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Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an oral surgeon. Feel free to use our description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an oral surgeon.

 

Who is an Oral Surgeon?

An oral surgeon is a dentist who specializes in surgery. These specialists diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and anomalies of the oral and maxillofacial region, as well as execute procedures that can help with both functional and cosmetic issues. Tooth extraction, jaw realignment, cleft lip repair, and dental implant placement are all frequent operations performed by oral surgeons. They work at dental offices the majority of the time, although some also work in hospitals and other medical institutions.

Any procedure on your teeth, gums, jaw or adjacent oral and facial tissues is referred to as oral surgery. Teeth extractions, dental bone grafts, periodontal (gum) grafts, and corrective jaw surgery are among the operations covered.

To become an oral surgeon, you must complete at least five years of further specialized training. They specialize in the face, mouth, and jaw surgery. They’ve also received specialized training in sedation and working under general anesthesia to ensure you’re as relaxed as possible throughout the surgery.

When an issue is beyond the purview of a general dentist’s skill, patients are usually referred to an oral surgeon. Oral surgeons conduct simple and complex tooth extractions, including wisdom tooth extraction. They also help accident victims who need dental reconstruction. Soft tissue biopsies, tumor excision, jaw realignment surgery, soft tissue repair, and implant placing are among the procedures that oral surgeons can undertake.

 

Each year, a variety of oral surgical operations are done. Among the most common operations are tooth extraction, dental bone grafts, dental implants, periodontal surgery, corrective jaw surgery, sleep apnea surgery, and cleft lip and palate repair;

1. Extraction of teeth: Tooth extraction is the most common sort of oral surgery (tooth removal). If you have significant tooth decay, gum disease (periodontitis), dental trauma, or wisdom teeth issues, an extraction may be indicated. Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to prepare you for dentures or other prosthetic devices. When feasible, most dentists prefer to conserve natural teeth, but extractions are occasionally essential to maintain your overall dental health. Wisdom teeth extraction is also recommended by many dentists as a prophylactic strategy to lower your risk of cavities, bone loss, and other issues.
2. Bone transplant in the mouth: When bone loss occurs in the jaw, a dental bone graft is required. This might occur for a number of reasons. The roots of your natural teeth activate the nerves in your jaw when they are present. This tells your brain to deliver nutrients to your jaw, which keeps it healthy and powerful. Because there are no roots to stimulate the nerves in the region where a tooth has been absent for a long period, bone degeneration can ensue. A dental bone graft restores the volume and density of your jawbone, allowing for the placement of dental implants later. During periodontal surgery, your dentist may need to do a bone transplant. Advanced gum disease can damage the bone that surrounds your teeth. A bone transplant keeps your teeth sturdy and healthy by reducing movement and providing a firm base.
3. Dental implants: Dental implants are typically regarded as the safest and most long-lasting tooth replacement alternative. These tiny threaded posts, which are composed of medical-grade titanium or zirconia, are inserted into your jaw to replace missing dental roots. Dental crowns, bridges, or dentures can be used to repair the implants once they have healed.
4. Periodontal surgery: A gum expert may offer gum disease therapy if you have moderate or severe periodontitis. Incisions are created along your gum line, and the tissue is temporarily pushed back away from your teeth during this treatment. The plaque and bacteria that have collected behind your gums will be flushed away by the surgeon while he cleans the roots of your teeth. Finally, the gum tissue is sutured into place and replaced. Gum recession can occur as a result of periodontitis in some cases. In certain cases, a gum graft may be required. During this operation, your surgeon uses donor tissue to strengthen the region where tissue has been lost. This tissue can be obtained either from the roof of your mouth or from a recognized tissue bank.
5. Corrective jaw surgery: Commonly known as orthognathic surgery, corrects jaw skeletal defects. To improve chewing function, repair misalignment, or treat face abnormalities, this surgery may be indicated. TMJ disorder can also be relieved with corrective jaw surgery (TMD).
6. Repair of a cleft lip and palate: Cleft lip is characterized by an opening in the upper lip, whereas a cleft palate is characterized by an opening in the roof of the mouth. Both disorders are present in some newborns. When the facial features do not fully develop in the uterus, cleft lip, and palate. Cleft lip and palate surgeries are often performed by oral surgeons to restore normal eating function and assist kids to acquire correct speech patterns later in life.

Oral surgeons labor in facilities that are well-lit, clean, and sterile. They work in private offices the majority of the time, however, they may also work in hospitals or dentistry schools. They usually work four or five days a week and treat patients during normal business hours. However, to meet patients’ schedules, they may work evenings and weekends. Oral surgeons typically work long hours in physically and emotionally demanding environments. They must be able to stand for extended periods and use protective gear such as gloves, masks, and goggles to avoid contact with blood and other body fluids.

 

Oral Surgeon Job Description

Below are the oral surgeon job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an oral surgeon job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

In addition to conducting oral surgery, an oral surgeon collaborates with dental professionals and office personnel to provide compassionate and exceptional care to their patients. An oral surgeon’s responsibilities include the following:

• Determine Patients’ requirements and treatment objectives by consulting with them and studying their data.
• Collaborate with other dental and orthodontic specialists, such as restorative dentists and orthodontists.
• Maintain extensive notes of patient appointments, including comments, tests and/or treatments given, and test results, to document patient care.
• Administer general and local anesthetics if required.
• Extract impacted or broken teeth, place dental implants, and remove tumors and other abnormal growths in the oral and/or facial areas are all surgical operations.
• Prescribe medicines to aid healing and pain management following treatments.
• Treat Infections affecting the mouth, salivary glands, jaw, cheek, and neck.
• Treat Orofacial injuries, such as facial lacerations, intraoral lacerations, and broken facial bones, in an emergency.
• Conduct Minor cosmetic treatments, such as chin and cheekbone augmentations, Providing long-term care patients with assistance and advice.
• Research abnormalities, illnesses, and disorders that affect the oral and/or face areas.
• Use a patient’s medical history and present state to determine if they are a good candidate for surgery.
• Perform routine oral examinations, including x-rays and note-taking
• Prescribe during post-operative care, pain relievers or antibiotics to treat infections
• Collaborate with other doctors who are engaged in the patient’s treatment, such as dentists, surgeons, and denturists
• Perform operations, such as those to heal trauma damage, remove teeth, and implant dentures.
• Recommend dental braces or other orthodontic treatment to correct teeth alignment.

 

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or a related field is required.
• Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degrees are both required.
• An oral Surgeon license to practice.
• Outstanding attention to detail.
• Dexterity and hand-eye coordination are exceptional.
• Excellent bedside manner.
• Excellent communicator who understands the needs of patients.
• Hours of employment are flexible.

 

Essential Skills

• Communication abilities: Oral surgeons must be able to communicate well. These abilities are put to use while explaining operations to patients and answering any queries they may have. They also utilize these abilities to educate patients and their medical teams about treatment alternatives.
• Technical competency: is defined as the ability to perform a task using tools and technology. Oral surgeons employ technical expertise to undertake procedures that frequently necessitate the use of sophisticated instruments and technology.
• Compassion and empathy: An oral surgeon must be kind and empathic toward his or her patients. They must be able to comprehend their patients’ requirements and explain processes and treatments in a manner that helps patients feel at ease. When doing surgeries on youngsters, this is extremely critical.
• Problem-solving abilities: One of the most crucial aspects of this profession is the ability to solve difficulties. During surgery, surgeons employ their problem-solving talents to identify answers to problems that develop. They also employ these abilities to figure out how to deal with post-surgery difficulties.
• Teamwork: Surgeons frequently collaborate with other medical experts, such as anesthesiologists, dentists, and nurses, to provide the best possible treatment to their patients. To conduct operations, oral surgeons frequently collaborate with dental assistants and other dental experts. Oral surgeons can create excellent professional ties with their colleagues by working effectively with others.
• Detail-oriented: Dentists must be detail-oriented to guarantee that the right drugs and treatments are delivered. They must pay particular attention to the form, spacing, and color of the teeth. Color matching is critical when matching an artificial tooth to the patient’s teeth.
• Ability to lead: Oral surgeons are frequently in charge of a medical or surgical team. They may direct and supervise medical operations as well as execute surgery with the help of helpers. They can use their strong leadership abilities to allocate duties and convey expectations to their team members.
• Coordination: Oral surgeons require a high level of coordination to perform surgery. They must have a steady hand and have good motor abilities. During their schooling and clinical studies, they can attempt to improve this talent.
• Time Management: Oral surgeons might work in several places or manage their practices. They can estimate how long particular therapies will take using time management abilities. This will allow them to plan their days and visit with various patients throughout the day.

 

How to Become an Oral Surgeon

• Obtain a bachelor’s degree: Earning a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline is the first step toward becoming an oral surgeon. Consider taking scientific classes because most dental programs demand a specific number of them. Majors that might be considered include:
  • Pre-dentistry
  • Biology
  • Chemistry\Physics
  • Biochemistry
  • Mathematics
• Pass the dental admissions examination (DAT): Professionals must pass the dental entrance test before being accepted into a dental school program. This is a computer-based test that assesses a student’s basic science knowledge, reading comprehension, and critical thinking skills.
• Make an application to dentistry school: Students can enroll in a four-year dentistry school after completing the DAT. Admission criteria vary for each school, but they usually include the following:
  • Taking a particular amount of science courses as an undergraduate
  • Obtaining a satisfactory DAT score
  • During a personal interview, answering questions
  • completing a questionnaire for an application.
• Obtain a dental education: A four-year dentistry degree from a recognized dental school is required for oral surgeons. Students learn medical theories and conduct clinical treatments while in dentistry school. The first two years of dental school are devoted to general science, anatomy, and dentistry. More clinical experience and specialty electives have been added in the previous two years. Depending on their dentistry degree, oral surgeons may be allowed to pursue electives in oral surgery or radiology.
• Pass the board test and get your license: Oral surgeons must get a state license after finishing their residency programs. Each state has its own rules, but it usually entails passing a two-part exam that includes a multiple-choice element and a practice piece that assesses a student’s technical abilities and knowledge.

 

Where to Work as an Oral Surgeon

• Private offices
• Hospitals
• Dentistry schools

 

Oral Surgeon Salary Scale

In the United States, the average compensation for an oral surgeon is $107,250 per year or $55 per hour. Starting salaries for entry-level employment start at $40,000 per year, with the most experienced professionals earning up to $300,000 per year.

In the United Kingdom, the average income for an oral surgeon is £93,764 per year or £48.08 per hour. The starting salary for entry-level occupations is £91,478 per year, with most experienced professionals earning up to £99,281 per year.

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