Oral Surgeon: Overview of Education and Training

Oral surgeons are the surgical specialists of the dental world. They undergo a long and rigorous period of education and training to prepare them to perform surgical procedures involving the mouth and maxillofacial region on a wide range of patients. Because of this, oral surgeons are equipped to handle even the most advanced surgical cases. If you are nervous about an upcoming procedure, know you will be in good hands.

Education and training

Oral surgeons typically undergo the most school and training of all the dental specialties. According to the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ABOMS), the average length of education and training for an oral surgeon is 12 to 14 years after secondary school. Here is a closer look at the path to becoming an oral surgeon.

Typical education and training path

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon's typical training and education program starts like a dentist's. They earn an undergraduate degree, followed by four years of dental school. After dental school, an oral surgeon will complete four to six years of a post-graduate residency program.

During the residency, oral surgery residents gain hands-on experience treating problems, including complex tooth extractions, jaw surgery, treatment of oral head and neck cancer, sleep apnea surgery, correction of maxillofacial deformities, bone grafts, and dental implant surgery. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases and injuries of the head, neck, and maxillofacial region. Because they train alongside doctors in hospitals, they gain crucial auxiliary knowledge and skills in areas such as pathology and anesthesiology.

Additional training and certifications

All oral surgeons must pass rigorous exams to obtain the appropriate license in their practice state. However, many oral surgeons do not stop there. The majority pursue board certification with ABOMS to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in their field.

They typically participate in continuing education opportunities to stay current with their field's latest innovations and advancements. A significant number of oral surgeons also choose to pursue a medical degree in addition to their dental degree. Many others pursue a one to two-year fellowship in sub-specialty areas such as cosmetic surgery, pediatric oral surgery, and maxillofacial trauma.

Benefits of working with an oral surgeon

Because of their advanced and specialized medical and surgical training, oral surgeons can handle even the most complex of cases while ensuring the comfort and safety of the patient. They possess advanced knowledge of sedation and anesthesia to help make procedures easier on the patients. In addition, these professionals are well-prepared to handle a range of surgical complications successfully. Oral surgeons are also better prepared to handle procedures for patients with certain medical conditions that can complicate surgery.