An oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs complex surgical procedures on the mouth, jaw, and face. It requires a doctoral degree and extensive preparation. Here is what the work involves, what it takes to get there, and whether it might be right for you.
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Oral and maxillofacial surgeons diagnose and treat surgical conditions of the mouth, teeth, jaw, and facial structures. You perform extractions, place dental implants, correct jaw misalignment, and treat facial trauma and disease. The work demands critical thinking and careful decision-making as you assess each patient's needs and plan treatment. You document patient records, stay current with advances in surgical techniques and anesthesia, and communicate directly with patients to explain procedures and manage their care before, during, and after surgery.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons earn a median of $352,220 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 200 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
This career requires a doctoral degree in dentistry followed by specialized surgical training. You must complete dental school, which builds knowledge in medicine, biology, and patient care. After earning your dental degree, you pursue additional residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery to develop advanced surgical skills. Throughout your education, you will engage in active learning, read complex scientific literature, and develop the science and critical thinking abilities essential to this specialty. Your counselor can help you map the timeline and prerequisites for dental school and residency programs.
The path to oral and maxillofacial surgery involves dental school followed by residency training, so the timeline is substantial. If you are considering this route and want to understand the full scope of preparation ahead, Pathly can map the oral and maxillofacial surgeon path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to stay on track.
You do not need a license to work as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to investigative work that combines scientific thinking with hands-on problem-solving. You enjoy learning deeply, analyzing complex cases, and applying knowledge to solve difficult clinical challenges.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).