WHAT’S IN A NAME? MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS EXPLAINED

So many people and agencies use the term “oral surgeon” or “dental surgeon” to label oral and maxillofacial surgeons. I have resisted the reference when I can, but I admit that it is hard to say, “Maxillofacial” [/makˌsilōˈfāSHəl/]. If you know how to say it, it rolls off the tongue nicely but most people certainly at first attempt have a hard time so they fall back on “oral surgeon.”

The Mouth Is at the Heart of Training

Historically, an oral surgeon was a dentist who removed teeth and performed gum surgery. The specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery came out of the key need for a facial surgeon to understand and coordinate care with the oral and dental structures. Our doctorates are in dentistry, which is a medically trained doctoral program with the mouth and oral structure care at the heart of the clinical training.

Post-Doctoral Training

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the most extensive post-doctoral training specialty coming off of dentistry. Many oral and maxillofacial surgeons will also complete the two years of medical clinicals and then also carry their MD degree.

If you look at my personal profile, I completed 13 years of higher education prior to starting my practice. Of course, I regularly attend continuing education programs and classes to update and upgrade my education.

Call (262) 634-4646 to schedule an appointmet with a skilled maxillofacial surgeon.

In a way, we have “earned” the title of oral and maxillofacial surgeon, but I am happy for you call me an oral surgeon if you like.