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"Oral-Maxillofacial" or simply "Maxillofacial" Surgeon
An oral-maxillofacial surgeon (OMFS or OMS) is a surgical specialist of the mouth, jaws, and face. Unlike most general dentists, OMFSes are trained to perform surgeries of the various bones, the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and their surrounding structures. They can also remove teeth, place dental implants, graft bone, and perform sinus lifts.
On the other hand, they are not specialized in many of the common non-surgical dental procedures such as cleanings, fillings, root canals, crown or bridge preparations, and construction of dentures.
Dr. Sun and colleagues have in fact helped define the name of our profession in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the official publication of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
A Typical Course of OMFS Training
4 years of general education at an university (Bachelor's degree)
4 years of education in dentistry (DDS or DMD degree)
4 to 6 years of medical residency in a hospital setting (optional MD degree)
Optional sub-specialty training in fellowship
Notable Oral-Maxillofacial Surgeons
Dr. William Morton, the discoverer of the first anesthetic
Dr. Varaztad Kazanjian, the father of facial plastic surgery
Dr. Robert Ivy, a pioneer of plastic surgery as well as cleft lip and palate treatment
Dr. Simon Hullihen, responsible for developing orthognathic surgery
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