What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?

An oral surgeon treats conditions that require surgery in the mouth, jaw, and related parts of the face. The surgeon examines patients and reviews their health information and imaging to decide whether an operation is appropriate. When surgery is recommended, the surgeon plans the procedure and anesthesia, explains the expected care, and performs the operation. The surgeon also monitors healing and responds to complications. This work supports patients’ oral health and can be coordinated with dental or medical care provided by other clinicians.

What Is a Oral Surgeon?

An oral surgeon, formally called an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, is a dental specialist who diagnoses and surgically treats problems involving the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, jaw, and face. The work ranges from removing impacted teeth to repairing facial injuries or correcting jaw problems. Some surgeons also treat infections or remove abnormal growths. The exact procedures depend on the surgeon’s training, practice, and the patient’s needs. O*NET’s occupational profile describes the specialty’s work and common tasks.

What Are the Main Responsibilities of a Oral Surgeon?

A central responsibility is assessing whether surgery is needed and choosing a safe, appropriate approach. The surgeon reviews the patient’s symptoms, medical history, medications, and examination findings. Imaging can clarify the position of teeth and the surrounding bone and structures. The surgeon weighs these findings before recommending treatment and discusses the options and likely recovery with the patient.

When an operation is appropriate, the surgeon plans and performs it. For an impacted tooth, that may mean opening the gum and removing bone or dividing the tooth to reach it. For implant treatment, the surgeon assesses whether the jaw has enough bone for the planned implant. Bone grafting may be considered when it does not. Other operations may repair facial fractures, treat certain infections, remove abnormal tissue, or reposition the jaws.

The surgeon is also responsible for planning anesthesia and overseeing surgical care. The approach depends on the procedure and the patient’s health. The care team gives preparation and recovery instructions and monitors the patient during treatment. Follow-up helps the surgeon check healing and address problems. Oral surgeons may coordinate treatment with referring dentists, orthodontists, or other clinicians so the surgical work fits the patient’s broader care.

What Does a Oral Surgeon Do on a Daily Basis?

A typical day may begin with reviewing patient records and imaging before consultations or scheduled procedures. During a consultation, the surgeon examines the patient, discusses symptoms and treatment goals, and explains whether surgery is recommended. The surgeon then develops a plan that accounts for the patient’s health and the specific problem.

On a procedure day, the surgeon confirms the plan and anesthesia arrangements with the patient and care team. The surgeon performs the operation and monitors the patient through immediate recovery. Between cases, the surgeon may review results, document care, answer patient questions, or coordinate next steps with another clinician. Follow-up visits provide an opportunity to assess healing and adjust care when needed. The mix of consultations, surgery, and follow-up varies by practice.

What Skills Does a Oral Surgeon Need?

Clinical judgment is essential because a surgeon must interpret examination findings and imaging together. For example, the position of an impacted tooth and its proximity to nearby structures can affect whether removal is advisable and how to approach it. Precision and attention to detail matter during surgery, where controlled movements help protect surrounding tissue.

Communication is important before and after treatment. The surgeon needs to explain the reason for a procedure, its alternatives, and recovery expectations in language the patient can understand. Careful listening helps the surgeon learn about symptoms and health factors that may affect treatment. The role also calls for coordination with the surgical team and other clinicians when care spans more than one practice. O*NET identifies relevant work activities and abilities for this occupation.

How Much Does a Oral Surgeon Earn?

The latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage table available for this occupation reports a mean annual wage of $360,240 for oral and maxillofacial surgeons in May 2024. This is a national mean, not a median or a guarantee of an individual surgeon’s pay. Earnings can vary by location, practice setting, experience, and hours worked.

What Is the Career Progression for a Oral Surgeon?

Oral surgeons first complete dental education and then advanced residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that these residency programs typically last four to six years and may include a joint medical degree; a medical degree is not universal. Dentists must meet the licensing requirements of the state where they practice, and state rules vary. The BLS dentist profile provides information about education and licensure.

After training and licensure, a surgeon may work in a specialty dental practice, hospital, or outpatient surgical setting. Some maintain a broad practice, while others develop a focus within the specialty. Experienced surgeons may also teach in academic settings. These are possible career directions rather than required steps.

How Contingent Workforce Management Helps Businesses Hire Oral Surgeons

Contingent workforce management services help organizations administer temporary or project-based workers. A hospital or dental group may need an oral surgeon to cover a defined period or meet a specific surgical need. When the organization finds the candidate directly, third-party payrolling can be a lower-cost alternative to using a staffing agency to source the surgeon. The arrangement can support hiring administration while the organization focuses on its clinical coverage needs.

TCWGlobal helps companies manage contingent oral surgeons through payrolling and workforce support. For a directly identified surgeon on a defined assignment, payrolling can handle administrative steps associated with the work arrangement and payment. This can save the company money by avoiding agency recruitment fees while reducing internal administrative work.