What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?
An oral surgeon, also known as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, is a specialized healthcare professional trained to perform surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. These surgeons treat a wide range of complex conditions, including impacted teeth, jaw misalignment, facial trauma, cysts, tumors, and reconstructive needs following injury or disease.
They often work closely with general dentists, orthodontists, and medical teams to develop treatment plans, perform surgeries, and manage post-operative care. Oral surgeons may operate in hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, or private practices, depending on the complexity of their procedures and patient populations.
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Oral Surgeon Core Responsibilities
- Perform surgical procedures on the jaw, mouth, face, and neck, including tooth extractions and corrective jaw surgery
- Diagnose and treat facial trauma, congenital deformities, and oral pathologies
- Conduct pre-operative assessments and develop individualized treatment plans
- Collaborate with referring providers and interdisciplinary healthcare teams
- Administer local, IV, or general anesthesia when appropriate
- Manage post-operative care, including wound care, pain management, and follow-ups
- Maintain accurate patient records, charts, and procedural documentation
- Stay current with clinical practices, surgical techniques, and continuing education
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in surgical procedures involving oral and maxillofacial anatomy
- Knowledge of anesthesia administration and monitoring
- Experience with digital imaging, radiographs, and 3D treatment planning tools
- Understanding of emergency response procedures for surgical complications
- Competence in suturing, incision techniques, and tissue handling
Soft skills
- Precision, attention to detail, and excellent hand-eye coordination
- Strong diagnostic and decision-making abilities under pressure
- Clear communication with patients, families, and referring clinicians
- Compassion and empathy in patient interactions
- Ability to work effectively in surgical and clinical team settings
Education
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree required
- Completion of a 4–6 year oral and maxillofacial surgical residency required
- Some positions may require dual degrees (e.g., MD/DDS) for hospital-based roles
Certifications
- Board Certification from the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) required
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required
Preferred Qualifications
- Fellowship training in areas such as craniofacial surgery, oncology, or cosmetic facial surgery
- Experience working in trauma centers or academic medical environments
- Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and digital imaging platforms
- Teaching or mentoring experience with dental or surgical residents
National Average Salary
Oral surgeon salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Oral Surgeon is:
$325,250
Sample Job Description Templates for Oral Surgeons
Resident Oral Surgery Associate
Position Overview
We are seeking a resident oral surgery associate to assist in the delivery of patient care while completing formal surgical training. This position supports board-certified oral surgeons in diagnostic procedures, treatment planning, surgical preparation, and post-operative care. The role is designed for current residents enrolled in an accredited oral and maxillofacial surgery program.
This is a hands-on learning opportunity that bridges clinical education with real-world surgical experience under close supervision.
Responsibilities
- Assist in clinical evaluation, diagnostic imaging, and case planning
- Support attending surgeons in surgical procedures and operative setup
- Observe and assist in the administration of local or IV anesthesia
- Monitor post-operative progress and document patient outcomes
- Participate in rounds, patient education, and interdisciplinary team discussions
- Conduct literature reviews and case presentations for academic sessions
- Maintain compliance with hospital and residency training protocols
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic surgical technique and familiarity with oral anatomy
- Experience with radiographic analysis and EHR systems
- Understanding of sterile field protocols and instrument handling
- Ability to assist with wound care and post-op instruction
Soft skills
- Strong desire to learn and receive feedback
- Professional demeanor and clinical communication skills
- Detail-oriented and organized in documentation
- Emotional resilience under clinical pressure
Education
- DDS or DMD degree from an accredited dental program
- Active enrollment in an accredited oral and maxillofacial surgery residency
Certifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS) – required
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) – recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Research experience or academic publications in oral surgery
- Prior externship or shadowing experience in high-volume surgical practices
Entry-Level Oral Surgeon
Position Overview
We are hiring an entry-level oral surgeon to join our surgical team in a full-time clinical role focused on routine and intermediate oral and maxillofacial procedures. The ideal candidate will have recently completed surgical residency and is ready to perform a range of surgeries under limited supervision while building case volume and professional confidence.
You will work in a collaborative environment that supports continued learning, mentorship, and steady patient flow.
Responsibilities
- Perform routine extractions, biopsies, implant placements, and minor surgical corrections
- Conduct initial consultations and develop treatment plans for surgical cases
- Work with anesthesiologists or nurses to deliver safe sedation or anesthesia
- Maintain accurate records and clinical notes in accordance with compliance standards
- Participate in continuing education and surgical case reviews
- Collaborate with general dentists, orthodontists, and referring providers
Requirements
Hard skills
- Surgical proficiency in outpatient oral procedures
- Ability to interpret radiographs, CBCT scans, and diagnostic data
- Familiarity with surgical instruments and safety standards
- Comfortable administering local or monitored anesthesia
Soft skills
- Strong bedside manner and communication with patients
- Willingness to receive guidance from senior team members
- Clinical confidence balanced by humility and curiosity
- Efficient in time and case management
Education
- DDS or DMD from an accredited institution
- Completion of an accredited oral and maxillofacial surgical residency
Certifications
- Board eligible with the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS)
- BLS and ACLS – required
Preferred Qualifications
- Completion of a hospital-based residency
- Participation in implant or sedation-focused CE programs
- Prior exposure to trauma, pathology, or orthognathic procedures during training
Experienced Oral Surgeon
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced oral surgeon to take on a broad range of surgical cases in a fast-paced practice. This role is ideal for a board-certified surgeon with 3–7 years of post-residency clinical experience and a track record of independently managing cases, collaborating with specialists, and providing patient-centered care.
You’ll have the opportunity to perform advanced procedures and contribute to mentorship of junior staff or new graduates.
Responsibilities
- Perform complex extractions, dental implant surgeries, bone grafting, and corrective jaw surgery
- Diagnose and treat oral pathology, infections, and facial trauma
- Communicate surgical options, risks, and outcomes with patients
- Collaborate with prosthodontists, orthodontists, and referring clinicians
- Maintain compliance with all clinical documentation and procedural protocols
- Contribute to practice development, patient education, and treatment innovation
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of oral and maxillofacial surgical techniques
- Familiarity with advanced imaging and treatment planning tools (e.g., 3D software, CBCT)
- Experience performing IV sedation or working alongside anesthesia teams
- Strong diagnostic and procedural judgment
Soft skills
- Leadership in patient care and team collaboration
- High emotional intelligence in surgical consent and post-op care
- Efficiency under high case volume conditions
- Commitment to continuous clinical improvement
Education
- DDS or DMD with completed oral and maxillofacial residency
Certifications
- Board certification by ABOMS – required
- BLS and ACLS – required
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–7 years of private practice or hospital-based experience
- Background in implant case planning and restorative coordination
- Participation in national oral surgery or dental associations
Senior Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Position Overview
We are hiring a senior oral and maxillofacial surgeon to lead advanced surgical cases and contribute to the clinical strategy of a thriving oral surgery practice. This role is suited for surgeons with 10+ years of experience, who regularly perform complex or reconstructive procedures, manage complications, and support both patient outcomes and team development.
You’ll mentor junior surgeons, help shape protocols, and contribute to a high standard of surgical excellence.
Responsibilities
- Lead advanced surgical cases such as orthognathic surgery, TMJ treatment, and facial trauma repair
- Evaluate and manage high-risk or medically complex patients
- Oversee surgical quality assurance and mentor associates or residents
- Develop treatment plans in collaboration with prosthodontists and physicians
- Participate in continuing education, research, or procedural refinement
- Serve as a clinical advisor in credentialing, equipment selection, or practice expansion
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep expertise in complex oral and facial procedures
- Proficiency in managing surgical complications and interdisciplinary cases
- Experience with digital planning software and image-guided surgery tools
- Advanced knowledge of sedation protocols and risk mitigation
Soft skills
- Leadership in clinical operations and surgeon development
- Excellent surgical planning and judgment
- Clear communicator with both technical and non-technical audiences
- Commitment to ethical care and surgical excellence
Education
- DDS or DMD and oral and maxillofacial surgical residency
Certifications
- ABOMS board certification – required
- BLS, ACLS – required
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in clinical or hospital settings
- Contributor to oral surgery education, publications, or speaking events
- Fellowship training in craniofacial, oncology, or trauma surgery
Lead Oral Surgeon (Practice Director)
Position Overview
We are hiring a lead oral surgeon to serve as both a senior clinician and the administrative director of a multi-provider oral surgery practice. In this dual role, you’ll provide expert surgical care while also overseeing provider scheduling, quality standards, and business development initiatives.
You will be responsible for guiding the practice’s clinical vision, mentoring staff, and aligning daily operations with long-term growth.
Responsibilities
- Perform full range of surgical procedures with expertise and efficiency
- Lead clinical governance, protocols, and quality assurance efforts
- Oversee onboarding, mentorship, and performance of other surgeons and support staff
- Collaborate with practice management on operations, revenue, and staffing strategy
- Represent the practice to referring providers, community partners, and professional organizations
- Evaluate new surgical equipment, techniques, or continuing education opportunities
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced surgical skill in full-scope oral and maxillofacial surgery
- Understanding of clinical workflows and provider scheduling
- Familiarity with regulatory compliance, EMR usage, and risk management
- Knowledge of practice operations, billing, and referral networks
Soft skills
- Executive-level leadership and delegation skills
- Strong communicator across clinical, operational, and financial stakeholders
- High integrity and clinical judgment
- Ability to drive both outcomes and culture
Education
- DDS or DMD and completion of oral surgery residency
Certifications
- Board certified by ABOMS – required
- BLS, ACLS – required
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience as medical director, partner, or lead surgeon in group practice
- Participation in community outreach or referral engagement programs
- Business or leadership coursework or certifications
Department Head – Oral Surgery
Position Overview
We are seeking a department head for oral surgery to oversee all clinical, educational, and operational activities within a healthcare system or academic institution. This leadership role blends high-level surgical practice with departmental strategy, budgeting, provider development, and interdepartmental collaboration.
You’ll shape the future of oral surgical care through innovation, education, and system-wide coordination.
Responsibilities
- Direct and supervise all oral surgery faculty, clinicians, and residents
- Manage departmental budgets, staffing, and scheduling
- Establish protocols and standards for care, compliance, and performance
- Lead faculty recruitment, mentorship, and academic advancement
- Oversee surgical research, clinical trials, or education programs
- Collaborate with hospital leadership on institutional priorities and patient care initiatives
Requirements
Hard skills
- Extensive surgical experience, including trauma, reconstruction, and advanced cases
- Experience managing surgical staff, budgets, and department resources
- Familiarity with academic medicine or health system operations
- Proficiency with regulatory bodies, accreditation standards, and credentialing
Soft skills
- Visionary leadership with excellent organizational skills
- Clear communicator and consensus-builder
- Strategic thinker with ability to manage competing priorities
- Deep commitment to patient outcomes and professional growth
Education
- DDS or DMD and oral and maxillofacial surgery residency
- Master’s degree in healthcare leadership, education, or related field – often requested
Certifications
- Board certification by ABOMS – required
- BLS, ACLS – required
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous academic or hospital department leadership
- Experience securing grants, leading research, or authoring peer-reviewed publications
- Involvement with professional organizations and policy development