Hiring guide · Healthcare
How to Hire an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Pay benchmarks, qualifications, sourcing, screening and interview questions for hiring oral and maxillofacial surgeons, plus a plan to get them productive fast.
Write a clear job description, offer competitive pay (the national median is $352,220), recruit through community college and vocational program career centers, verify Board certification (ABOMS) where applicable, run a structured interview with a practical skills check, and onboard with a 30-60-90 day plan.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
The hiring market for oral and maxillofacial surgeons
There are about 5,600 oral and maxillofacial surgeons employed in the U.S., with roughly 200 openings each year. Employment is projected to change +5.6% from 2025–35 (faster than average). Expect competition for qualified candidates: speed and a strong offer matter.
Pay benchmarks for offers
| Candidate level | Annual | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th–25th percentile) | $86,250–$204,610 | $41.47–$98.37 |
| Typical / mid-career (median) | $352,220 | $169.34 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $428,710 | $206.11 |
| Top of market (90th percentile) | $622,640 | $299.35 |
*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours except median. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.
What to look for
Must-haves
- Doctoral or professional degree (typical entry level)
- Licensing or certification required in your state
- Oral surgery
- Precision
Nice-to-haves
- Board certification (ABOMS)
- State dental license
- General anesthesia permit
- Experience with surgical instruments
Where to find oral and maxillofacial surgeons
- Community college and vocational program career centers
- Clinical externship and student-placement partnerships
- State nurse aide registries and healthcare job boards
- Employee referral programs
- Job postings that use common alternate titles: Oral Surgeon, OMFS, Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dental Surgeon
Screening checklist
- Verify certifications and state registry or license status with the issuing body
- Background checks and federal exclusion-list (OIG LEIE) screening as required for your organization
- Immunization records, TB testing and drug screening according to policy and law
- Current BLS/CPR certification
Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.
Interview questions to ask
Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.
1. “Why oral surgery?”
What a strong answer includes: Share motivation.
2. “Describe your surgical experience.”
What a strong answer includes: Be specific.
3. “How do you manage anesthesia safety?”
What a strong answer includes: Explain.
4. “How do you handle complications?”
What a strong answer includes: Show judgment.
5. “How do you work with referring dentists?”
What a strong answer includes: Show relationships.
Practical skills checks
A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:
- Plan an Implant Placement (see the steps)
- Remove an Impacted Wisdom Tooth (see the steps)
- Monitor IV Sedation (see the steps)
Red flags
- Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
- Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
- Unfamiliar with core terms such as OMFS, Impacted tooth, Dental implant
- Negative talk about every past employer or coworker
Onboard for retention
The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon training. Show them the path forward: OMS Resident → Oral Surgeon → Practice Partner → Department Chief.
Hiring oral and maxillofacial surgeons: FAQ
How much should I pay an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?
The U.S. median wage for oral and maxillofacial surgeons is $352,220 per year ($169.34/hour), according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($204,610), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($428,710). Adjust for your local market.
What qualifications should an oral and maxillofacial surgeon have?
BLS lists “doctoral or professional degree” as the typical entry-level education. Look for Board certification (ABOMS) and State dental license where relevant, plus skills such as oral surgery, anesthesia and sedation, and implant placement.
How long does it take to train a new oral and maxillofacial surgeon?
Becoming qualified typically takes 12–14 years after high school. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “internship/residency.”