How to Be Oral Surgeon - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oral surgeons play an important role in maintaining oral health. A patient's visit to an oral surgeon can have a significant positive effect on their overall oral health. During the visit, the surgeon can assess the patient's needs and provide a variety of treatments that help prevent, diagnose, and treat oral health issues.

These treatments may include removing impacted teeth, performing root canals, treating gum diseases, and repairing damaged jaw bones or misaligned jaws. In addition, oral surgeons may also provide cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers. By having access to these treatments, patients are able to maintain their oral health more effectively, reducing their risk of developing more serious dental problems.

Furthermore, oral surgeons may also provide advice on how to keep their teeth and gums healthy through proper brushing and flossing habits and regular check-ups.

Steps How to Become

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree. The first step to becoming an oral surgeon is to pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Students should take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as these are essential for admission into dental school.
2. Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). After graduating from an accredited university, aspiring oral surgeons must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), which is administered by the American Dental Association (ADA).
3. Attend Dental School. After successfully completing the DAT and other admission requirements, aspiring oral surgeons may be accepted into a dental school program. Most dental school programs take four years to complete and include classroom, laboratory, and clinical components.
4. Complete a Postdoctoral Program. After graduating from dental school, oral surgeons must complete a postdoctoral program in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This residency program typically lasts four years and includes clinical training and patient care.
5. Obtain Licensure. Once the postdoctoral program is completed, aspiring oral surgeons must obtain a license in the state they plan to practice in. To obtain licensure, applicants must pass both written and practical exams administered by the state’s dental board.
6. Pass Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Certification Exams. After obtaining licensure, oral surgeons must pass certification exams administered by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). These exams cover topics such as prosthodontics, anesthesia, pathology, implantology, and oral surgery.
7. Maintain Certification. To maintain certification from ABOMS, oral surgeons must continue their education through continuing education courses and retake the certification exam every 10 years.

The importance of finding a reliable and capable Oral Surgeon cannot be overstated. Taking the time to properly research and evaluate potential candidates is essential for ensuring a positive outcome. Part of the process requires understanding the experience and qualifications of each prospective surgeon, as well as their approaches to treatment and patient care.

patients should also inquire about the surgeon’s success rates, their view on preventive care, and their familiarity with cutting-edge technology. Finally, checking references and reviews can help to gauge the level of professionalism and patient satisfaction a surgeon provides. the combination of these steps can give patients peace of mind by helping them determine which Oral Surgeon is best equipped to safely and effectively care for their specific needs.

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Job Description

1. Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth, jaws, and associated oral structures.
2. Perform surgery on mouth, jaw, and related head and neck tissue.
3. Prescribe medications such as antibiotics and sedatives.
4. Extract teeth and perform other dental surgeries.
5. Monitor patient vital signs during surgery.
6. Provide instruction on proper oral hygiene and disease prevention.
7. Repair fractured jaws and facial bones.
8. Reconstruct jaw, facial, and related tissues damaged by accident or disease.
9. Perform corrective jaw surgeries to improve breathing and speaking.
10. Administer anesthetics to keep patients comfortable during surgery.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Ability to assess and diagnose oral and maxillofacial abnormalities.
2. Knowledge of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures.
3. Expertise in performing a variety of surgical techniques.
4. Proficiency in using a variety of surgical instruments and equipment.
5. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with patients, staff, and other healthcare professionals.
6. Excellent problem-solving skills.
7. Ability to prioritize tasks, and manage time efficiently.
8. Strong organizational skills.
9. Advanced knowledge of local, state and federal regulations concerning healthcare practices.
10. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple tasks and deadlines.

Oral surgeons must possess a wide range of knowledge and skills in order to provide the highest quality of care to their patients. The most important skill an oral surgeon must have is excellent communication. Clear and effective communication between the surgeon and patient is essential for setting expectations, understanding patient concerns, and developing an individualized treatment plan.

surgeons must be adept at surgical techniques, such as suturing, dental implant placement, and bone grafting. They must have a good understanding of anatomy and the ability to interpret CT scans and other imaging tests. They must also be proficient in pain management techniques and have the necessary experience to manage any potential complications.

Furthermore, oral surgeons must be able to adhere to safety protocols and maintain a sterile environment during all procedures. Finally, they must be knowledgeable about the latest developments in technology and techniques that can enhance patient outcomes. By having these skills, an oral surgeon can ensure that their patients receive the best care possible.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What inspired you to pursue a career in oral surgery?
• What do you find most rewarding about your job?
• What challenges have you faced as an oral surgeon?
• What specific skills do you possess that make you a successful oral surgeon?
• How do you ensure patient safety and satisfaction during surgery?
• What methods do you use to stay abreast of new developments and advancements in the field of oral surgery?
• How do you handle difficult conversations with patients and family members?
• What is your experience with dental implants, wisdom tooth extraction, and other common procedures?
• How do you keep up with continuing education requirements for the field of oral surgery?
• What do you think is the most important quality for an oral surgeon to possess?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Surgical Instruments. Used to perform a variety of surgical procedures (eg: scalpels, forceps).
2. Local Anesthetic. Used to numb the area being operated on (eg: Novocaine).
3. Dental X-Ray Machine. Used to take images of patient's teeth and jaw for diagnosis (eg: intraoral X-ray).
4. Oral Surgery Suction Machine. Used to remove saliva and other fluids during surgery (eg: suction irrigator).
5. Osteotomes. Used to cut through bone and reshape the jaw (eg: dental elevators).
6. Bone Grafting Instruments. Used to replace missing bone or repair damaged bone in the jaw (eg: bone rongeurs).
7. Implant Placement Instruments. Used to place dental implants into the jawbone (eg: implant drills).
8. Autoclave. Used to sterilize instruments before and after use (eg: steam sterilizer).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
2. American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
3. American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
4. American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
5. American Society of Temporomandibular Joint Surgeons
6. International Association for Dental Research
7. International College of Oral Implantologists
8. International Congress of Oral Implantologists
9. World Federation of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

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Common Important Terms

1. Periodontics. A branch of dentistry that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.
2. Implantology. The study and practice of dental implantology which involves placement of artificial teeth in the jawbone.
3. Maxillofacial Surgery. A type of surgical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and reconstruction of defects, diseases, and injuries of the face, jaws, and neck.
4. Prosthodontics. The branch of dentistry that deals with the design, manufacturing, and fitting of artificial replacement teeth and other structures associated with the mouth.
5. Orthodontics. The branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws.
6. Endodontics. The branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the dental pulp.
7. Oral Pathology. The branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the oral tissues and cavities.
8. Pediatric Dentistry. The branch of dentistry that focuses on the oral health of children from infancy to adolescence.
9. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). A condition that affects the jaw joints and muscles that control jaw movement and cause pain and dysfunction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scope of an Oral Surgeon's practice?

An Oral Surgeon is a dental specialist who focuses on surgical procedures including, but not limited to, the extraction of teeth, placing dental implants, and repairing facial trauma.

How long does it typically take to become an Oral Surgeon?

Becoming an Oral Surgeon requires 8-10 years of education and training after completing a Bachelor's degree. This includes 4 years of dental school, and 4-6 years of an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency program.

What are some common procedures performed by Oral Surgeons?

Common procedures performed by Oral Surgeons include wisdom tooth extractions, bone grafting, corrective jaw surgery, facial reconstruction, and dental implant placements.

How much does an Oral Surgeon make per year?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oral Surgeons make an average of $242,370 annually.

What type of medical license do Oral Surgeons need?

In order to practice as an Oral Surgeon, one must have a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree and a license from the state in which they practice.

What are jobs related with Oral Surgeon?

• Dental Benefits Verification Specialist
• Orthodontic Lab Technician
• Periodontist
• Hygienist
• Orthodontic Hygienist
• Orthodontics Records Technician
• Orthodontic Treatment Coordinator
• Denturist
• Orthodontic Front Desk Receptionist
• Practice Manager

Web Resources

• Oral Surgery Seattle-Oral Surgeon Seattle-Oral and Maxillofacial … dental.washington.edu
• About Oral and Facial Surgery - University of Minnesota dentalclinics.umn.edu
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Hospital Dentistry dentistry.iu.edu