What is a Maxillofacial Surgeon?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a healthcare professional specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the mouth, jaws, and face. Their area of expertise encompasses a wide range of conditions, including diseases and injuries affecting the teeth, jaws, joints, facial bones, soft tissues of the mouth, and related structures.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are qualified to perform a variety of surgical procedures, such as wisdom teeth extraction, correction of malocclusions (misaligned teeth), repair of facial fractures, bone reconstruction and grafting, dental implants, treatment of joint disorders, and facial plastic surgery procedures. They can also treat complex medical conditions such as tumors and cysts in the oral and maxillofacial region.

The oral and maxillofacial surgeon combines dental, medical, and surgical training to acquire expertise in their specialty. After obtaining a doctoral degree in dental surgery, they must pursue an additional 5 to 7 years of coursework and residency training in hospital and university settings to be eligible for national certification exams.