Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat several disorders and traumas of the head, neck, jaws, and face, as well as soft tissues thereof.
In this page, explore how to become a maxilliofacial surgeon or oral surgeon in the United States.
Suggested Reading: Branches of Medicine
How to become an oral surgeon?
In order to qualify as an oral surgeon, one needs to:
- Complete a pre-med Bachelor degree (2-4 years);
- Pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT);
- Complete the 4 years of dental study;
- Acquire the Doctor of Medical Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Surgery degree;
- Pass the two-part exam from the National Board Dental Examinations;
- Get certified by:
- American Board of General Dentistry;
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- Complete the 4-6 years of residency that includes:
- At least 2 years aimed at obtaining a medical degree;
- Oral Surgery training
- Get certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
- Choose a specialized 1-2-year fellowship in:
- Microvascular reconstruction in head and neck cancer;
- Cosmetic facial surgery;
- Craniofacial surgery;
- Pediatric maxillofacial surgery;
- Cranio-maxillofacial trauma (treatment of the injuries to the face and head)
Average Salary Range for Oral Surgeons
In the United States, the average salary for maxillofacial and oral surgeons varies by state. The national median salary for the oral surgeons ranges between $175,590 to $208,000.
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BioExplorer.net. (2025, January 02). How To Become A Maxillofacial Surgeon / Oral Surgeon?. Bio Explorer. https://www.bioexplorer.net/how-to-become-an-oral-surgeon.html/.
BioExplorer.net. "How To Become A Maxillofacial Surgeon / Oral Surgeon?" Bio Explorer, 02 January 2025, https://www.bioexplorer.net/how-to-become-an-oral-surgeon.html/.
BioExplorer.net. "How To Become A Maxillofacial Surgeon / Oral Surgeon?" Bio Explorer, January 02 2025. https://www.bioexplorer.net/how-to-become-an-oral-surgeon.html/.