists, radiologists, and pathologists
• Performing minor cosmetic procedures, such as chin and cheekbone enhancements
• Providing postoperative care and instructions to patients
• Keeping detailed records of diagnoses, treatments, and patient progress
• Staying updated with advancements in maxillofacial surgery techniques and technology
• Communicating with patients and their families, providing them with detailed information about treatments, potential risks, and recovery processes

 

Maxillofacial Surgeon Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Maxillofacial Surgeon to diagnose and surgically treat disorders, diseases, and injuries of the jaw, mouth, face, and neck.

Maxillofacial Surgeon responsibilities include performing surgeries on the oral and maxillofacial regions, treating diseases such as cancer and cysts, correcting deformities, and managing facial injuries and trauma.

Our ideal candidates are skilled in conducting thorough patient assessments, developing comprehensive treatment plans and performing complex surgical procedures with precision and care.

 

Responsibilities

• Examine, diagnose and treat oral and maxillofacial diseases and conditions.
• Perform surgical procedures to correct or treat diseases, injuries, and deformities.
• Manage patient care post-surgery and provide appropriate follow-up care.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and other medical professionals.
• Stay updated with advancements in maxillofacial surgery and related technology.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans for patients.
• Adhere to safety standards, medical ethics, regulations and best practices in healthcare.
• Manage surgical emergencies with professionalism and efficiency.
• Collaborate with other doctors, assistants, nurses, and healthcare professionals to ensure high quality patient care.

 

Qualifications

• Medical Degree from an accredited medical school.
• Board certification in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
• Valid and active medical license in the state of practice.
• Proven experience as a Maxillofacial Surgeon.
• Excellent surgical skills and ability to handle stressful situations.
• Outstanding patient management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of medical laws and ethics.

 

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Malpractice insurance
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities
• Professional development and growth opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Maxillofacial Surgeon
• Work Environment: Hospital or private clinic setting. Some on-call hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief of Surgery or Medical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $300,000 minimum to $500,000 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, a copy of your medical license, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Maxillofacial Surgeon Do?

Maxillofacial Surgeons, also known as oral surgeons, are specialized professionals in the medical field who focus on surgeries of the face, mouth, and jaw.

They often work in hospital settings, dental practices, or private offices.

They diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions, such as impacted teeth, jaw misalignments, oral cancer, cleft lip and palate, and facial injuries.

They may also perform complicated tooth extractions and dental implant installations.

In addition to surgical procedures, maxillofacial surgeons may provide non-surgical treatments for conditions like facial pain and oral infections.

They may also be involved in the management of patients with chronic or acute medical conditions that affect oral health.

These surgeons also work in conjunction with other medical professionals such as orthodontists and restorative dentists to plan and execute complex treatment plans.

They often provide consultation services to other doctors regarding patients with facial injuries or conditions.

Maxillofacial surgeons need to be skilled in anesthesia administration, as most of their procedures require its use.

They play a vital role in emergency care as well, particularly for accidents involving facial trauma.

Furthermore, they often conduct and participate in research studies to advance the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery and improve patient care.

 

Maxillofacial Surgeon Qualifications and Skills

Maxillofacial Surgeons need a blend of technical skills, practical experience, and soft skills to excel in their field, including:

• Extensive knowledge and experience in surgical procedures focusing on the face, mouth, and jaw.
• Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to perform intricate procedures with precision and care.
• A deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathology relevant to the maxillofacial region.
• Strong communication skills for explaining complex surgical procedures and aftercare instructions to patients and their families.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to accurately diagnose and treat oral and maxillofacial conditions.
• The ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, coordinating care with other healthcare professionals such as dentists, orthodontists, and oncologists.
• Compassion and empathy for patients dealing with pain and anxiety related to their condition or procedure.
• Attention to detail and organization skills for maintaining accurate patient records and tracking their progress.
• Physical stamina to withstand long hours standing during surgical procedures.

 

Maxillofacial Surgeon Experience Requirements

Maxillofacial Surgeons undergo a rigorous education and training process.

Initially, they need to complete a Bachelor’s degree, typically in a scientific field like biology or chemistry.

Following this, they enter into a four-year dental school to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree.

After dental school, aspiring Maxillofacial Surgeons must complete a four to six-year surgical residency program.

Here, they gain significant practical experience in performing surgeries related to the mouth, face, and jaw under the supervision of experienced surgeons.

They also receive training in administering anesthesia and managing intensive care patients.

Upon completing the residency program, some surgeons choose to specialize further by undertaking a fellowship.

This might focus on areas such as craniofacial surgery, cosmetic facial surgery, or head and neck oncology.

This typically adds one to two years of focused experience.

Maxillofacial Surgeons also need to be board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, which requires a minimum of four years of post-dental school surgical experience and passing a rigorous examination.

After certification, Maxillofacial Surgeons should continue learning and stay updated with the advancements in their field.

This can be achieved through professional development courses, seminars, and scientific literature.

Generally, a seasoned Maxillofacial Surgeon may have 10 to 15 years of academic and practical experience, including their undergraduate degree, dental degree, residency, and possible fellowship.

Those with this level of experience may be ready for senior roles or teaching positions in universities, or they may choose to establish their private practice.

 

Maxillofacial Surgeon Education and Training Requirements

Maxillofacial Surgeons are required to complete an undergraduate degree, typically in a science-related field, before pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

After earning a medical degree, they must complete a residency in general surgery or a related field, which typically lasts for four to five years.

This is followed by an additional specialty residency in maxillofacial surgery, which can take 4 to 6 years.

Upon completion of these residencies, maxillofacial surgeons must be licensed to practice in their state.

This requires passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX).

To specialize further, maxillofacial surgeons can pursue a fellowship in a sub-specialty area, such as craniofacial surgery or aesthetic facial surgery.

This can last 1 to 2 years.

In addition, many surgeons decide to become board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, which involves passing rigorous exams and meeting specific educational and experiential criteria.

Continuing education is also important in this field to stay updated with the latest surgical techniques and advancements.

 

Maxillofacial Surgeon Salary Expectations

A Maxillofacial Surgeon earns an average salary of $387,000 (USD) per year.

This income can significantly change based on factors such as years of experience, specialized training, geographic location, and the type of healthcare institution.

 

Maxillofacial Surgeon Job Description FAQs

What are the qualifications required to be a Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Maxillofacial Surgeons are required to have a medical degree followed by a surgical residency in their chosen speciality.

In the United States, it typically requires a 4-year dental school degree followed by a 4-6 year residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Board certification is an added plus.

 

What qualities make a good Maxillofacial Surgeon?

A good Maxillofacial Surgeon should have a high level of attention to detail, excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.

They need to have a high degree of empathy and good interpersonal skills as they deal with patients who have often been through traumatic experiences.

They should also have good problem-solving abilities, sound clinical judgement and the ability to make decisions under pressure.

 

What are the daily duties of a Maxillofacial Surgeon?

On a daily basis, a Maxillofacial Surgeon might consult with patients, diagnose oral and facial ailments, perform surgical procedures, and coordinate with other healthcare professionals for post-surgery care.

They also continuously monitor the recovery of patients, updating treatment plans as required.

Their duties also include keeping up with the latest advancements in their field and administrative tasks related to patient care.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Finding a qualified Maxillofacial Surgeon can be a challenging task due to the high level of specialization required for the role.

As such, recruiters might need to extend their search geographically and be prepared to offer competitive compensation packages to attract the best talent.

 

What should you look for in a Maxillofacial Surgeon resume?

A Maxillofacial Surgeon resume should highlight their medical degree, the length and type of their residency, and any board certifications they hold.

It should list any special areas of expertise, such as cleft palate surgery or facial trauma surgery.

It should also outline their experience in patient care and any relevant research or publications.

A strong candidate will also display evidence of ongoing professional development and contributions to the field.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the complex and rewarding world of being a maxillofacial surgeon.

Surprised?

It’s not just about performing surgery.

It’s about sculpting faces and restoring lives, one surgical procedure at a time.

With our in-depth maxillofacial surgeon job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to embark on this fulfilling journey.

But don’t halt your progress just yet!

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating precise job listings or honing your resume to flawless precision.

Keep this in mind:

Every surgical procedure contributes to a larger transformation.

Let’s shape these lives. Together.

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