CFChooseField
Healthcare

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Perform surgery and related procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions to treat diseases, injuries, or defects. May diagnose problems of the oral and maxillofacial regions. May perform surgery to improve function or appearance.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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Median pay

≥$239,200
Median annual pay for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

200
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

6,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Doctoral or professional degree
Typical additional preparation: Internship/residency.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Active Learning
  4. 4Active Listening
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Speaking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Medicine and Dentistry
  2. 2Biology
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Customer and Personal Service
  5. 5Psychology
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Arm-Hand Steadiness
  2. 2Finger Dexterity
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Control Precision
  5. 5Deductive Reasoning
  6. 6Inductive Reasoning

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Social
  4. 4Conventional
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Self-Control
  6. 6Intellectual Curiosity

Work activities

  1. 1Assisting and Caring for Others
  2. 2Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  3. 3Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  4. 4Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Documenting/Recording Information

Work context

  1. 1Exposed to Disease or Infections
  2. 2Physical Proximity
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  5. 5Telephone Conversations
  6. 6Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

Representative 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.
  • Treat infections of the oral cavity, salivary glands, jaws, and neck.
  • Remove tumors and other abnormal growths of the oral and facial regions, using surgical instruments.
  • Provide emergency treatment of facial injuries including facial lacerations, intra-oral lacerations, and fractured facial bones.

Software and tools

AdaApteryx Imaging SuiteDecisionBase TiME for OMSDentalEyeDolphin Imaging & Management Solutions Dolphin ManagementDSN Software Oral Surgery-ExecGendex Dental Systems VixWin PROKodak Dental Systems Kodak Cosmetic Imaging ModulePlanmeca Oy DimaxisSirona SIDEXIS XG

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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