What is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a surgical specialist who performs many procedures including removal of teeth, the diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial diseases, the treatment of temporomandibular joint or jaw problems, reconstructive surgery, dental implants, and the treatment of traumatic injuries and malformation of the jaw and face. The specialist's education typically requires four years of college, four years of dental school and three to five years of hospital-based residency in a medical center. The training is culminated by passing oral and written tests leading to certification of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.