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Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon

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What is an Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Example of Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon Job Perform surgery and related procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions to treat diseases, injuries, or defects. May diagnose problems of the oral and maxillofacial regions. May perform surgery to improve function or appearance.

Life As an Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon

  • Perform surgery to prepare the mouth for dental implants, and to aid in the regeneration of deficient bone and gum tissues.
  • Administer general and local anesthetics.
  • Provide emergency treatment of facial injuries including facial lacerations, intra-oral lacerations, and fractured facial bones.
  • Treat problems affecting the oral mucosa, such as mouth ulcers and infections.
  • Remove impacted, damaged, and non-restorable teeth.
  • Perform minor facial rejuvenation procedures, including the use of Botox and laser technology.

Qualities of an Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon

When polled, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon-Practice Owner
  • Oral Surgeon
  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
  • Dental Surgeon
  • Resident Physician

What Kind of Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon Job Opportunities Are There?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 6,800 jobs in the United States for Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 19.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,300 new jobs for Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 300 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon are Tennessee, South Dakota, and Virginia. Watch out if you plan on working in Idaho, Pennsylvania, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Salary

The typical yearly salary for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons is somewhere between $61,570 and $208,000.

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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons who work in Arizona, California, or Florida, make the highest salaries.

How much do Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Arizona $208,000
California $264,380
Florida $208,000
Indiana $272,360
Iowa $263,270
Kentucky $188,750
Maryland $276,280
Massachusetts $208,000
Michigan $220,660
Missouri $208,000
Nebraska $266,810
New Mexico $54,120
New York $249,460
North Carolina $208,000
Ohio $208,000
Oklahoma $229,300
Oregon $208,000
Pennsylvania $225,660
South Carolina $256,650
Tennessee $163,220
Texas $181,260
Virginia $260,810
Washington $208,000
Wisconsin $187,400

What Tools & Technology do Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons:

  • DSN Software Oral Surgery-Exec
  • Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions Dolphin Management

How do I Become an Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Education needed to be an Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon:

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How Long Does it Take to Become an Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon?

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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Sector

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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons work in the following industries:

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You May Also Be Interested In…

Those interested in being an Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon may also be interested in:

References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Amy Perry via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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