Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of medical professions, the role of oral and maxillofacial surgeons has never been more pivotal.

As medical advancements continue to evolve, the demand for skilled surgeons who can navigate, enhance, and protect our oral and facial structures is on the rise.

But what does this role truly entail? What’s expected from an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the depth of this role,
• A healthcare recruiter outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of oral and maxillofacial surgery,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present to you a tailored oral and maxillofacial surgeon job description template, intended for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are specialized surgeons who diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and defects in the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, jaw, and face.

They combine surgical expertise with a detailed understanding of aesthetic and functional concerns to improve patients’ health and quality of life.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating patients’ health history and performing physical examinations of their mouth and jaws
• Diagnosing oral diseases, conditions, and injuries
• Performing surgery on the mouth, jaws, and facial bones to treat diseases, injuries, or deformities
• Administering anesthetics or sedatives to control pain during procedures
• Performing cosmetic surgeries to enhance the facial appearance
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as orthodontists and restorative dentists, to plan treatment
• Providing emergency treatment for facial injuries
• Prescribing medications to aid in the healing process and prevent infection
• Working closely with patients and their families to educate them about the surgical process and post-operative care
• Maintaining accurate patient records and keeping up with the latest advancements in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery

 

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon to diagnose and treat various conditions, diseases, and injuries of the face, mouth, and jaws.

This role involves performing surgeries, prescribing treatments, and managing patient recovery.

Our ideal candidate has extensive surgical experience, a deep understanding of the oral and maxillofacial area, excellent communication skills, and a compassionate approach to patient care.

Ultimately, the role of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is to provide high-quality surgical care to our patients, ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the entire process.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluating patients’ oral and maxillofacial health conditions
• Performing surgical procedures to treat diseases, injuries, and defects in the oral and maxillofacial regions
• Collaborating with other specialists, such as orthodontists and restorative dentists, to plan treatment
• Educating patients on postoperative care, possible complications, and preventative measures
• Maintaining patient records in compliance with healthcare regulations
• Providing emergency care as necessary
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in oral and maxillofacial surgery

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree
• Completion of an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency
• Board certified or eligible in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Current and valid state dental license
• Excellent surgical and diagnostic skills
• Experience with anesthesia administration
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
• Work Environment: Hospital or private practice setting with regular office hours. On-call hours may be required for emergencies.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Medical Director or Practice Owner.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $200,000 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 Maxillofacial Surgeon Do?

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are specialized medical professionals who perform surgeries on the face, mouth, and jaw.

They work in both hospitals and private practices.

They diagnose and treat a variety of conditions such as impacted teeth, tumors and cysts of the jaws, misaligned jaws, facial pain, and injuries to the face, oral cavity, and jaws.

They also perform dental implant surgery and cosmetic facial surgery.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are skilled in anesthesia and pain management, often administering sedation or general anesthesia for surgical procedures.

They work closely with other healthcare professionals such as orthodontists, oncologists, neurologists, and plastic surgeons to provide a comprehensive treatment plan for their patients.

Patients might be referred to them by general dentists, orthodontists, physicians, or specialists for complex dental procedures or facial surgeries.

In addition, they often provide emergency treatment for facial injuries, including fractures of the jaw and facial bones.

The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is responsible for explaining the surgical procedure to the patient, including the risks and benefits, and answering any questions the patient may have.

They also provide post-operative care instructions and follow-up care to ensure the patient’s successful recovery.

 

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Qualifications and Skills

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons require a diverse range of technical skills, interpersonal abilities, and medical knowledge to perform complex procedures on the face, mouth, and jaw, including:

• Sound understanding of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including diagnosis and surgical treatments related to the oral cavity, maxillofacial area, and adjunctive treatments.
• Excellent manual dexterity to perform intricate surgical procedures safely and accurately.
• Interpersonal skills to establish rapport with patients, discuss complex medical information in understandable terms, and provide emotional support when necessary.
• Strong decision-making skills to make the best treatment choices for patients, particularly in emergency or high-pressure situations.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals such as anesthesiologists, orthodontists, and radiologists.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate diagnosis, precise surgical procedures, and comprehensive patient records.
• Endurance and physical stamina to perform long, complex surgical procedures.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements and best practices in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

 

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Experience Requirements

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons usually start their career journey with a Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree.

This is typically followed by a residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery, which can last anywhere from 4 to 6 years.

This residency program provides the essential hands-on experience needed for performing surgical procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions.

Many surgeons also complete fellowships in sub-specialties of the field for added experience.

By the time they have completed their education and residency, these professionals have several years of relevant experience, making them capable of performing complex surgical procedures independently.

For Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons looking to advance into academic or leadership positions, additional years of experience working in a hospital or private practice setting may be required.

This experience can also be beneficial for those who wish to specialize in more complex surgical procedures.

Moreover, some hospitals or clinics may require their surgeons to have specific experience with certain procedures or conditions, depending on their patient population.

Therefore, the amount and type of experience required can vary significantly depending on the specific role and setting.

 

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Education and Training Requirements

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are required to undergo extensive education and training.

Initially, they must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

This is usually followed by four years of dental school to obtain a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree.

After completing dental school, they must pursue further specialty training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

This usually takes an additional four to six years in a hospital-based, residency program which includes training in anaesthesiology and general surgery.

Some surgeons also choose to earn a medical (MD) degree during their residency.

Once the residency is completed, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are eligible to become board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

This certification process involves passing written and oral exams, demonstrating a high level of knowledge and skill in this specialty area.

In addition, like all healthcare professionals, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are required to earn continuing education credits throughout their career to stay updated with the latest developments in the field.

It is also important to note that strong interpersonal skills, physical stamina, manual dexterity and problem-solving ability are important traits for success in this field.

 

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Salary Expectations

An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon can expect to earn an average salary of $242,222 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can significantly differ depending on factors such as years of experience, additional specialized training, the region in which they practice, and the complexity of surgeries they perform.

 

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon need?

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with their patients and other medical professionals.

They should have excellent manual dexterity, precision, and the ability to perform intricate procedures.

Problem-solving, decision-making skills, and a high level of attention to detail are also crucial in this role.

 

What is the necessary education for an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons need a significant amount of formal education.

They must have a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) from a dental school, which typically takes 4 years.

After that, they need to complete a 4-6 year surgical residency program.

Some surgeons may also choose to complete a 1-2 year fellowship for further specialization.

 

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

Firstly, ensure they have the required educational qualifications and licenses.

Look for experience in oral and maxillofacial surgeries, as well as any fellowships or specialized training they might have completed.

Other relevant experience in dental or medical practice can also be valuable.

Additionally, check for any research publications or participation in professional organizations, which can indicate a dedication to staying updated in the field.

 

What qualities make a good Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

A good Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is compassionate, understanding and able to make patients feel comfortable and reassured.

They need to be thorough and meticulous in their work, have a steady hand and exhibit patience.

A good surgeon also stays updated with advancements in the field, possesses high ethical standards, and maintains an excellent level of physical health due to the demands of surgery.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Given the extensive education and training required to become an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, the pool of qualified candidates can be relatively small, which can make the hiring process challenging.

It’s also important to find someone who fits well within your team and aligns with the culture and values of your practice.

Therefore, the hiring process may be lengthy and thorough.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the intricacies and challenges that define the role of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

And here’s a revelation:

It’s not just about extracting teeth.

It’s about shaping smiles and rebuilding faces, one procedure at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive oral and maxillofacial surgeon job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to embark on your journey.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone towards precision-crafted listings or crafting your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every surgical procedure contributes to the bigger picture of a person’s health and confidence.

Let’s sculpt that future. Together.

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