Healthcare career

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Also called: Oral Surgeon · OMFS · Maxillofacial Surgeon · Dental Surgeon

What oral and maxillofacial surgeons do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does an oral and maxillofacial surgeon do?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons operate on the mouth, jaws and face to treat injuries, defects and diseases, including wisdom tooth removal, implants and jaw surgery. The median pay is $352,220 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 12–14 years after high school, and employment is projected to grow +5.6% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $352,220
    $169.34/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +5.6%
    2025–35, faster than average
  • Openings per year
    200
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Doctoral or professional degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    12–14 years after high school
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    5,600
    Employment, 2025

What oral and maxillofacial surgeons do

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dental specialists trained in surgery. They remove impacted wisdom teeth, place dental implants, repair facial fractures, correct jaw alignment, treat oral cancers and infections, and repair cleft lips and palates. They give sedation and general anesthesia in their offices and operate in hospitals.

After dental school, oral surgeons complete a hospital-based residency of four to six years; some programs also award a medical degree. They are among the highest-paid occupations BLS tracks.

Typical duties

  • Remove impacted teeth
  • Place dental implants
  • Perform jaw surgery
  • Repair facial injuries
  • Treat oral infections and tumors
  • Give sedation and anesthesia
  • Coordinate care with dentists and orthodontists

Work environment and schedule

Oral surgeons work in private surgical offices and hospitals, including trauma call.

Schedule: Most work full-time with some hospital call for trauma and emergencies.

A day in the life

  1. Remove four wisdom teeth under sedation.
  2. Place two dental implants.
  3. Consult on a patient with jaw pain.
  4. Review a CT scan for implant planning.

See a full day in the life of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon →

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon salary

Half of oral and maxillofacial surgeons earned more than $352,220 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $86,250 for the lowest 10% to $622,640 for the top 10%.

Full oral and maxillofacial surgeon pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
  2. Complete dental school
  3. Complete OMS residency
  4. Pass boards
  5. Practice

A dental degree (DDS or DMD) plus a 4–6 year oral and maxillofacial surgery residency is required; some residencies include a medical degree.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Oral surgery
  • Anesthesia and sedation
  • Implant placement
  • Facial trauma repair
  • Orthognathic surgery

People skills

  • Precision
  • Calm under pressure
  • Communication
  • Leadership

All oral and maxillofacial surgeon skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Among the highest-paid jobs
  • Surgical variety
  • Respected specialty
  • Strong demand for implants

Cons

  • Very long training
  • High-stakes surgery and anesthesia
  • On-call duty
  • High debt during training

Certifications and licenses

  • Board certification (ABOMS): American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
  • State dental license: Required to practice.
  • General anesthesia permit: Required for office anesthesia.
  • ACLS and PALS: Life support.

Career path

  1. OMS Resident: Train in surgery.
  2. Oral Surgeon: Practice.
  3. Practice Partner: Own a practice.
  4. Department Chief: Lead hospital services.

Learn the job before day one

Our Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as plan an implant placement and remove an impacted wisdom tooth, safety and how to land your first job.

View Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon trainingIs this career right for me?

Dentist

Diagnose and treat problems with teeth, gums and the mouth.

  • $170,950
  • 8 years after high school

Orthodontist

Straighten teeth and correct bites with braces and aligners.

  • $289,140
  • 10–11 years after high school

Prosthodontist

Restore and replace teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures and implants.

  • $311,180
  • 11 years after high school

Anesthesiologist

Keep patients safe and pain-free before, during and after surgery.

  • $391,490
  • 12–14 years after high school

Compare: Oral Surgeon vs. Dentist · Oral Surgeon vs. Orthodontist · Oral Surgeon vs. Prosthodontist · Oral Surgeon vs. Anesthesiologist

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon FAQ

How long does it take to become an oral surgeon?

About 12–14 years after high school.

Do oral surgeons have medical degrees?

Some do, through combined residency programs.

Do oral surgeons give anesthesia?

Yes, they are trained to provide sedation and general anesthesia.

How much does an oral and maxillofacial surgeon make?

The median annual wage for oral and maxillofacial surgeons was $352,220 ($169.34 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $86,250 and the highest 10% earned more than $622,640.

How long does it take to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?

Most people need about 12–14 years after high school of training. A dental degree (DDS or DMD) plus a 4–6 year oral and maxillofacial surgery residency is required; some residencies include a medical degree.

Do you need a degree to be an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?

Yes. BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.

More oral and maxillofacial surgeon questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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