Job Description for an Oral Surgeon

An oral surgeon's job description is a little more in-depth than a regular dental professional. Oral surgeons specialize in complex tooth extractions and other difficult procedures. They receive more training and education as well. Surgeons in this specialty work in their own practice, and use advanced anesthetics and techniques.

Tools

Oral surgeons use special tools to remove impacted teeth, fix misaligned jaws and relieve facial pain. Although all dentists are trained to use these tools, oral surgeons more time learning about them. These tools are:

• forceps


• chisels


• elevators


• pliers


• sutures


• needles

Anesthesia

An oral surgeon's ability to understand, use and administer anesthetics is very important. They must know a number of medications patients' may need to complete the surgery. Sedation methods include:

• laughing gas or nitrous oxide


• intravenous


• oral


• general anesthesia

Types of Surgeries

The type of surgery performed depends on the patient's needs. All surgeons are skilled in performing complex operations for:

• misaligned jaws


• dental implants


• impacted wisdom teeth


• facial injuries


• cosmetic and reconstructive


• diseased tooth and gum disorders

Educational Requirements

Oral surgeons begin their education at an accredited school of dentistry. However, they spend an extra four to six years learning surgery and anesthetics at hospitals and other approved sites. It teaches them all aspects of surgical procedures with special attention to anesthesiology and medical conditions of the face, jaw and head. Students also spend a great deal of time in internal medicine.

After all educational requirements are met, they receive a Doctor of Dental Medicine or Doctor of Dental Surgery. Most go on to set-up their own specialty practice.