What Do Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon Do?
Job Description & Duties 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.
What Do Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Do On a Daily Basis?
- 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.
- Perform surgery on the mouth and jaws to treat conditions, such as cleft lip and palate and jaw growth problems.
- Administer general and local anesthetics.
- Perform minor facial rejuvenation procedures, including the use of Botox and laser technology.
- Collaborate with other professionals, such as restorative dentists and orthodontists, to plan treatment.
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Skills Needed to be an Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Other Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon Job Titles
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Doctor
- Dental Service Chief
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Resident
- Surgeon
Job Demand for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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. There will be an estimated 300 positions for Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon per year.

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.
What is the Average Salary of an Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons make between $61,570 and $208,000 a year.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons who work in Arizona, California, or Florida, make the highest salaries.
How much do Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons make in each U.S. state?
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons may use on a daily basis:
- DSN Software Oral Surgery-Exec
- Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions Dolphin Management
How to Become an Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon
What kind of Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon requirements are there?

What work experience do I need to become an Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Who Employs Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons?

Below are examples of industries where Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons work:

Other Jobs You May 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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