Oral Maxillofacial Surgery vs. General Dentistry: Career Differences
Picking the right dentistry career can be exciting, but also full of uncertainties, especially for a student interested in oral health. Knowing the distinction between different careers is critical.
In this blog, we will address the options of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery vs. General Dentistry Career, what the training or education is, the responsibilities, skills, and future opportunities associated with each career. This is helpful if you are a student trying to plan for the future or if you are a professional trying to explore career growth.
What is General Dentistry and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery?
General Dentistry: A general dentist is a healthcare provider who identifies, treats, and prevents diseases of the mouth. They provide routine dental services, including:
- Fillings and treatment of cavities.
- Teeth cleanings and education on oral hygiene.
- Root canals or minor surgeries of the mouth
Oral Maxillofacial Surgery: Oral maxillofacial surgeons (OMS) focus on surgical procedures of the face, mouth, neck, and jaw. They are responsible for the treatment of complex cases, such as:
- Corrective jaw surgery.
- Reconstruction of trauma to the face.
- Removal of wisdom teeth and teeth that are impacted.
- Oral cancer surgery.
- Correction of cleft lip and/or cleft palate.
OMS professionals receive specialized training in surgical procedures beyond their education and general dental training. OMS professionals can provide care for more complex or high-risk surgical procedures with high reliability.
General Dentist vs Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon: Career Path
If you’re thinking about working in dentistry, you should understand the different paths involved in becoming a general dentist versus an oral maxillofacial surgeon. The Oral Maxillofacial Surgery vs General Dentistry career paths differ in education, training, and responsibilities. Below is a thorough step-by-step guide for prospective dental professionals:
General Dentist Career Path:
1. Complete a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree: This essential degree usually takes 5 years to complete and covers topics related to oral health, preventative care, and general dental procedures.
2. Get licensed as a dentist: Once they graduate, candidates must pass a licensing exam in their country or state to work legally as a general dentist.
3. Start practicing: General dentists practice in clinics, hospitals, or private offices once they succeed in their licensure. After a dentist has obtained their license, they will begin practicing dentistry in their jurisdiction. They will offer patients routine dental care, including fillings, cleanings, and other basic procedures.
4. Optional advanced certifications: General dentists may also choose to specialize further and get certified in one of the following dental areas: orthodontics, endodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and pediatric dentistry.
Read More: General Dentist Career Paths: Associate Dentist to Owner
Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon Career Path:
1. Complete a BDS degree: Just like general dentistry, this is the first essential step.
2. Gain clinical experience in dentistry: The aspiring oral surgeon usually works in a dental clinic or hospital for hands-on learning before specializing in surgery.
3. Enter an OMS residency program: Oral and maxillofacial surgery training usually lasts between 3-6 years and offers robust surgical and medical education. This area is the main distinction between a dentist and an oral surgeon.
4. Get surgical board certification and license: Surgeons must apply for licensure and fulfill any regulatory and educational benchmarks for complicated oral and maxillofacial surgeries.
5. Begin working: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons work within hospitals, specialty surgical centers, or universities, treating complex surgical cases such as corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma surgery, and difficult tooth extractions.
What Is The Difference Between Dentist and Oral Surgeon?
Understanding the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon is critical before choosing your career path. Here’s a detailed comparison table:
| General Dentist | Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon |
|---|---|
| Education: BDS (5-year) | Education: BDS+OMS (8-11 Years) |
| Aim: Routine dental care | Aim: Complex procedures |
| Salary: Medium | Salary: High |
| Work Balance: Flexible | Work Balance: Demand for long hours |
| Licensing: Dental licensing | Licensing: Dental + Surgical licensing |
Difference Between a General dentist's and an Oral surgeon's Salary
Salary is an important consideration when evaluating a career specialty in general dentistry or oral maxillofacial surgery. The comparison of earnings across regions highlights the salary differences and potential advancement in each profession.
State-wise Salary Comparison:
| State | General Dentist | Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| California | $255,000 | $450,000 |
| Florida | $280,000 | $461,000 |
| Texas | $355,000 | $479,000 |
| New York | $287,000 | $430,000 |
How to Decide Between General Dentistry and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery
Knowing the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon will help you choose the most suitable course of action for yourself. Here are some of the thoughtful dynamics you’ll want to consider:
1. Interest in Surgery: If you enjoy performing various complicated surgeries for your patients and can commit to the additional training and education that is involved, then a reason to choose a career in oral maxillofacial surgery (OMS) could be right for you.
2. Career Goals: Think about your own career goals, including practice of growth, specialized practice, and best earning potential. As a general rule, oral maxillofacial surgeons have a better earning potential and more specialized career options than general dentists.
3. Work-Life Balance: General dentists tend to have more predictable hours of work, thus making it easier to accomplish a better work-life balance. Oral surgeons may have to work longer hours and more unpredictable hours because of when surgical procedures are scheduled, hospital case commitments, or unplanned and emergency procedures.
4. Patient Interaction: As a general dentist, your patient interaction is more frequent than that of an oral surgeon, often establishing long-term relationships with patients by providing routine care, preventive treatments, and check-ups.
Final Outcome Over The Difference Between a Dentist And an Oral Surgeon
Choosing a career in oral maxillofacial surgery or general dentistry is one of the most critical career choices you will make in your future career. Your decision between an Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and General Dentistry Career depends on your interests, talents, desire to pursue additional training, and lifestyle aspirations.
General dentistry includes some flexibility and patient-centered care, while OMS is primarily surgical, offers a potentially higher compensation ceiling, and offers specialized recognition. Overall, understanding what each career pathway involves for training, salary, and scope of practice will allow you to make your decision with confidence moving forward in your career.
Ready to shape your future in dentistry? Whether you’re exploring oral maxillofacial surgery jobs or looking to hire a general dentist, now is the time to take the next step in your career. For expert guidance and opportunities, contact Hire Smiles for personalized support and career advice. Don’t wait, your ideal dental career starts today.
FAQs About Career Differences in Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and General Dentistry
Q1. What’s the primary distinction between a dentist and an oral surgeon?
Dentists typically provide general dental care, while oral surgeons do comprehensive, complicated surgeries of the mouth, jaw, and face.
Q2. How long does it take to become an oral maxillofacial surgeon?
Typically, it will take about 8–11 years to complete your BDS and your residency, which will take 3–6 years.
Q3. Can dentists who are general be able to do surgeries?
General dentists can do procedures that are simple, but a dentist who specializes in oral maxillofacial surgery will be required for complex, extensive surgery.
Q4. Which is better in terms of salary?
Oral maxillofacial surgeons generally earn more than general dentists do.
Q5. What skills does an oral maxillofacial surgeon usually need?
Oral maxillofacial surgeons need a strong surgical skill foundation, knowledge of anatomy, critical thinking skills, and precision.
Q6. Do oral surgeons work for a clinic or a hospital?
Most oral surgeons work at a hospital, a specialized surgical center, or an academic location.
Q7. What career fields are associated with dentistry in addition to OMS or general dentistry?
You may practice in orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, or endodontics.
Q8. Which career has more flexibility and work-life balance, if any?
General dentistry usually has greater flexibility due to the predictability of hours and work-life balance.
Related Article: Top Cities Where Dentists Are in High Demand
