Currently, there are approximately 6,800 oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the United States. According to Careerexplorer, the US oral and maxillofacial surgeon jobs market is predicted to increase by nearly 19% over 10 years from 2016. Perhaps you think it’s a good job. But how to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon? What is the typical oral and maxillofacial surgeon salary in the US? Without further ado, let’s figure it out.
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What Are The Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeon Jobs?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform surgery and related procedures to treat problems of the oral cavity and maxillofacial area. Typically, these surgeries are performed on patients’ organs to improve their function or appearance. They range from forehead bones, face and cheekbones, soft tissues, etc.
What Tasks Do Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeons Do?
People commonly think oral and maxillofacial surgery is just a dental specialty. However, oral and maxillofacial surgeons must complete more complicated and challenging tasks than general dentists. In other words, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon must perform the task of both a dentist and a medical doctor.
Below are the typical tasks that oral and maxillofacial surgeons have to perform:
What tasks do oral and maxillofacial surgeons do? – Source: Pacific Coast
- Plan treatment for patients by closely working with other professionals, for example, orthodontists and restorative dentists;
- Examine the wisdom teeth’s position to figure out whether dental problems currently exist or might arise in the future;
- Perform mouth surgery to facilitate the dental implants as well as to promote the regeneration of gum tissues and deficient bones;
- Get rid of patients’ affected, damaged, and non-restorable teeth;
- Provide treatments to the infections of the oral cavity, salivary glands, jaws, as well as neck;
- Then, remove tumors and other abnormalities of the oral and facial area with specialized surgical instruments.
Now, let’s spare some time to look at this video to know more about oral maxillofacial surgeon jobs in the US.
What is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon?. Source: ORA Oral Surgery and Implant Studio
What Are Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeon Workplaces?
In fact, oral and maxillofacial surgeons can work for hospitals, large medical centers, and healthcare facilities. Also, they have many opportunities to work as supervising residents or professors for dental schools. Additionally, they can even open their own practices.
Regarding the working environment of oral maxillofacial surgeon jobs, it is indeed very stressful. Surgeries and treatments for the defective oral cavity and the maxillofacial area require complicated procedures. As a result, surgeons often work for very long hours daily. Moreover, on some occasions, they have to be ready for emergency calls for immediate treatments.
Is The Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeon Salary High?
Have you ever wondered about the oral and maxillofacial surgeon salary in the US? Is it high given the nature of that job? The Careerexplorer reveals that the US oral and maxillofacial surgeons earn, on average, around $237,570 per year, 45% more than similar careers.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon salary in the US. – Source: careerexplorer
Specifically, senior oral and maxillofacial surgeons earn $173,470/year, while the starting level earnings for junior ones are at $65,360/year. In many US states like California, Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, oral and maxillofacial surgeon salary is pretty high.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon salary in the US states. – Source: careerexplorer
How To Become An Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeon?
Normally, oral and maxillofacial surgeon jobs are well paid. But what qualifications do you need to work as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon? In fact, they need 4 years of undergraduate work, 4 years of dental school, and between 4 and 6 years of residency.
In reality, it’s unnecessary to possess a specific university major to apply to dental school. However, you must have good grades and attend such science classes as biochemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biology, and general chemistry. Graduating with a 4-year degree, you need to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) before going to dental schools for 4 years.
In the US, people can utilize several different ways to embark on oral and maxillofacial surgeon jobs. In fact, they can apply for 4-to-6 surgical residencies approved by the American Dental Association’s Commission of Dental Accreditation. Once they have finished the residency program, they take a written and oral exam to get board certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Another way is to earn dual degrees as both a dentist and a medical doctor. Nowadays, there are many training and residency programs with medical education concurrently incorporated into the oral and maxillofacial residency in the US. Usually, you have to spend six years studying and getting an awarded medical degree.
Are You Suitable To Become Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeons?
In terms of oral and maxillofacial surgeons’ personalities, they are social, kind, generous, patient, caring, empathetic, and diplomatic. They are also good at socializing and assisting people. In addition, they could be friendly individuals who can interact with, persuade, or help people.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are caring and empathetic to patients. – Source: Massachusetts General Hospital
The Bottom Line About Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeon Jobs
All in all, oral and maxillofacial surgeon jobs are one of the promising careers in the US. You need high qualifications, specialized knowledge, and high-pressure endurance to work as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Hopefully, our comprehensive overview has given you a new insight into the daily tasks and necessary qualities oral and maxillofacial surgeons need to pursue this career.
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