Should I Become an Oral Surgeon?
An Oral Surgeon is a specialist within the field of Dentistry. These professionals have a critical role in diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions that affect the face, mouth, and jaw. Their expertise ranges from performing complex tooth extractions, treating facial traumas, conducting corrective jaw surgeries, to managing oral cancers. Oral Surgeons also play a vital role in performing dental implants and helping patients with sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and other complex oral health issues. They truly are the guardians of oral health, providing solutions for some of the most challenging dental cases.
Choosing a career as an Oral Surgeon in the dental industry can be truly rewarding. Not only will you have the opportunity to make a significant impact on people's health and well-being, but you'll also have a challenging and dynamic career path. The role involves continuous learning, keeping up with the latest techniques and technologies in the field. It is a profession that combines the rewards of being a Dentist with the excitement and challenges of surgery - the best of both worlds!
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What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?
Oral Surgeons are specialist Dentists who diagnose and treat a range of conditions related to the face, mouth, jaw, and neck. They perform surgeries for medical and aesthetic reasons, which can include removing impacted teeth, treating facial trauma, conducting corrective jaw surgeries, or handling complex dental implants. Their daily routines are diverse, involving patient consultations, surgical procedures, and team meetings. They also have a crucial role in diagnosing oral cancers and other diseases. Therefore, they are vital in both the preventive and curative aspects of dental health.
When compared to other roles in the dental industry, Oral Surgeons have additional years of hospital-based surgical and anesthesia training after graduating from dental school. This positions them uniquely to perform surgeries that are beyond the scope of General Dentists. While other dental professionals might focus on areas like cleaning, crowns, or braces, Oral Surgeons handle more complex procedures requiring surgical intervention. They are an essential part of the dental team, complementing the work of other Dentists and Hygienists by taking care of the surgical needs of patients. Thus, becoming an Oral Surgeon offers the opportunity to make significant impacts on people's lives by improving their oral health and self-confidence.
Oral Surgeon Qualifications & Career Path
A career as an Oral Surgeon is not only prestigious, but also rewarding. This role requires a unique combination of skills and qualifications that make you a standout in the dental industry. To excel, you need strong manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination, as you'll regularly perform intricate surgeries in small areas. The ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with patients is crucial, as you'll often need to explain complex procedures or soothe patients' fears. In addition to technical skills, you'd also need strong academic and problem-solving capabilities.
Starting on the Oral Surgeon career path usually involves first becoming a General Dentist. This requires a bachelor's degree, followed by four years of dental school to acquire a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. After dental school, you'll need to complete a residency and pass a written and oral exam to become board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). As an Oral Surgeon, you're at the pinnacle of your field, but you might also consider specializing even further, perhaps in craniofacial surgery or pediatric oral surgery.
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