What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?
An oral surgeon performs surgical procedures in the mouth, jaw, and teeth. These dental specialists may work in a hospital or in private practice. They diagnose and treat a variety of oral health conditions, including tooth extractions, dental implants, and corrective jaw surgery.
It is important for oral surgeons to possess excellent diagnostic and surgical skills, as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills. Their ability to work under pressure as well as manage patient anxiety and pain during surgical procedures is essential. Additionally, they should have a thorough understanding of anesthesia and pain management methods, as well as knowledge of the risks involved in these procedures.
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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
Oral Surgeon Job Descriptions
It’s important to include the right content in your job description when hiring an oral surgeon. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting the best available talent for your team.
Example 1
Overview
ABC Company affiliated offices in Baltimore are seeking a dedicated Oral Surgeon who is committed to excellence and understand the nature of teamwork.
At ABC Company, we support our practices, by supporting and empowering them to stay focused and committed to quality care. We’re a collective support system for our providers, committed to improving the health of our patients and the communities we serve. A sum that’s greater than its parts. An ever-growing network and support system.
As a specialist you will experience the support of a highly trained team of experienced professionals.
Responsibilities
- Provide oral surgical specialized clinical care
- Educate patients on oral health and treatment options
- Provide OMFS services and treatment plans as prescribed by examination and x-rays
- Examine, diagnose, and treat wide spectrum of oral and maxillofacial health problems including; dental implants, 3rd molar removal, and corrective jaw surgery
- Utilize techniques designed to rebuild bone structure with minimal surgical intervention and optimal patient comfort
- Maintain the highest standards of ethics and professionalism while providing treatment
- Remain apprised of current technologies and standards of care through CE and professional development
Qualifications
- DDS/DMD from an accredited Dental School
- Certificate from an accredited US Oral Surgery Residency Program
- Active Dental License in the state of practice
Example 2
Job purpose
As a licensed dentist, an oral surgeon treats conditions, defects, injuries, and esthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face.
Duties and responsibilities
- Treat conditions, defects, injuries, and esthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face.
- Examine patients to determine the nature of the condition affecting the patient, utilizing x-rays, dental instruments and other diagnostic procedures.
- Perform removal of diseased and impacted teeth.
- Place implants used to replace missing teeth.
- Administer anesthesia services.
- Provide preventive dental services and education in oral and dental hygiene.
- Supervise office staff, including hygienists, dental assistants, receptionists and other office staff.
- Adheres to safety protocols and processes including but not limited to ensuring protective equipment is utilized and OSHA/Bloodborne pathogen requirements are followed.
- Participate in morning huddles, chart reviews and routine office meetings.
- All other duties and responsibilities allowed under applicable state laws and regulations.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Commitment to quality patient care and enjoy educating patients on dental health.
- Effective communication skills; demonstrates professional and courteous demeanor with patients.
Qualifications
- DDS or DMD degree, licensed in state in which practicing or have the ability to obtain licensure upon graduation.
- Completion of an oral surgery residency program.
- Current Advance Life Support (ALS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate.
Working conditions
- Oral Surgeons work in areas that are highly visible and designed and furnished to make a good impression.
- Most work stations are clean, well-lighted, and relatively quiet.
- Work is sedentary in nature.
Example 3
Summary
The Oral Surgeon will provide outpatient dental services to patients, precept residents and assist the Dental Director when needed in specified areas as indicated.
Requirements
- Provide direct and comprehensive oral surgery care, including consultation, extractions( complicated and simple), biopsies, disease and trauma management etc.
- Refers patients to appropriate dental or medical specialties when indicated.
- Obtains medical and nursing consultation when necessary in addressing total needs of patients.
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date patient records.
- Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care, based on physical, psychosocial, educational safety, and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the patients served in assigned area.
Qualifications
- D.D.S. or D.M.D. from an accredited dental school.
- Minimum of two (2) years experience as a general dentist preferred.
- Demonstrated interpersonal, leadership, supervisory, clinical, and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated interest in employment in a community health center.
- Bi-lingual Spanish preferred
- Demonstrated experience with dental electronic medical record preferred.
- NYS License
Sample Interview Questions
- What is your experience as an oral surgeon, and how do you diagnose and treat oral health problems?
- Are there any techniques you use to manage the anxiety and pain of patients during surgical procedures, and how do you ensure their comfort and safety?
- Would you be able to describe a complex surgical procedure you have performed, and how you managed any complications?
- How do you ensure a patient understands and cooperates with the complex medical information you have conveyed to them?
- How do you ensure patient satisfaction and feedback, and how do you incorporate this feedback into your practice?
- When dealing with complex surgical cases or multiple patients at once, how do you prioritize and manage your workload?
- What are your strategies for ensuring comprehensive and effective patient care with other dental professionals, including general dentists and orthodontists?
- How do you manage pain during and after procedures that require anesthesia and pain management?
- What methods do you use to stay up-to-date on the latest surgical equipment and techniques?
- Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision concerning patient care, how you dealt with it, and how you resolved it.