Here’s a brief list of what Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons do:

• Extractions: Performing complex tooth extractions, including impacted wisdom teeth and severely damaged teeth.

• Dental Implant Surgery: Planning and placing dental implants to replace missing teeth, including bone grafting and sinus lifts when necessary.

• Orthognathic Surgery: Correcting jaw abnormalities and facial asymmetry through surgical procedures to improve bite function and aesthetics.

• TMJ Disorder Treatment: Managing and treating disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated facial muscles.

• Facial Trauma Surgery: Repairing facial injuries, fractures, and soft tissue wounds caused by accidents, sports injuries, or violence.

• Cleft Lip and Palate Repair: Performing corrective surgery for congenital conditions such as cleft lip and palate to improve facial appearance and function.

• Oral Pathology: Diagnosing and surgically treating diseases, infections, and tumors affecting the mouth, jaws, and surrounding tissues.

• Cosmetic Facial Surgery: Performing cosmetic procedures such as chin and cheek enhancements, facial contouring, and facial rejuvenation surgeries.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

1. Complete Undergraduate Education:

• Obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. While specific majors are not always required, coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics is beneficial. Maintain a high GPA to enhance your chances of acceptance into dental school.

2. Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT):

• The Dental Admission Test (DAT) assesses your academic abilities and scientific knowledge necessary for dental school. Prepare well for this exam during your undergraduate studies.

3. Attend Dental School:

• Earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited dental school. Dental school typically lasts four years and includes coursework in dental anatomy, oral pathology, dental radiology, and clinical training in various dental procedures.

• During dental school, gain exposure to oral and maxillofacial surgery through elective courses, externships, or observing surgeries performed by oral surgeons.

4. Complete a Residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery:

• After dental school, pursue specialized training in oral and maxillofacial surgery by applying to and completing a residency program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

• Oral and maxillofacial surgery residency programs are typically four to six years long. They include extensive clinical training in surgical techniques related to the face, jaws, mouth, and teeth. Residents also receive training in anesthesia, trauma surgery, reconstructive surgery, and oral pathology.

• Some programs may offer combined MD/OMFS programs, where you can earn a medical degree (MD) concurrently with your oral surgery training.

5. Obtain Medical Licensure (if applicable):

• If you choose a program that grants an MD degree, you will need to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to obtain a medical license.

6. Achieve Board Certification:

• Consider becoming board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) or similar certifying bodies in your country. Board certification demonstrates your expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards of oral and maxillofacial surgical care.

• Board certification typically involves passing written and oral exams and meeting specific clinical and educational requirements.

  This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!