Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform surgical procedures on the teeth, jaw, mouth, and face to treat disease, injury, and defects. They work in private surgical offices, hospitals, and dental clinics, often diagnosing conditions and planning treatment before operating. Some surgeries improve function while others address appearance.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against oral and maxillofacial surgeons and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves patient consultations, surgical procedures, and follow-up care. Surgeons examine patients, review imaging results, and plan treatment approaches. Operating time includes tooth extractions, jaw reconstruction, corrective surgery for bite problems, and procedures to address facial trauma or tumors. Administrative work includes documenting cases, consulting with other dental and medical providers, and managing practice operations.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRS. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to thrive in this field if you enjoy solving complex problems through hands-on technical work and understand biological systems deeply. Success requires combining investigative thinking—diagnosing problems and planning solutions—with realistic skills in surgical technique and practical patient care.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Dentist - Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon · Veterans Health Administration · Loma Linda, California · $300000–$400000
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $364,860 | $553,740 | $575,640 | — |
| Minnesota | $76,890 | $475,250 | $475,250 | 40 |
| Rhode Island | $377,990 | $414,060 | $416,200 | — |
| Virginia | $268,220 | $403,430 | $414,910 | 210 |
| Colorado | $161,720 | $360,820 | $360,820 | — |
| New York | $164,890 | $342,710 | $392,410 | 350 |
| Arizona | $120,900 | $322,800 | $388,130 | — |
| Florida | $139,570 | $233,050 | $289,680 | — |
| North Carolina | $206,760 | $224,040 | $497,840 | — |
| Georgia | $41,720 | $129,010 | $136,000 | 180 |
| Michigan | $80,440 | $97,040 | $473,340 | 50 |
| Illinois | $63,930 | $70,220 | $323,440 | — |
Certifications people in this field hold
- Board Certification in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery — American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against oral and maxillofacial surgeons and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1022.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.