How to study oral and maxillofacial surgery
How oral and maxillofacial surgery is studied For dentistry graduates who want to advance their clinical and research abilities in oral and maxillofacial surgery, this master’s degree is ideal. With the qualification it will give you, you will be able to advance your clinical diagnostic and treatment abilities. It will also provide you a strong foundation in research techniques.
To help you better understand how to study oral and maxillofacial surgery, we will explore the many elements that affect this topic, as well as address frequently asked questions, education and training requirements, and other factors.
How to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon
The following steps show you how you can become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon:
1. Earn your bachelor’s degree
All prospective dental and medical students must earn an undergraduate degree. A bachelor’s program in pre-med studies or one that focuses heavily on biology, physiology, anatomy, microbiology, chemistry and mathematics can help prepare you for dental school and surgical training.
2. Take and pass the Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
Before enrolling in dental school, you must take and pass the DAT, which evaluates your abilities in biological and physiological subjects, along with your logical reasoning, comprehension and math skills. Once you pass the exam, you’re eligible to enroll in dental school.
3. Complete dental school
Your dental education program can take up to four years to complete and focus on general dental practice, treatment methods and other aspects of the field. Many programs require students to participate in internships, where they work with dental patients and apply their skills. At the end of your dental program, you receive your Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree. Both allow you to practice dentistry; however, to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, you need to complete advanced training to obtain your medical degree.
4. Complete an approved surgical residency
Completing an approved residency advances your training in oral and maxillofacial surgery and awards you with your medical degree, which you need in addition to your DDS or DDM to practice. Oral and maxillofacial surgical residencies can last anywhere from four to six years, with at least two years dedicated to obtaining your medical degree. Additionally, oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete clinical rotations that help them apply their training and knowledge and prepare them for entering their careers.
5. Apply for state licensure
Once you obtain your dental and medical degrees, you can apply for your state license to practice. Exact requirements for licensure can vary between states, so it’s important to research what the requirements are for the state you plan to work in. Typically, though, oral and maxillofacial surgeons obtain certification through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) by taking and passing the Oral Certifying Examination (OCE). Once you obtain your license to practice, you can enter your career.
Documents
As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:
- A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
- A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
- Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
- One reference letter on headed paper
- Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
- Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
- A copy of the photo page of your passport
You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.
You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a universally recognised Dental qualification, normally a Bachelor in Dental Surgery, plus relevant experience.
Applicants should be registered dentists in their own countries, with at least 1 year of relevant post-qualifying experience, normally including some practice within Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
A personal statement should be provided, showing motivation and experience and referring to clinical and interpersonal skills.
The program lead will select applicants for interviews before any offer is made. All applicants must be available to travel to the UK by early September for Medical and PVG checks. If an offer is made, further information will be supplied by the program administrator in due course.
The Highest Salary Potential in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
As with any profession, the salary potential for oral and maxillofacial surgeons can vary depending on various factors. Here are some key considerations when it comes to the highest salary potential in this field:
Factors Affecting Salary
- Experience: The number of years of experience as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can significantly impact salary. Surgeons with a long-standing practice and a vast portfolio of successful surgeries often command higher compensation.
- Geographic Location: Salary ranges can differ based on the region or city where an oral and maxillofacial surgeon practices. Metropolitan areas or regions with a higher cost of living generally offer higher salaries.
- Practice Setting: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can work in private practice, hospitals, or academic institutions. Compensation may vary depending on the practice setting and the associated benefits.
- Specialization: Surgeons who specialize in a particular aspect of oral and maxillofacial surgery, such as orthognathic surgery or reconstructive procedures, may have higher earning potential due to their advanced skills and expertise.
Job Opportunities in the UK
The UK offers numerous job opportunities for qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeons. These opportunities can be found in hospitals, dental clinics, academic institutions, and research centers. Additionally, some surgeons choose to establish their private practices, offering specialized services to patients in need.
Which College is Best for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
When it comes to selecting the best college for oral and maxillofacial surgery, several factors need to be considered. The reputation and accreditation of the college, curriculum structure, clinical exposure, research opportunities, faculty expertise, and alumni success are some of the critical aspects to evaluate. By carefully examining these factors, you can narrow down your options and make an informed decision that aligns with your career goals and aspirations.
Factors to Consider
- Accreditation: Ensure that the college you choose is accredited by recognized dental and medical boards. Accreditation signifies that the college meets the required standards of education and quality.
- Curriculum: Evaluate the curriculum structure to understand if it covers the essential topics and provides a comprehensive understanding of oral and maxillofacial surgery.
- Clinical Exposure: Look for colleges that offer ample clinical exposure to ensure you gain practical experience in a supervised setting.
- Research Opportunities: Consider colleges that emphasize research and provide opportunities to engage in clinical and academic research projects.
- Faculty Expertise: Explore the credentials and expertise of the faculty members. Experienced and knowledgeable faculty can significantly impact your learning experience.
- Alumni Success: Research the success stories of the college’s alumni. Find out if they have made significant contributions to the field and if they have successful careers.
FAQ about being an oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Consider the following frequently asked questions for additional insight into becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon:
What is the average salary for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?
According to Indeed’s salary guide, surgeons in the United States earn an average income of $282,016 per year, which can differ significantly depending on the field of surgery. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform complex and sensitive procedures on teeth and bone in the jaw and face, and because of these specialized surgical skills, they may earn more than the average for general surgeons. Additionally, your salary can vary depending on where you live, how long you practice oral and maxillofacial surgery and the level of your credentials.
What is the career outlook for oral and maxillofacial surgeons?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected employment growth for general dentistry is 3% between 2019 and 2029, which is about equal to all occupations together. The projected career outlook for surgeons is 4%, which can include both oral surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
What other fields can oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons work in a highly specialized field; however, some surgeons may focus their practice on specific areas of the jaw, face, neck and skull to provide treatments for patients. For instance, some oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in cancers of the jaw and neck and work with patients with related conditions and abnormalities. Other oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in reconstructive surgery of the bones of the face, jaw and neck to help patients who have had injuries, illnesses and other conditions that cause deformation of the maxillofacial regions.
Conclusion
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have specialized knowledge in both medical practice and dental surgery. Unlike general dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons must hold both a medical and dental degree to practice in their field.
