Oral and Facial Surgeon Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era that values aesthetics and health, the role of oral and facial surgeons is more important than ever.

As medical advancements continue to evolve, there’s a growing demand for skilled professionals who can enhance, restore, and protect our oral and facial structures.

But let’s go beyond the surface: What’s truly expected from an oral and facial surgeon?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager working on defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the detailed aspects of oral and facial surgery,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable oral and facial surgeon job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Oral and Facial Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities

Oral and Facial Surgeons are specialized professionals in the medical field who diagnose and surgically treat diseases, injuries, and defects in the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions.

They can perform a range of surgical procedures from removing impacted teeth to correcting facial trauma.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating patients’ medical histories
• Carrying out clinical assessments of the oral and facial areas
• Diagnosing oral and facial diseases, injuries, and disorders
• Developing treatment plans and discussing them with patients
• Performing surgery on the mouth, jaws, face, and related areas
• Administering anesthesia and monitoring patients during surgery
• Providing post-surgical care and instructions to patients
• Working closely with other healthcare professionals, such as orthodontists, radiologists, and pathologists
• Staying updated with the latest surgical techniques and medical research
• Managing a surgical team, ensuring they adhere to safety and hygiene standards
• Documenting and maintaining patient records

 

Oral and Facial Surgeon Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Oral and Facial Surgeon to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for performing surgeries on patients who require specialist orofacial procedures.

This includes treating diseases, injuries, and defects in the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.

A successful candidate will be able to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including impacted teeth, facial pain, and misaligned jaws.

They will also perform surgeries to improve function and appearance for patients with injuries or disorders affecting the face, neck, jaws, and mouth.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patient’s medical history and current health condition.
• Perform minor and major surgical procedures on the oral cavity, face, and jaw.
• Diagnose and treat oral diseases, injuries, and malformations.
• Prescribe medications as required for pre- or post-operative procedures.
• Provide follow-up care to monitor patient’s recovery and ensure complications are appropriately managed.
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals such as orthodontists, restorative dentists, and speech pathologists to plan treatment.
• Stay up-to-date with advancements in the field of oral and facial surgery.

 

Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in Dental Surgery or Dental Medicine.
• Completion of an accredited Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency program.
• Board certification or eligibility for certification in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
• Valid and current state license to practice dentistry.
• Excellent diagnostic and surgical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and good organizational skills.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Oral and Facial Surgeon
• Work Environment: Hospital or private practice setting. Regularly scheduled hours with additional hours as necessary.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Medical Director or Practice Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $225,000 minimum to $400,000 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Oral and Facial Surgeon Do?

Oral and Facial Surgeons, also known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, are specialized professionals within the dental field who primarily deal with diseases, injuries, and defects in the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions.

They perform a variety of surgical procedures, including tooth extractions, corrective jaw surgeries, and treatment of diseases such as oral cancer.

They also treat facial trauma, perform complex dental implant procedures, and manage patients with oral and facial infections.

Oral and Facial Surgeons are often skilled in administering different types of anesthesia and sedation to ensure patients’ comfort during surgical procedures.

They work closely with other dental professionals, medical specialists, and healthcare teams to provide comprehensive care to their patients.

In addition to clinical responsibilities, Oral and Facial Surgeons might also conduct research, teach in dental schools, or hold administrative positions in dental and healthcare institutions.

These professionals spend a significant amount of time consulting with patients, explaining the nature of their conditions, and recommending appropriate surgical or non-surgical treatment options.

They maintain detailed records of each patient’s medical history and treatment plans, ensuring adherence to healthcare regulations and standards.

 

Oral and Facial Surgeon Qualifications and Skills

Oral and Facial Surgeons require a specific set of technical and soft skills, as well as substantial education and training.

The necessary qualifications and skills include:

• A Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (DO), followed by a residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
• Board Certification in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, demonstrating expertise and commitment to the highest level of patient care.
• Proficient in various surgical procedures related to the mouth, jaw, face, and neck, including dental implants, jaw reconstruction, cleft palate repair, and others.
• Excellent dexterity and hand-eye coordination to perform precise and delicate surgeries.
• Strong decision-making skills to make critical decisions regarding patient care.
• Good communication skills to explain complex medical information to patients and their families in a clear and concise manner.
• Empathy and interpersonal skills to provide comfort and reassurance to patients before, during, and after procedures.
• Ability to stay updated with the latest advancements and techniques in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
• Strong physical stamina to perform lengthy surgeries and stay on their feet for extended periods.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills to identify and address issues that may arise during surgery.

 

Oral and Facial Surgeon Experience Requirements

Oral and Facial Surgeons typically require extensive formal education and practical experience.

This starts with a four-year undergraduate degree, often in a science-related field, followed by four years of dental school to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree.

Postgraduate training is also necessary, often encompassing a 4 to 6 year residency in an accredited oral and maxillofacial surgery program.

This is where they gain hands-on surgical experience under the supervision of experienced surgeons.

Most Oral and Facial Surgeons must also be board certified which involves a rigorous examination process.

Prior to certification, they must complete continuing education courses and demonstrate significant practical experience in various types of oral and maxillofacial surgeries.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may have specialized in a specific area of oral and facial surgery like reconstructive surgery, cleft lip and palate surgery, or cosmetic facial surgery.

Those with more than 10 years of experience are often considered experts in their field and may be suitable for leadership positions or academic roles in teaching hospitals.

They may also be more qualified to handle complex surgical procedures or rare conditions.

In addition to their surgical skills, Oral and Facial Surgeons should possess significant experience in anesthesia and pain management, as this is a significant component of their role.

 

Oral and Facial Surgeon Education and Training Requirements

Oral and Facial Surgeons are required to have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from an accredited dental school.

This typically involves four years of undergraduate education, four years of dental school, and a further four to six years of residency training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

During residency, surgeons gain hands-on experience in treating complex oral and facial conditions under the supervision of experienced surgeons.

In addition to this, they need to be licensed to practice dentistry in their respective states.

This involves passing the National Board Dental Examinations and complying with state-specific requirements.

Oral and Facial Surgeons may also choose to become board-certified by passing the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) certification examination.

This certification is not mandatory but is highly respected and can provide additional professional opportunities.

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

Surgeons can pursue this through workshops, seminars, and professional conferences.

Furthermore, these professionals should have excellent manual dexterity, good eyesight and a steady hand, and should be able to work long hours often under pressure.

They should also have strong communication skills, as they will need to explain complex medical information to patients.

 

Oral and Facial Surgeon Salary Expectations

An Oral and Facial Surgeon can expect to earn an average salary of $243,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings may significantly vary based on the surgeon’s experience, geographical location, the complexity of procedures they can perform, and the type of healthcare facility.

 

Oral and Facial Surgeon Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Oral and Facial Surgeon need?

Oral and Facial Surgeons should have a strong understanding of anatomy, excellent surgical skills, and the ability to work under pressure.

They should also have great communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients and other healthcare professionals.

Attention to detail and problem-solving skills are crucial in this role.

Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are also essential as surgeons perform intricate procedures.

 

What qualifications does an Oral and Facial Surgeon require?

The minimum requirement for an Oral and Facial Surgeon is a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, they must complete four years of medical school followed by a residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery, which typically lasts four to six years.

Some surgeons also complete additional fellowships to specialize in certain areas.

 

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

When reviewing an Oral and Facial Surgeon’s resume, you should first check their educational background and ensure they have the necessary medical degrees.

Look for their residency and fellowship experiences, as this will provide insight into their specific areas of expertise.

Board certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery is also a significant indicator of competence and experience.

 

What qualities make a good Oral and Facial Surgeon?

A good Oral and Facial Surgeon should be patient-focused, ensuring the health and comfort of their patients at all times.

They should have strong problem-solving abilities and be able to make quick decisions under pressure.

Excellent manual dexterity and precision are crucial.

They should also have a high level of empathy, good communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team.

 

How competitive is the field of Oral and Facial Surgery?

The field of Oral and Facial Surgery is highly competitive.

The extensive training and education required, along with the demand for these specialized services, make this a challenging field to enter.

However, it is also a rewarding profession, offering the opportunity to make significant positive impacts on patients’ lives.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the intricacies of being an oral and facial surgeon.

Surprised?

It’s not just about performing surgeries.

It’s about reshaping lives, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive oral and facial surgeon job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on this career path.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precision-crafted job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every successful surgery is a part of a larger mission.

Let’s transform lives. Together.

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