What Is an Oral Surgeon?
Oral surgeons are dentists who specialize in conducting surgical operations on maxillofacial and oral areas such as the mouth, teeth, gums, and jaws. These types of surgeries often involve the removal of impacted or infected teeth, correction of jaw placement, treatment of TMJ disorder, and the placement of dental implants.
These types of surgeons perform physical examinations and evaluate radiographs of facial structures to diagnose patients and determine what operative procedures are necessary to correct problems or abnormalities. During surgery patients are put under anesthesia while surgeons use special instruments to make incisions and alter, repair, or remove hard and soft tissues.
Oral surgeons often consult and work closely with other surgeons, dentists, and orthodontists to ensure patients receive the best and most appropriate treatment. Most work in dental care facilities like private offices and clinics where they spend most of their time consulting with patients and carrying out surgical procedures. It is common for these types of surgeons to work about 40 hours a week and they are often on call in case of emergencies.
How to Become an Oral Surgeon
To become an oral surgeon one must complete an undergraduate education usually in a science-related area before enrolling in a dental school to pursue a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.
In these types of degree programs, students learn about biological and clinical sciences and as well as important aspects of dentistry such as examination, diagnosis, and treatment. Common courses include anatomy and physiology, pathology, operative dentistry, oral anatomy, biochemistry, oral surgery, periodontology, oral radiology, oral histology, and fixed and removable prosthodontics.
Dental school graduates must pass a written and practical examination to obtain a license to practice general dentistry. An additional two to four years of postgraduate education must be completed to specialize in an area of dentistry such as oral surgery. A two year postgraduate residency may also be required along with an additional license to practice within a specialty area.
Oral Surgeon Career Outlook & Salary
As more people become aware of the benefits of preventative and corrective dental care, there will be more of a demand for qualified surgeons who can conduct operative procedures.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of dentists is projected to increase by 16% within the next decade, with the employment of oral and maxillofacial surgeons growing by 15%. This is due to a growing population that requires more dental services, an increasing awareness of the benefits of preventative dental care, more insurance companies providing dental coverage, and the growing popularity of cosmetic dental services.
Even though employment projections are positive competition for jobs should still be expected, highly skilled oral surgeons who have excellent scientific and diagnostic abilities will have the most lucrative careers. The Bureau reported that oral and maxillofacial surgeons earned a median annual salary of $210,710 in May 2009, with those working in offices of dentists and general medical and surgical hospitals earning the highest amounts.
