Career profile · live from the Careermash careers engine
Research / problem-solving

Oral Surgeon

Becoming an oral surgeon in the United States is an exciting and rewarding career path that combines advanced surgical skills with a passion for patient care. This profession is highly respected, with oral surgeons often seen as leaders in the dental field. The demand for skilled oral surgeons is on the rise, driven by an increasing awareness of oral health and cosmetic procedures. With a focus on both functional and aesthetic outcomes, oral surgeons play a crucial role in transforming lives through their expertise.
Degree usually required
AI impact: low££££ payUni route
0
AI impact
how much AI is reshaping it
Ottalie · your guide
Curious about being a oral surgeon? Here's the honest picture - what you'd really do, what you'd earn, and every way in. No need to decide anything yet.

What you'd actually do

Oral surgeons in the US perform complex surgical procedures related to the mouth, jaw, and face. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating conditions such as impacted teeth, jaw misalignments, and oral cancers. Their work often involves collaborating with other dental specialists and healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive patient care. The role requires not only technical expertise but also strong communication skills to explain procedures and manage patient expectations effectively.
1Conducting surgical procedures, including tooth extractions and jaw surgeries.
2Collaborating with dental teams to develop treatment plans.
3Providing post-operative care and follow-up consultations.

Career progression & pay

01
Getting in

Junior Oral Surgeon

$150,000
DMD/DDS and completion of an oral surgery residency
As a junior oral surgeon, you will assist in surgeries and manage patient care under the supervision of experienced surgeons.
02
Building up

Mid-Level Oral Surgeon

$250,000
3-5 years of experience
In this role, you will perform a variety of surgical procedures independently and begin to develop your own patient base.
03
At the top

Senior Oral Surgeon

$400,000+
Extensive experience and possibly board certification
As a senior oral surgeon, you will lead surgical teams, mentor junior surgeons, and may also engage in teaching and research.

Degrees that lead here via Medicine and Dentistry

Apprenticeships that lead here

Organisations in this field

Royal London Hospital
Offers a comprehensive range of oral and maxillofacial surgery services.

How to get in - your routes

Careermash · your kind of work, the careers in it, and every route in - all in one place.

Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

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