Oral Surgeon Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s health-centered world, the importance of oral surgeons cannot be overstated.

As advances in dental health continue, the demand for skilled professionals adept at performing intricate oral surgeries grows more pronounced.

But let’s dissect the details: What’s truly expected from an oral surgeon?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of oral surgery,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s delve right into it.

Oral Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities

Oral Surgeons are highly specialized practitioners who focus on problems relating to the mouth, teeth, jaws, and facial structures.

They carry out complex surgical procedures and often work closely with other professionals such as orthodontists, restorative dentists, and prosthodontists.

Here are some duties and responsibilities of an Oral Surgeon:

• Consult with patients to discuss their dental health and symptoms
• Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures
• Perform surgical procedures on the mouth and jaw such as removing diseased tissue, extracting teeth, and realigning jaws
• Prescribe preoperative and postoperative treatments and procedures
• Administer anesthetics or sedatives to control pain during procedures
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as restorative dentists and orthodontists, to plan treatment
• Order and interpret X-rays and diagnostic tests
• Follow established surgical techniques during the correction or removal of oral and maxillofacial issues
• Provide emergency treatment as needed
• Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of oral surgery and maintain professional knowledge through continuing education

 

Oral Surgeon Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a skilled and experienced Oral Surgeon to provide professional, high-quality oral health services.

The Oral Surgeon will perform surgeries to treat conditions such as impacted teeth, jaw and congenital facial disproportion, oral and maxillofacial pathology, and oral cancer.

Our ideal candidates have solid surgical skills, a good eye for aesthetics, and excellent patient management skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Consult with patients and analyze patient data to determine patient needs and treatment goals.
• Collaborate with assistants to take care of dental problems.
• Perform surgeries on the mouth, teeth, jaws, and related facial structures.
• Prescribe medication to improve recovery and control pain.
• Treat infections.
• Provide emergency treatment for facial injuries including facial lacerations, intra-oral lacerations, and fractured facial bones.
• Inform patients about the benefits and risks of surgery, the anesthetic options, and what post-operative care is needed.

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from a school approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
• Active state license to practice oral surgery.
• Board certified in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
• Experience with anesthesia and related procedures.
• Superb manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to provide emergency treatment.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Oral Surgeon
• Work Environment: Dental clinic or hospital with regular office hours. Emergency cases may require after-hours work.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Dental Department or Clinic Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $151,850 minimum to $414,000 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 Surgeon Do?

Oral Surgeons, also known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, are specialized dentists who diagnose and treat various conditions, injuries, and diseases of the face, mouth, and jaws.

They work in dental offices, hospitals, and surgical centers.

They perform a variety of procedures such as tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, and surgical correction of jaw misalignment.

They also perform dental implant surgeries and treat oral cancers, severe oral infections, and facial trauma.

Oral surgeons use general or local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort during procedures.

They also interpret X-rays and diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and provide postoperative care instructions to patients.

In addition to surgery, oral surgeons often collaborate with other specialists like orthodontists and prosthodontists to plan comprehensive treatment for patients with complex oral health needs.

Furthermore, oral surgeons are also trained to provide emergency medical services for facial injuries such as fractures, lacerations, or other trauma.

They are skilled in advanced life support techniques and are often called upon in emergency situations.

 

Oral Surgeon Qualifications and Skills

An oral surgeon must have the skills and qualifications that align with this specialized medical role, such as:

• Comprehensive knowledge of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, along with the abilities to diagnose and treat various diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, and jaw regions.
• Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to perform intricate surgical procedures with precision.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients, explain complex medical procedures, discuss treatment options and provide post-operative care instructions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals including General Dentists, Orthodontists, Nurses, and Anesthetists.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills to accurately diagnose oral and facial issues, and to develop and execute effective treatment plans.
• Resilience and ability to work under pressure, as oral surgery can often involve dealing with emergency situations.
• Patience and empathy to provide high-quality care for patients who may be in pain or anxious about surgical procedures.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure the safety and effectiveness of surgical procedures and to recognize early signs of potential complications.
• Continual commitment to learning and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

 

Oral Surgeon Experience Requirements

Oral Surgeons require extensive education and clinical experience before practicing independently.

They should possess a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) from an accredited dental program.

This is usually followed by a 4-6 year residency program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, where they obtain surgical training in a hospital-based setting.

Newly qualified oral surgeons can gain initial experience working in dental practices, hospitals, or academic institutions.

Here, they handle routine cases under the supervision of more experienced surgeons.

Oral surgeons with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have a substantial patient portfolio, having managed a variety of complex cases such as impacted teeth, oral cancer, facial trauma, and jaw disorders.

Those with more than 5 years of professional experience may hold senior positions, overseeing junior surgeons and leading surgical teams.

At this stage, they may also possess additional qualifications or fellowships in specialized areas, such as cranio-maxillofacial surgery or cosmetic facial surgery.

Continual professional development through seminars, courses, or conferences is often expected to keep abreast with the latest techniques and research in the field.

In addition, many oral surgeons are required to maintain their board certification by fulfilling specific training and examination requirements regularly.

 

Oral Surgeon Education and Training Requirements

To become an Oral Surgeon, an individual must first complete a bachelor’s degree, typically in a pre-medical or biological science field.

After obtaining their bachelor’s degree, aspiring oral surgeons must then attend dental school, which generally takes four years to complete, leading to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

Upon graduation from dental school, they need to apply for a state license to practice general dentistry.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but they typically include passing a written and practical examination.

However, to specialize as an Oral Surgeon, a further 4-6 years of residency in an oral and maxillofacial surgery program, accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, is required.

This residency combines in-depth academic study with surgical training.

After completing their residency, Oral Surgeons can choose to become board-certified by passing the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) examination.

This certification is not mandatory, but it is highly regarded and can enhance career prospects.

Oral Surgeons are expected to participate in ongoing education throughout their careers to keep abreast of the latest surgical techniques and advances in the field.

They may also choose to complete fellowships in specialized areas of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

 

Oral Surgeon Salary Expectations

The average annual salary for an Oral Surgeon is $243,500 (USD) per year.

However, this salary may vary based on factors such as years of experience, specialization within the field, geographical location, and the specific organization of employment.

 

Oral Surgeon Job Description FAQs

What skills does an oral surgeon need?

An oral surgeon needs excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to perform intricate procedures in the mouth.

They also need strong interpersonal and communication skills to explain complex medical information to patients and their families.

A good oral surgeon must possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills for diagnosing and treating oral conditions.

 

What is the educational requirement for an oral surgeon?

Oral surgeons must complete a bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of dental school to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

After dental school, they must complete a 4-6 year residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Once completed, they must then pass a national exam to become board certified.

 

What should you look for in an oral surgeon’s resume?

The resume of an oral surgeon should highlight their educational background, including their DDS or DMD degree and completion of an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program.

It should also show their board certification.

Experience in oral surgery procedures, knowledge of anesthesia techniques, and a history of successful patient outcomes are also important.

Look for involvement in professional organizations or continuing education, which shows a commitment to staying updated with the latest techniques and research in oral surgery.

 

What qualities make a good oral surgeon?

A good oral surgeon is patient, empathetic, and compassionate, as patients often come to them with pain or anxiety about surgery.

They must have a high level of precision and attention to detail for surgical procedures.

An oral surgeon should also be adept at making quick decisions in emergency situations.

Staying up to date with the latest advancements in oral and maxillofacial surgery is also crucial.

 

Is it difficult to hire an oral surgeon?

Hiring an oral surgeon can be challenging due to the extensive education and training required for the role.

Given the high level of specialization, there are fewer oral surgeons in the job market compared to general dentists.

Offering competitive compensation, an appealing work environment, and opportunities for professional growth can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there it is.

Today, we’ve uncovered the reality of being an oral surgeon.

Surprised?

It’s not just about pulling teeth.

It’s about crafting perfect smiles, one oral surgery at a time.

With our handy oral surgeon job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for creating precise job listings or fine-tuning your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every oral procedure contributes to a bigger picture.

Let’s craft those perfect smiles. Together.

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