Pediatric Oral Surgeon Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the health sector, the role of pediatric oral surgeons is steadily gaining prominence.

As medical science progresses, the demand for skilled professionals who can perform, innovate, and ensure the oral health of our children continues to grow.

But what’s truly expected from a pediatric oral surgeon?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring professional trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager shaping the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the field of pediatric oral surgery,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Pediatric Oral Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Oral Surgeons specialize in providing surgical dental care for infants, children, and adolescents.

They need to be comfortable working with young patients and should possess a friendly and calm demeanor to make children feel comfortable.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Conduct oral examinations for children to assess their dental health
• Diagnose and treat oral diseases, injuries and malformations
• Perform surgical procedures on the teeth, bone and soft tissues of the oral region
• Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures
• Provide instructions to parents and caregivers on how to care for a child’s oral health after a procedure or surgery
• Recommend dental care routines to prevent oral diseases
• Coordinate with orthodontists or other dental professionals to plan treatment
• Stay updated on the latest research and techniques to provide optimal care
• Handle dental emergencies and provide immediate treatment
• Collaborate with pediatricians and other medical professionals to develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients with special needs or chronic diseases

 

Pediatric Oral Surgeon Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Pediatric Oral Surgeon to join our team.

The Pediatric Oral Surgeon will be responsible for diagnosing and treating dental issues in children, performing surgeries to rectify oral diseases, injuries, and malformations.

Our ideal candidate is an experienced surgeon with a deep understanding of pediatric dentistry and oral surgery procedures, including extractions, dental implants, and reconstructive surgery.

 

Responsibilities

• Examine, diagnose and treat oral diseases and conditions affecting pediatric patients.
• Perform dental surgeries on children including extractions, dental implants, and reconstructive surgeries.
• Collaborate with other dental professionals and staff to provide comprehensive patient care.
• Educate patients and their guardians about oral health and disease prevention.
• Ensure a safe and comfortable environment for pediatric patients.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in pediatric dentistry and oral surgery.
• Maintain patient records and document all surgeries and treatments performed.

 

Qualifications

• A Doctoral degree in Dental Surgery or Dental Medicine.
• Completion of an accredited Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency program.
• Board certification in Pediatric Dentistry is desirable.
• State license to practice dentistry and oral surgery.
• Proven experience as a Pediatric Oral Surgeon.
• Strong knowledge of anesthetics and pain management for children.
• Excellent surgical and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children and their parents.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continued education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Oral Surgeon
• Work Environment: Dental clinic or hospital setting. Some travel may be required for conferences and continued education.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Dental Officer or Medical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $200,000 minimum to $350,000 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 a Pediatric Oral Surgeon Do?

A Pediatric Oral Surgeon, also known as a Pediatric Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, specializes in the surgical care of children and adolescents’ oral and facial structures.

They work primarily in specialized dental clinics or hospitals.

Their primary responsibilities include diagnosing and treating oral health conditions that require surgical intervention.

This could range from removing impacted teeth, treating oral diseases, performing jaw realignment surgery, to repairing facial traumas.

Pediatric Oral Surgeons also play a crucial role in the treatment of children born with orofacial abnormalities such as cleft lip and palate.

They work closely with other specialists in a multidisciplinary team to plan and execute corrective surgeries for these conditions.

They are also responsible for administering and managing anesthesia during surgical procedures, given the age and anxiety levels of their young patients.

In addition to performing surgeries, they provide post-operative care and educate patients and their parents about oral hygiene and preventative care.

In some cases, they also need to work closely with orthodontists to plan corrective treatments for misaligned teeth or skeletal anomalies that require a combination of surgical and orthodontic approaches.

Their role involves providing not just medical care, but also emotional support to their young patients and their families, making the surgical experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

 

Pediatric Oral Surgeon Qualifications and Skills

A pediatric oral surgeon should possess the necessary qualifications and skills that match your job description, such as:

• Medical knowledge and surgical skill specific to oral and maxillofacial surgeries in children and adolescents, including the ability to diagnose and treat a range of conditions from tooth extractions to craniofacial anomalies.
• Strong interpersonal skills to connect with pediatric patients, helping to put them at ease during consultations and procedures, and to communicate effectively with their parents or guardians.
• Exceptional hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to perform precise surgical procedures.
• Problem-solving skills to diagnose and treat complex oral health issues and to adapt to unforeseen situations during surgery.
• Effective communication skills to clearly explain diagnosis, treatment plans, and post-operative care instructions to patients and their families, and to collaborate with other medical professionals.
• Patience and empathy to deal with young patients who might be anxious or uncooperative, and to provide a comforting environment for them during their treatment.
• Attention to detail to ensure all patient records are accurate and up-to-date, and to ensure all surgical procedures are carried out with precision.

 

Pediatric Oral Surgeon Experience Requirements

Pediatric Oral Surgeons generally complete a dental degree followed by an additional 4-6 years of specialized oral surgery training, which often includes a 2-year residency in pediatric dentistry.

This extensive training period provides considerable practical experience in a clinical setting.

Moreover, these professionals often gain substantial experience treating children and adolescents during their residency, which is critical for understanding the unique dental issues and needs of this population.

To further develop their skills, some Pediatric Oral Surgeons may also undertake fellowships or additional training in areas such as craniofacial surgery or cleft lip and palate surgery.

Candidates with more than 3-5 years of experience post-residency may have more specialized skills and are often more comfortable handling complex cases.

Those with more than 5-7 years of experience may also have some administrative or leadership experience, potentially qualifying them for roles such as Department Head of Pediatric Dentistry or lead roles in academic or research institutions.

Continuous learning and updating of knowledge through professional development courses or seminars is also essential in this field due to the ongoing advancements in dental surgical techniques and equipment.

 

Pediatric Oral Surgeon Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Pediatric Oral Surgeon requires extensive education and training.

Firstly, individuals must complete a bachelor’s degree, with courses in biology, chemistry, physics or pre-medical studies preferred.

Following their undergraduate studies, prospective Pediatric Oral Surgeons must gain admission into dental school, which is usually a four-year program leading to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

After dental school, those aiming to specialize in pediatric oral surgery need to complete a residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

This training typically lasts for 4-6 years and covers areas such as anesthesia, oral pathology, surgical procedures, and emergency medicine.

The next step is a two-year fellowship in pediatric oral surgery.

This specialized training prepares surgeons to handle the specific oral and maxillofacial conditions that affect children and adolescents.

Once these educational and training requirements are fulfilled, Pediatric Oral Surgeons must obtain licensure to practice.

This involves passing the National Board Dental Examinations and a state-specific licensing exam.

Furthermore, board certification, while not mandatory, is highly recommended.

This involves passing oral and written exams administered by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Continuous professional development through workshops and seminars is also essential to stay updated with the latest surgical techniques, technologies, and research in the field.

 

Pediatric Oral Surgeon Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Oral Surgeon earns an average salary of $307,843 (USD) per year.

This salary can significantly vary depending on the surgeon’s experience, specialized training, location, and the healthcare institution they work for.

 

Pediatric Oral Surgeon Job Description FAQs

What are the primary responsibilities of a Pediatric Oral Surgeon?

A Pediatric Oral Surgeon primarily performs surgery on and diagnoses oral conditions in children, including infants and young adolescents.

The surgeries performed can range from simple tooth extractions to complex procedures like cleft lip and palate repair.

They’re also responsible for treating oral injuries, congenital anomalies, and diseases that affect the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face.

 

What are the qualifications required for a Pediatric Oral Surgeon?

A Pediatric Oral Surgeon is required to have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree from an accredited dental school.

They should also complete a specialty residency in pediatric oral and maxillofacial surgery, which typically lasts 4-6 years.

Afterward, they need to obtain board certification from the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

 

What should I look for in a Pediatric Oral Surgeon’s resume?

On a Pediatric Oral Surgeon’s resume, look for a comprehensive dental education, specialized residency training, and board certification.

Other important factors include any fellowships or subspecialties, related work experience, and the ability to manage pediatric patients.

It’s also beneficial if they have participated in research projects or published papers in the field of pediatric oral surgery.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Oral Surgeon?

A good Pediatric Oral Surgeon should have excellent manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination for performing delicate surgeries.

They should possess strong communication skills to explain complex medical conditions and treatment plans to both children and their parents.

Additionally, they should have a gentle and compassionate demeanor to alleviate the fears and anxieties of their young patients.

 

Is it difficult to find a qualified Pediatric Oral Surgeon?

Yes, it can be challenging to find a qualified Pediatric Oral Surgeon due to the extensive education and specialized training required for this role.

This is further compounded by the fact that this specialty requires a unique blend of technical skills and the ability to relate to and comfort young patients.

Therefore, it is crucial to have a comprehensive recruitment strategy that can attract the right candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we shed some light on what it truly means to be a Pediatric Oral Surgeon.

And guess what?

It’s not just about extracting teeth.

It’s about sculpting the smiles of the future, one tooth at a time.

With our go-to pediatric oral surgeon job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your essential guide to crafting accurate job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every tooth you treat contributes to a bigger smile.

Let’s shape the future of oral health. Together.

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