Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are specialized dental professionals who are trained to perform surgery on the mouth, jaws, face, and neck. This discipline integrates the fields of dentistry and medicine, allowing these surgeons to address a wide range of conditions affecting not only the oral cavity but also the facial skeleton and surrounding structures. Their extensive training typically includes a dental degree followed by several years of surgical residency, during which they gain expertise in anesthesia, surgical techniques, and patient care.
Their scope of practice encompasses various procedures, including the extraction of impacted teeth, corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery), treatment of facial trauma, management of tumors and cysts in the oral and facial regions, placement of dental implants, and treatment of oral diseases. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons also play a crucial role in reconstructive surgery for patients with congenital deformities or those requiring rehabilitation after injury or surgery. Their ability to perform complex surgical procedures is complemented by their knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the facial structures, making them integral members of the healthcare team for patients needing specialized surgical intervention in the oral and maxillofacial regions.
Tasks
- Administer general and local anesthetics.
- Collaborate with other professionals, such as restorative dentists and orthodontists, to plan treatment.
- Evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth to determine whether problems exist currently or might occur in the future.
- Perform surgery to prepare the mouth for dental implants and to aid in the regeneration of deficient bone and gum tissues.
- Remove impacted, damaged, and non-restorable teeth.
Technology Skills
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Graphics or photo imaging software
- Apteryx Imaging Suite
- DentalEye
- Planmeca Oy Dimaxis
- Sirona SIDEXIS XG
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Medical software
- DecisionBase TiME for OMS
- Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions Dolphin Management
- DSN Software Oral Surgery-Exec
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Development environment software
- Ada
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Operating system software
Tools Used
- Dental elevators
- Dental forceps
- Dental scissors
- Dental cutting or separating discs
- Dental dam supplies
Knowledge
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Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
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Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Skills
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Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Abilities
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Post-doctoral training
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Doctoral degree
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Professional degree
Awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession
Work Activities
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Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Detailed Work Activities
- Administer anesthetics or sedatives to control pain.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
- Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
- Operate on patients to treat conditions.
- Treat acute illnesses, infections, or injuries.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.