Orthognathic Surgeon Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern world of medical advancements, the focus on orthognathic surgeons has never been more important.

As medical technology advances, the demand for skilled surgeons who can perform, improve, and ensure the success of orthognathic surgeries grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an orthognathic surgeon?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the ins and outs of orthognathic surgery,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable orthognathic surgeon job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Orthognathic Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities

Orthognathic Surgeons are specialized oral and maxillofacial surgeons who correct conditions of the jaw and face related to structure, growth, sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, malocclusion problems owing to skeletal disharmonies, or other orthodontic problems that cannot be easily treated with braces.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Consulting with patients to understand their health concerns related to the jaw or facial structure
• Evaluating patient dental and medical histories
• Conducting physical examinations to assess oral and facial health
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests such as X-rays and CT scans
• Developing a treatment plan including surgery and post-operative care
• Performing orthognathic surgeries and other related procedures
• Collaborating with orthodontists, prosthodontists, and other dental health professionals
• Monitoring patient recovery and progress post-surgery
• Providing instructions for home care after surgery
• Managing medical and surgery complications, if any
• Staying updated on latest advancements in orthognathic surgery
• Adhere to all relevant medical and surgical regulations and standards

 

Orthognathic Surgeon Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Orthognathic Surgeon to join our medical team.

The role includes diagnosing and treating patients with congenital and acquired jaw irregularities.

Responsibilities range from initial consultations, pre-surgical preparations, performing surgeries, and post-operative care.

Our ideal candidate is an experienced professional in maxillofacial surgery with a patient-oriented approach.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patients’ dental health and prescribe necessary orthodontic appliances
• Perform orthognathic surgeries to correct jaw irregularities
• Collaborate with orthodontists and other dental professionals to plan treatment
• Explain surgical procedures to patients and address their concerns or fears
• Monitor patients’ recovery and provide post-operative care instructions
• Stay updated with the latest trends in orthognathic surgical techniques
• Follow all the professional ethics and maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Ensure patient safety and comfort during procedures

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Medicine degree from an accredited institution
• Completion of a surgical residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery
• Board certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery
• Proven experience as an orthognathic surgeon
• Outstanding surgical skills and excellent hand-eye coordination
• Excellent communication and patient management skills
• Ability to make decisions in high-stress situations

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Malpractice insurance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Orthognathic Surgeon
• Work Environment: Hospital or private practice. Must be willing to be on-call for emergencies.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Surgery or Medical Director.
• Salary: The 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 an Orthognathic Surgeon Do?

Orthognathic Surgeons, also known as Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, specialize in treating various conditions of the face, mouth, jaws, and neck.

They primarily work in hospitals, dental clinics, or private practices.

They diagnose and treat defects, injuries, and diseases related to the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.

This includes performing surgical procedures to correct misaligned jaws, cleft lips and palates, and other dental and facial deformities.

Orthognathic Surgeons also work closely with Orthodontists to treat and correct irregularities in the jaw and facial structure due to congenital abnormalities or trauma.

They use advanced medical imaging technology to plan and execute complex surgical procedures.

They are responsible for managing patient’s pre-operative, surgical, and post-operative care, including managing any complications that may arise.

Orthognathic Surgeons often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including dentists, orthodontists, and other medical specialists, to ensure comprehensive care for their patients.

In addition to clinical responsibilities, they may also conduct research, teach, and supervise other healthcare professionals in their specialty.

 

Orthognathic Surgeon Qualifications and Skills

An accomplished Orthognathic Surgeon should possess skills and qualifications that align with the surgical profession, including:

• Medical knowledge and expertise in performing orthognathic surgeries, which are performed to correct conditions of the jaw and face related to structure, growth, sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, malocclusion problems owing to skeletal disharmonies, or other orthodontic problems that cannot be easily treated with braces.
• Strong analytical skills to accurately diagnose and create treatment plans for patients with various jaw and facial abnormalities.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and dexterity to perform delicate surgical procedures accurately.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to explain complex medical conditions and treatment plans to patients and their families, and to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage stressful situations, as surgical environments can be intense and fast-paced.
• Strong problem-solving skills to respond effectively to unexpected situations or complications that may arise during surgery.
• Attention to detail to ensure all medical records are accurate and up-to-date, and to ensure the highest level of patient care.
• Continual learning and development to stay updated on the latest advancements and techniques in maxillofacial and orthognathic surgery.
• Physical stamina to stand for long hours during surgical procedures.

 

Orthognathic Surgeon Experience Requirements

Becoming an Orthognathic Surgeon requires extensive education and training.

It begins with a Bachelor’s degree, usually in a field of science, followed by four years of medical school to become a general physician.

After medical school, the candidate must then complete a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery, which typically lasts four to six years.

This residency involves intensive clinical and surgical training with a focus on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects involving both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.

Following the completion of the residency, many surgeons choose to undertake further specialized training in orthognathic surgery.

This could include a fellowship in an accredited program, which can last one to two years.

Candidates will then need to obtain board certification from the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, which involves passing an oral and written examination.

After certification, Orthognathic Surgeons typically gain practical experience in the field by working in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or private practices.

Many hospitals and clinics require their surgeons to have at least a few years of experience in the field before they can operate independently.

Those with more than 10 years of experience often have developed advanced surgical skills and have a deep understanding of the complexities of the human facial structure.

They may be in a position to lead teams, conduct advanced research, and mentor younger surgeons.

 

Orthognathic Surgeon Education and Training Requirements

To become an Orthognathic Surgeon, a potential candidate must first complete a Bachelor’s degree, typically in a science-related field such as biology or chemistry.

Following that, the individual must be accepted into and complete a four-year program at an accredited medical school.

This will result in a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

After earning a medical degree, the next step is to complete a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

This involves a 4 to 6-year hospital-based surgical residency program which includes training in general anesthesia, plastic surgery, emergency medicine, and other surgical specialties.

Upon completing their residency, candidates typically undergo a certification process, which involves written and oral examinations.

This certification is conducted by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery or a similar board in other countries.

Furthermore, to specialize in orthognathic surgery, they should complete a fellowship program which usually lasts 1-2 years.

This program provides advanced training specific to orthognathic surgery, such as corrective jaw surgery.

Continuing education is also important in this field to keep up with advancements in technology and surgical techniques.

Lastly, all practicing surgeons are required to be licensed in the state they plan to work in.

This typically involves passing a state licensing examination.

 

Orthognathic Surgeon Salary Expectations

An Orthognathic Surgeon, on average, earns approximately $407,519 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary depending on the surgeon’s years of experience, qualifications, geographical location, and the specific healthcare institution they work for.

 

Orthognathic Surgeon Job Description FAQs

What is the educational requirement for an Orthognathic Surgeon?

Orthognathic Surgeons are required to have a Doctor of Medicine degree and complete a residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

They also need to pass a licensing exam to practice, and board certification is typically preferred.

 

What skills should an Orthognathic Surgeon possess?

An Orthognathic Surgeon should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose and treat various conditions accurately.

They should also have excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for surgical procedures.

Additionally, they should possess good communication skills to explain complex medical conditions and procedures to patients and their families clearly.

 

What are the typical responsibilities of an Orthognathic Surgeon?

Orthognathic Surgeons diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the jaws and face.

They perform surgical procedures to correct misalignments, injuries, or deformities.

They also consult with patients and other healthcare professionals to determine the best treatment options and provide post-surgery care and follow-up.

 

What qualities make a good Orthognathic Surgeon?

A good Orthognathic Surgeon is patient, compassionate, and has a strong attention to detail.

They should be dedicated to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements in their field.

They should also have good stress management skills, as the job can be physically and emotionally demanding.

 

Is it challenging to hire Orthognathic Surgeons?

Yes, hiring Orthognathic Surgeons can be challenging due to the high level of education and training required for the role.

Additionally, the pool of qualified candidates is relatively small compared to other medical professions.

Therefore, attracting and retaining Orthognathic Surgeons often requires offering competitive compensation and benefits packages, and a supportive work environment.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the compelling world of being an orthognathic surgeon.

And guess what?

It’s not just about performing surgeries.

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

With our handy orthognathic surgeon job description template and real-life examples, you’re fully equipped to take your next step.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to creating detailed job listings or enhancing your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every surgical procedure is a part of a greater journey.

Let’s transform lives. Together.

How to Become an Orthognathic Surgeon (Complete Guide)

The Art of the Easy Earn: Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well

Offbeat Occupations: The Strangest Jobs in the World

Tales from the Edge: Personal Stories from High-Risk Jobs

The Unloved Undertakings: The Most Hated Jobs in the Business